>>The myth that the states are more efficient than the feds has long since been exploded but it sounds nice, so we perpetuate it.
>>
>>It is probably a myth in big densely populated areas like New York and New Jersey. IMHO, not so much in places like Arkansas. However, it is certainly true that wherever there is power there is going to be corruption. IMHO, the bigger the power the bigger the corruption. The question is, how do we put a stop to it?
>
>The bigger question - what does the government do in response to those who try to address it?
>
>The last 8 years are a good example of what the government will do - the IRS targeting is a prime example. This was the government saying, in effect, "here is what we will do to you, to show you who is boss"

In New Jersey, we have another way of showing who is boss:

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/06/ill_f_-_-_-_ing_kill_you_senators_chilling_account_of_closed-door_nj_political_threat_moran.html

This may or not be true.
The problem is that no one doubts that it could be true.