RE: Successful Government Program

Ryan posted:

When my liberal friends begin getting a little self-assured about their political beliefs, I ask one question:

Name One Successful Government Program.

It puts them in an interesting position. The general mantra from the left is to federalize everything (most recently oil, like our re-emerging socialist/communist Russian neighbors). So they really want to say "everything". But the reality is they can't answer this question. The options are to lie and say the school system, IRS, or Social Security. But they know this would be completely absurd and open to all kinds of contrary evidence. The other option would be to give the only honest answer, the Military. This, of course, would be unthinkable to a liberal.

I don't fit the stereotype of those to whom your question is directed. I am much more a libertarian than a big government liberal, and I fully support a strong military and a large defense budget. However, as one who votes almost exclusively for Democrats, I ought to have a response to your question.

I actually have two general responses. First, there are things the government does well (i.e., the government is as efficient as the private sector). Second, there may be reasons for government programs even where the private sector is more efficient.

Things the government does well (you can quibble with this list, but your question is sufficiently answered so long as a liberal believes in good faith that government does these things well):

1. Social Security: The funding arrangement is goofy, but people get their checks on time. The administrative costs are lower than for private mutual funds. It is effective at keeping those who cannot work - the elderly and the disabled - out of hopeless poverty.
2. Medicare: It is more efficient than private health insurance.
3. Transportation Infrastructure: Pretty damn effective, I'd say.
4. FDIC: When was the last run on your bank?

In addition to that list, there are things that the government must do even if it doesn't do them well:

1. Defense: Even if the government is far less efficient than the private sector, it is necessary to have a standing army and national defense spending.
2. Education: Adam Smith recognized the importance of education to the public. A citizenry and work-force with basic education is a public good.
3. FDA: Even if some things slip through the cracks, we are all well-served by this agency.
4. SEC: Ditto.
5. Postal Service: This is an oft-cited example of bad government service. However, it is important to communication and commerce that every person have mail service.

With regard to these government services, I will note that perceived government ineffectiveness can result from the fact that government's goal is to serve everyone. They do not get to choose their customers. Postal service and education are perfect examples. Would FedEx and UPS be as profitable if they had a physical office in every zip code? I live in a rural area. Packages initially shipped to me via UPS or FedEx sometimes go to USPS for final delivery to cut shipping costs. Similarly, on education, would private schools outperform public schools on standardized tests if their students weren't selected for educational success (either by admissions and disciplinary standards at the schools or simply as a result of having parents engaged in their education enough to place them in private schools)? I highly doubt it.

Finally, I must point out that my libertarian leanings lead me to believe that there are certain things that government should not do even if it can do them better than the private sector.