Don’t get me wrong. I like small government as much as the next person. But in my travels I’ve decided that there are several government projects that I am really in favor of. Two, in particular.
- National and state parks. You can actually lump this one in with “preserving nature’s gems.” Now, I’m no environmentalist. In fact, I think that many environmentalists take things way too far. But I do value the beauties of this fine nation, and in fact I would like to visit them all. I reckon that if national parks weren’t created, the beautiful areas would be overrun by capitalist pigs (I say that with the utmost of affection). There’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring (that is, awesome) as a towering waterfall or natural formation like Delicate Arch. In fact, it’s a wonder just driving through national and state parks. Which brings me to number 2.
- Roads. Especially highways. And rest stops. I spend a fair amount of time on the road for work, and really, it’s amazing that I can travel so far so quickly–on a government-funded project, no less. Simply amazing. Cars represent freedom, and they couldn’t do that without anywhere to drive them. The national highway system, in particular, is a real wonder. Thousands and thousands of miles of concrete and tar and who knows how much road base all put down so that people can get from point A to point B, C, D, E, F, all the way up to ZZZ in relatively little time.
The interesting thing about these two projects is that it’s not necessary for things like income tax to pay for them. They could probably be totally funded by the people that use them. Simple use-fees (tolls, gasoline tax, or entrance fees) really could pay for them. They could be operated like a business, without tax subsidies. That might make them extremely expensive, but then we know that the people who actually enjoy them are the ones paying for them.
After all, if Joe Bob never goes to a national park, and absolutely hates nature, why on earth should he help pay for the national parks? I’m not sure. I suppose someone out there has an answer to that.
So, anyway, do you have any government projects that you really, really love?
Lighting the Emblem 