>I am arguing against needless bureaucracy. We got into this mess via legislative incrementalism over the last 50 years. It would be foolish to think we can move back overnight toward the private sector [including FAMILIES] providing for the needs of the destitute, our elders, etc. We have to start somewhere.

I agree with the statement against needless bureaucracy, but after reading Thomas Whitley's response to you, I don't see the voucher program as being feasible. Let's agree to disagree on this one.

>Although, I see no downside to immediately abolishing most or all of the following:
>
>1. Dept of Education -- States and local school districts are key to education. This was created to appease the Teacher Unions and has done nothing to improve education especially when compared to its costs in taxpayer money.

I tend to agree with this. I would like control returned to the states here.

>2. Dept of Commerce unless someone can explain what really useful purpose this Dept serves.

Can't really comment, as I don't know much about them.

>3. Dept of Energy -- what a waste of energy this is < g >

My understanding is that the primary purpose of the Dept. of Energy regards nuclear power, reserach, and weapons. I do not know why the Dept. of Defense is not in charge of weapons.

>4. Dept of Agriculture -- no longer need US gov't to market our ag products internationally

Agreed.

>5. EPA -- States do the vast majority of what EPA was established to do now anyway. The Federal layer does not do much more that oversight of State programs now and dole out grants. Congress could send the money directly to the States and bypass the middle-man.

I am not sure about this one. I generally like the work the EPA does, and I doubt my own states ability to regulate industry.

>6. Much of the IRS. Establish flat tax.

No way. < g >

>7. Most of the Dept of Transportation -- one exception would be FAA but eventually get rid of that as well. Airports and airlines should be responsible for this. Our tickets would go up, but our net income would also go up to offset this as long as we get commensurate tax relief from all these budget reductions [i.e., see #6].

No way. The Value Jet disaster was enough to scare me. Even with FAA oversight, ValueJet ran a terrible maintenence program to increase their bottom line. If the FAA is not there, more airlines will do the same. Greed is just way to strong.

>8. All farm subsidies that pay farmers not to grow particular crops.

Agreed.

>How's that for a start.

That's good, but let's get rid of corporate welfare too.