Government is the Problem

The Left and Right both believe they have the answers to America’s economic downward spiral.  Those on the Left are sure the problems relate to income inequality, racism and/or too much spending on the military.  My friends on the Right are just as strong in their convictions that the problems are caused by an efficient tax system, excess entitlement programs, illegal immigrants, and of course the Left itself.

To this Blogger the cause America’s economic issues, as well as those of the greater world, is government itself, the world’s largest special-interest group.  The video below share some facts proffering the danger of the growing government elites and their minions that includes:

• During the past 10 years the number of private sector jobs in America has grown by only 1% while during the same period the number of federal government employees has grown by 15%.
• Prior to the economic meltdown approximately eight years ago, the US Department of Transportation had only one employee earning over $170,000 annually.  That number is now about 1,700.
• At the beginning of the economic meltdown the US Department of Defense had approximately 1,700 employees making $150,000 or more annually.  That number is now over 10,000.
• During the first two years after the beginning of the economic meltdown the number of federal employees earning in excess of $100,000 annually doubled.
• In 2009 the average compensation package including salary and benefits in the private sector was approximately $61,000 per employee.  During that year the average total compensation package for federal employees was over double that or $123,000.

There are currently about 21 million government employees in the United States, approximately 16% of potential voters.  This is a huge voting-block, especially considering how few votes often separate winners and losers in important elections. However, add to this number families of government workers and the potential influence this voting-block rose enormously.

There is a growing anger and disillusionment among American voters that has not been seen in many decades.  On the Left this is expressed by the surprising strength of Socialist Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries.  On the Right this is seen through the strength that Donald Trump has within the Republican primaries, even though his views have historically been in conflict with basic Republican ideology.

The electorate’s growing disillusionment has occurred during a time of historic growth in government power and spending.  Those who believe that giving more power to government or allowing them to spend more money change this direction ignore historical precedent.

Many Democrats are on enthused by their likely candidate, Hillary Clinton.  Similarly, many Republicans are aghast at the thought of Donald Trump being their party’s standard-bearer.  Here’s a consolation for both: Not to worry, the special interests groups, including those who make a living on the public payroll, will ensure that the Country continues in the same direction that it has been taking for the last 50 years no matter who is president.  Yikes!