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>Actually if you read my posts, you'll find that I believe security is the #1 job of the federal government. Security including military, police, firefighters, border agents, intelligence agents, etc...

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>Regarding fire/police see above.
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>Regarding health care, no I do not see it as something the government should provide. I regard the health care industry the same as any other. The government should enforce existing laws (no monopolies, no price gouging/market manipulation), keep the regulations to a minimum (no windfall taxes, loosen FDA restrictions) and let the free-market happen.

Well, let's face it; we can go round and round this for a very long time, and I feel pretty confident that we will never agree, so, in closing, I just want to ask where the difference really is in this. You feel that the government should provide assistance if you are attacked by a mugger, or a fire, but not if you are attacked by cancer.

Anyway, I can't make out your logic, and I'm certain you can't make out mine, so I can't see much point in either of us trying to beat this any further into death than it already is. The above paragraph will be my last word, and I await yours.

Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind. ;)

And finally, it was nice to have this long a debate without any name calling. A little sarcasm is acceptable - always moreso, naturally, if it's me doing it, but what the heck.