Government Fails at Elections

ideliver · 11-02-2008, 08:02 PM

It dawned on me today. The government does nothing well. Not one single function of the US government works well...postal service, Amtrack, Welfare, Social Security, Medicare...the list can go on forever...

Intelligence (FBI and CIA) failures are epic..

Even the military. The sucesses of the military are due solely to the work and efforts of our enlisted men...not senior officers and Pentagon officials...

Take for example...holding an election. This is a basic function of the government...yet in 2000 the SCOTUS had to decide the election. Calls of voter fraud are rampant. Each party has a literal army of lawyers ready for Tuesday.

I ask you to name ONE thing that the government does well....because I cannot think of one...

Tondtar · 11-02-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ideliver

It dawned on me today. The government does nothing well. Not one single function of the US government works well...postal service, Amtrack, Welfare, Social Security, Medicare...the list can go on forever...

Intelligence (FBI and CIA) failures are epic..

Even the military. The sucesses of the military are due solely to the work and efforts of our enlisted men...not senior officers and Pentagon officials...

Take for example...holding an election. This is a basic function of the government...yet in 2000 the SCOTUS had to decide the election. Calls of voter fraud are rampant. Each party has a literal army of lawyers ready for Tuesday.

I ask you to name ONE thing that the government does well....because I cannot think of one...

Tax Collection

lauer87 · 11-02-2008, 11:15 PM

Your wrong about one thing, the postal service. It's the only government entity which I know of that is completely self-supporting, meaning it collects all of its expenses through revenue from mail.

Grizzles · 11-02-2008, 11:24 PM

the government does a good job from keeping us from killing each other

Hunter399 · 11-02-2008, 11:47 PM

Ya lets make our healthcare system another failed government product!!!

scottwww · 11-03-2008, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ideliver

I ask you to name ONE thing that the government does well....because I cannot think of one...

Separting you from the fruit of your labor.

ideliver · 11-03-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tondtar

Tax Collection

In all seriousness...I think that the IRS does a terrible job of tax collection...think of all the cash businesses and money laundering that occurs...the next time that you pay someone cash to do some work around the house (painters, landscaping etc)...they don't report that income...

Also...think about all of the tax maneuvering that you do within your business...

But...once they find a tax cheat...that is another story

ideliver · 11-03-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauer87

Your wrong about one thing, the postal service. It's the only government entity which I know of that is completely self-supporting, meaning it collects all of its expenses through revenue from mail.

It was only through competition from Fedex and others that forced the USPS to present ability...

If you have an time sensitive document the requires delivery confirmation...do you send Fedex (with online tracking) or do you go down to the postoffice and wait online to send certified

MCS · 11-03-2008, 09:37 AM

I like some of the things government does:

National Parks
US highways

My town does a decent job with Garbage and snow removal

In general, I agree with the OP - government commissions bloated agencies, with no real competiiton, that causes waste and problems. A la Fannie Mae Freddie Mac

A scalpel is needed for many government agencies, as well as some portions of privatizing. We will not be able to regulate the country to greatness,

scottwww · 11-03-2008, 10:05 AM

If you don't like how government does things, then that is too bad. It looks like we're going to get a lot more of it. Out the window go our property rights.

ChrisFastM3 · 11-03-2008, 10:24 AM

The government has been beaten EVERY TIME by private businesses (at least where I live in Miami FL)

Power
Waste Management
Water
Education
& the list goes on & on & on

Now why again should we piss away more money in government programs with such a horrible track record & take that money from successful businesses who generate jobs & stimulate our economy?

ideliver · 11-03-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCS

I like some of the things government does:

National Parks
US highways

My town does a decent job with Garbage and snow removal

In general, I agree with the OP - government commissions bloated agencies, with no real competiiton, that causes waste and problems. A la Fannie Mae Freddie Mac

A scalpel is needed for many government agencies, as well as some portions of privatizing. We will not be able to regulate the country to greatness,

Yeah, I hadn't thought of our state and national parks...

But I think that our highway system is really outdated in need of signifcant repair....Remember the bridge collapse in MN...also the system is completely corrupt with regards to the bidding process that occurs...

Ask someone in Boston how they like their "Big Dig"...a true and epic waste of tax dollars..

ideliver · 11-03-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisFastM3

The government has been beaten EVERY TIME by private businesses (at least where I live in Miami FL)

Power
Waste Management
Water
Education
& the list goes on & on & on

Now why again should we piss away more money in government programs with such a horrible track record & take that money from successful businesses who generate jobs & stimulate our economy?

Maybe Senator Obama could answer this...but the answer is not obvious to me....

krote345 · 11-03-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunter399

Ya lets make our healthcare system another failed government product!!!

Ha, also my first thought when I saw the thread!

ideliver · 11-03-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottwww

If you don't like how government does things, then that is too bad. It looks like we're going to get a lot more of it. Out the window go our property rights.

Yeah...you can thank Kelo for that too...

ideliver · 11-03-2008, 05:33 PM

This just came in my email....the thoughts of more government in our healthcare just makes my head hurt

ENFORCEMENT DELAYED FOR FTC "RED FLAG" REGULATIONS ON IDENTITY THEFT

Enforcement of "Red Flag" rules scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2008 has been delayed for six months until May 1, 2009. The rules typically apply to banks, mortgage brokers, and other lenders but the FTC intends to apply the rule more broadly to include healthcare providers and medical identity theft. The FTC's position is that physicians and health care facilities are considered "creditors" and thus must adhere to the regulations. A “creditor” is defined as any entity that regularly extends, renews, or continues credit; any entity that regularly arranges for the extension, renewal, or continuation of credit; or any assignee of an original creditor who is involved in the decision to extend, renew, or continue credit. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act definition of “credit” includes a right granted to defer payment for any purchase. Thus, any person that provides a product or service for which the consumer pays after delivery is a creditor.

Healthcare providers will be required to develop and implement written “identity theft prevention programs” that will detect, prevent and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” in order to mitigate identity theft.

For more information: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/redflags.shtm

Crimson92 · 11-03-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ideliver

It dawned on me today. The government does nothing well. Not one single function of the US government works well...postal service, Amtrack, Welfare, Social Security, Medicare...the list can go on forever...

Intelligence (FBI and CIA) failures are epic..

Even the military. The sucesses of the military are due solely to the work and efforts of our enlisted men...not senior officers and Pentagon officials...

Take for example...holding an election. This is a basic function of the government...yet in 2000 the SCOTUS had to decide the election. Calls of voter fraud are rampant. Each party has a literal army of lawyers ready for Tuesday.

I ask you to name ONE thing that the government does well....because I cannot think of one...

they do a pretty good job of taxing us

Crimson92 · 11-03-2008, 05:38 PM

IRS is pretty damn good at screwing people too

Los Angeles · 11-03-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson92

IRS is pretty damn good at screwing people too

The IRS is the best.

Neurorad · 11-03-2008, 06:48 PM

Federal employees are the laziest people in the world. No accountability.

When people talk about 'national healthcare', it's tax dollars paying for the poor's healthcare (similar to now), not something like the VA system or Canada or UK where the employees are paid by the government. Wake up.

Fix something that's broken. Don't throw it in the trash. Don't get rid of the welfare system - fix it.

Privatization of prisons has caused some problems, but I think it's fix-able, and I believe it saves tax money.

Privatize the VA hospital system - send the sick vets to a real hospital, and pay for the healthcare with tax dollars. Vets deserve better treatment, and it would save money.

I agree the IRS sucks at collecting taxes. If you're not very rich, you could probably stop paying taxes and they'd never know. They target rich people for audits.

11-02-2008, 08:02 PM	#1
ideliver Major Drives: 08 E60 M5 & 08 Infiniti QX56 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: At the gas station Posts: 1,232 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 MB S430 SOLD [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 [0.00]	Government Fails at Elections It dawned on me today. The government does nothing well. Not one single function of the US government works well...postal service, Amtrack, Welfare, Social Security, Medicare...the list can go on forever... Intelligence (FBI and CIA) failures are epic.. Even the military. The sucesses of the military are due solely to the work and efforts of our enlisted men...not senior officers and Pentagon officials... Take for example...holding an election. This is a basic function of the government...yet in 2000 the SCOTUS had to decide the election. Calls of voter fraud are rampant. Each party has a literal army of lawyers ready for Tuesday. I ask you to name ONE thing that the government does well....because I cannot think of one... __________________ Cars I've owned '76 Chevelle 350 RIP '82 Monte Carlo 350 RIP '82 Mustang 302 RIP '88 Honda CRX RIP '88 Olds Toronado sold '94 Toyota Tercel sold '99 Acura TL sold 2002 Porsche 911 sold 2003 E46 M3 Blk/gr 2006 MB S430 sold Current: 2008 Infiniti QX56 & 2008 E60 M5
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11-03-2008, 09:37 AM	#9
MCS e90 newbie Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 439 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I like some of the things government does: National Parks US highways My town does a decent job with Garbage and snow removal In general, I agree with the OP - government commissions bloated agencies, with no real competiiton, that causes waste and problems. A la Fannie Mae Freddie Mac A scalpel is needed for many government agencies, as well as some portions of privatizing. We will not be able to regulate the country to greatness, __________________ E90 TiAg 330i ZSP, ZPP, ZCW 6sd Manual, Nav & Satellite (for Stern!), Black leather w/ Poplar

11-03-2008, 05:33 PM	#16
ideliver Major Drives: 08 E60 M5 & 08 Infiniti QX56 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: At the gas station Posts: 1,232 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 MB S430 SOLD [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 [0.00]	This just came in my email....the thoughts of more government in our healthcare just makes my head hurt ENFORCEMENT DELAYED FOR FTC "RED FLAG" REGULATIONS ON IDENTITY THEFT Enforcement of "Red Flag" rules scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2008 has been delayed for six months until May 1, 2009. The rules typically apply to banks, mortgage brokers, and other lenders but the FTC intends to apply the rule more broadly to include healthcare providers and medical identity theft. The FTC's position is that physicians and health care facilities are considered "creditors" and thus must adhere to the regulations. A “creditor” is defined as any entity that regularly extends, renews, or continues credit; any entity that regularly arranges for the extension, renewal, or continuation of credit; or any assignee of an original creditor who is involved in the decision to extend, renew, or continue credit. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act definition of “credit” includes a right granted to defer payment for any purchase. Thus, any person that provides a product or service for which the consumer pays after delivery is a creditor. Healthcare providers will be required to develop and implement written “identity theft prevention programs” that will detect, prevent and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” in order to mitigate identity theft. For more information: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/redflags.shtm __________________ Cars I've owned '76 Chevelle 350 RIP '82 Monte Carlo 350 RIP '82 Mustang 302 RIP '88 Honda CRX RIP '88 Olds Toronado sold '94 Toyota Tercel sold '99 Acura TL sold 2002 Porsche 911 sold 2003 E46 M3 Blk/gr 2006 MB S430 sold Current: 2008 Infiniti QX56 & 2008 E60 M5

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11-02-2008, 11:15 PM	#3
lauer87 Lieutenant Drives: 335xi Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 585 iTrader: (0)	Your wrong about one thing, the postal service. It's the only government entity which I know of that is completely self-supporting, meaning it collects all of its expenses through revenue from mail.

11-02-2008, 11:24 PM	#4
Grizzles First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 550XI MSPORT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NNJ Posts: 376 iTrader: (0)	the government does a good job from keeping us from killing each other

11-02-2008, 11:47 PM	#5
Hunter399 Major General Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 7,751 iTrader: (30)	Ya lets make our healthcare system another failed government product!!!

11-03-2008, 10:05 AM	#10
scottwww Brigadier General Drives: 07 BMW 335i Cpe, 05 Mazda RX8 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 4,751 iTrader: (0)	If you don't like how government does things, then that is too bad. It looks like we're going to get a lot more of it. Out the window go our property rights.

11-03-2008, 10:24 AM	#11
ChrisFastM3 Captain Drives: E46 M3 vert w/ LOTS of mods Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 676 iTrader: (0)	The government has been beaten EVERY TIME by private businesses (at least where I live in Miami FL) Power Waste Management Water Education & the list goes on & on & on Now why again should we piss away more money in government programs with such a horrible track record & take that money from successful businesses who generate jobs & stimulate our economy?

11-03-2008, 06:48 PM	#20
Neurorad Major Drives: 330xi 6MT Blk/Blk SP Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Location, Location Posts: 1,208 iTrader: (0)	Federal employees are the laziest people in the world. No accountability. When people talk about 'national healthcare', it's tax dollars paying for the poor's healthcare (similar to now), not something like the VA system or Canada or UK where the employees are paid by the government. Wake up. Fix something that's broken. Don't throw it in the trash. Don't get rid of the welfare system - fix it. Privatization of prisons has caused some problems, but I think it's fix-able, and I believe it saves tax money. Privatize the VA hospital system - send the sick vets to a real hospital, and pay for the healthcare with tax dollars. Vets deserve better treatment, and it would save money. I agree the IRS sucks at collecting taxes. If you're not very rich, you could probably stop paying taxes and they'd never know. They target rich people for audits.