What are some ways that we normal people can help downsize the government?

Question

Well I think the government has gotten way toooo big. That's why there are so many taxes because of them. If we find some way to downsize this country could be a better place. Not that its not good right now. We could just make it better. And we wouldn't have to give so much to the government.

Answer 1

We 'normal' people have a Constitutional right to "keep and bear arms" against a tyrannical and oppressive government. Unfortunately, few of us are willing to get up off the sofa, put down the remote, and start demonstrating or protesting against the bloated, out-of-control, corrupt, dictatorial government we've allowed it to become.
It will take another generation before things get so bad that we start screaming in agony over our own apathy. Then, like lobsters languishing in a pot of lukewarm water that has started to boil over, it will be too late. We will already be entangled in the grip of a totalitarian government that tells us what to say, how to act and what to think. For those of you that haven't done so, read George Orwell's book, "1984". It's an accurate prediction of what's coming - he just was a little ahead of his time. -RKO- 08/25/07

Answer 2

Precisely which part of the government do you want to get rid of, and how much smaller does the government have to be? Don't get me wrong, I hate taxes and government employees as much as the next guy. But we need to keep things in perspective and look around us a bit - the U.S. already has the LOWEST taxes of any country in the world, as well as the least number of public services. If we privatize things any more than we already have, we'll probably wind up back in the feudal era. Would you like to abolish Social Security and force old people to have to fend for themselves again? Or perhaps abolish public police and fire departments, and make each individual pay before they can receive emergency services? How about no public schools or libraries, so only the children of the wealthy can get educated? How about no public roads, so you would have to pay tolls to each local landowner just to pass through their property? Would you rather have big corporations running society, which are private organizations that respond only to their wallets? Well, all our current taxes are necessary to keep those things from happening. And personally, I never understood this "big government" versus "small government" issue that today's conservatives keep harping on. The Founding Fathers never had any concerns about a government getting "too big", but rather that we not have a government that isn't held accountable to the voters and that there exist sufficient checks and balances to prevent any waste, corruption, or violations of people's civil rights. If there's something specific you want to fix about the government or don't like the way a particular politician does things, then go out and VOTE. If you think certain laws are too intrusive into your personal life, work with others to get them changed! Start a petition. Or speak up at your town's next council meeting. For example, I think we could eliminate a LOT of government waste and abuse just by legalizing drugs and prostitution. It wouldn't make the government "smaller" since we would still need regulatory agencies to oversee, inspect, and properly license pharmacists and brothels (and we would still need health clinics and drug abuse treatment centers), but we'd MORE than make up for that in tax revenue and the smaller burden we would have on our prisons and our court system.

Answer 3

Don't demand as much of the government. Look at each service provided; do I really see a need for this service?

Become politically active, supporting those candidates whose views come the closests to yours. Remember, you will never find a perfect match. It is more productive to focus on no more than 2 or 3 causes at a time. Vote out the greedy and the jerks.

One person can make a difference, because whether or not you intend it, other people will notice what you are doing, and like-minded people will be drawn to you.
***

Answer 4

Work for Welfare Reform in all levels of government.
When truly workable and fair redistribution of wealth and entitlements begins functioning, the size of the government will adjust accordingly.

Answer 5

I agree with you completly