>< Mega-Snip... >
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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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>< more snipping... >
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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.
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>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.

First I must reject the premise otherwise we should be asking...
what if I'm attacked by :
flood? tornado? termites? bad drivers?

Why don't we have single payer flood/home/car insurance?

Secondly, I'd like to mention that police and fire are funded locally, which is exactly what I advocate. More local control and less federal government involvement.

I've gone round and round about this and it comes down to more vs. less government. Philosophical differences about the role of government will nearly always result in different solutions. What's "best" is frequently only determined through trial and error and a perspective on history.

>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.
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>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.

Until next time...