If big governmnet is a proven failure, why do people still support it?

Question

Weren't the founding fathers against big government? How can you be a socialist/liberal and an American at the same time?

Answer 1

If big government is a failure, why does it still exist? Who says its a failure? Also - please name an alternative.

As to how can you be a liberal and an American at the same time its called "freedom of choice" - something guaranteed by the constitution - sort of. If we all thought the same way we would be in big trouble - we need both sides of the aisle.

Answer 2

This nation was founded as a REPUBLIC. Since Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, it is becoming more and more a DEMOCRACY. You're calling it "big government." The problem is caused by a "centralized government." The Federal Government, for the last 140 plus years, has been gaining authority over the individual states. When this country was founded, each state was sovereign, independent, and self-governing. Remember, the South fought for "States Rights" and lost.

So, now we have "big government." People support it because they have been "sold" on the idea. You can be anything and be an American....But you can't be a socialist and be a patriot.

Answer 3

You have a long ways to go. Clinton shrunk government more then any president after Reagan and Bush has grow big government more then Clinton. No Liberal American wants the government making our houses or shoes but we would like a social safety net that is their in case one of our fellow Americans falls down and "We the People" can help them up regardless of own bad choices. Also helps keep crime down with social programs. I agree that the founding fathers wanted the people more powerful then the government and churches and corporations smaller then government. We are all in this together not every man for himself.

Answer 4

Gee the outgoing GOP congress created the largest government that has ever existed on this planet. You conservatives love talking a good game about smaller government, but as soon you are given control, you only prove you love government spending and bigger government more than the Democrats. The proof is when you look at the budget spending and the budget deficit when the GOP control the White House and Congress. You need to go back to your party and get them back on track. Cause you guys don't walk the talk. When you down thumb me...you know you're living a lie. This is the truth, its hard for you guys to take, but there's ample documentation that you blew an opportunity to do some good for this country.

Answer 5

Basically it is ignorance why people support this concept, you will notice that when government took over schools that is when this attitude explodes, when the communist took over the Soviet Union first thing they concentrate on is the children.

Once the children have been properly indoctrinated then government can start growing I hope you see the connection.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, it is because of the masses who believed and still believe (to a lesser extent) that government can "help" people out of their situations. You see if polititians help them by giving out welfare, then those recipients give them their votes.
Although, my rule is if government has been proven effective in something it should continue to be involved. If it fails, it needs to get its butt out from it.

Answer 7

They arent !
Yes they were !
An American defends the founding forefathers and our constitution, that doesnt mean not to have a heart that cares !

Answer 8

The founding fathers were a bunch of anal retentive idiots thrown out of their own country--England--for being too puritanical.

Answer 9

Big government is still around because of one thing, APATHY.