And this is why I don't like McCain

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Adam

You guys are funny with your sacred reverence for being a "Reagan conservative". I was a Reagan conservative in 1980 when it was wise to be a Reagan conservative. The condition of the country and the world is much different 28 years later. In 1980 we needed Reagan trickle down economic policies. That they were once right, does not mean they are going to always be right.

You decided over 20 years ago you liked Reaganesque policies. You have stopped thinking since then.

Look at the rise in the cost of healthcare. Look at the rise in the cost of health insurance. Look at the rise in the cost of Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid. Look at the explosion in the number of people over age 70. Look at the rise of the European Union and China as economic forces.

Don't take it personally guys, but only a fool thinks that the Reagan policies from 1980 are the answer to our problems in 2008. It is a different world which will require different policies to navigate.

You have no idea what a Reagan conservative is.

No need to discuss this until you do.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by creekster

traffic lights and fire departments?

Were traffic lights a product of government?

Fire departments would be as effective if they were run privately. If I need the services, I'd much rather have them send me a bill rather than pay for a service I probably won't ever need.

[All-American]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

Were traffic lights a product of government?

Fire departments would be as effective if they were run privately. If I need the services, I'd much rather have them send me a bill rather than pay for a service I probably won't ever need.

Of course you would. Your house isn't on fire.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by All-American

Of course you would. Your house isn't on fire.

That's right.

And if it was on fire, I would rather call a private fire department to put out the fire and then send me a bill.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by creekster

Adam, How old were you in 1980?

I think he was about 5.

[UtahDan]

I like this thread. We need to do a book of the month and all read Jennifer Government. Great parable about a world where capitalism is played out to its logical extreme. Not preachy and very thought provoking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Government

[All-American]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

That's right.

And if it was on fire, I would rather call a private fire department to put out the fire and then send me a bill.

Hmm. I'll take you at your word.

You don't have a dog, do you?

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by All-American

Hmm. I'll take you at your word.

You don't have a dog, do you?

He's just a puppy right now.

But I do have a few guns.

[All-American]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

He's just a puppy right now.

But I do have a few guns.

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, then.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by All-American

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, then.

Fair enough.

I appreciate what the folks who are firefighters. They are good people and do an under-appreciated job. Until the day comes that there are private fire departments, I have no choice but to pay for a service that I most likely will never need.