"The best government is that which governs least."

^{Variously attributed to Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine and Henry David Thoreau. Also used as the motto of the publication The United States Magazine and Democratic Review.}

With apologies to Steve Martin and to our historical forefathers; Governments don't "Get Small." But perhaps they ought to.

Historically, there are two radically opposed perspectives about the role of government: The Left and the Right. Liberal and Conservative.

Liberals say government exists to guarantee equality of all citizens. They advocate limiting liberty somewhat and spending to make all people equal. Guarantees are expensive! Those in the greatest need have little or no money. Those with greater reserves are forced to pay -- and pay. As it turns out, those with money constitute a minority. So the majority rules that the minority should fund the system that holds them back to "equal" status.

Conservatives say government exists to guarantee equal opportunity. That from the start there will be people of greater and lesser ability -- but in a system with guaranteed liberty, everyone has the same opportunities to rise. Government "maintains a level playing field" acting as a "disinterested referee." Limited government means that people have great liberty and wildly varying degrees of attainment. We have the same freedoms, but our different abilities will inevitably result in different results. Government mostly keeps the peace, mostly settles differences -- and keeps minorities safe from majorities - mostly. Lots of freedom. Lower taxes.

So much for the ideals. (Have you picked a side yet???) Gotcha!

These ideals are merely that -- ideals. But they serve as a diversion which keeps people of good intentions arguing about which party and approach is best.

In the real world -- there is no real choice. As it turns out -- politicians of both parties are equally disingenuous -- their hands in the cookie jar -- driving up expenditures buying the loyalty of their constituents. No government, at the hands of either party -- gets smaller.

We're at -- or very close to -- the point of no return. What the government collects cannot cover expenses. Raising taxes can't solve it. The politicians are shouting slogans while attempting to get one last shot at the free food until the Chinese decide to drop the dollar.

When we're out of credit, we stop spending and pay the debt. We don't eat out. And we don't buy new cars. Oh, and we don't look for a government bailout. Bernie Madoff was arrested for doing what the US Government is doing. A little more equality all round please!

Shouldn't we grow up, recognize that what works at home can work in Washington; and "Get Small?"