> “One hundred years ago, it took just over
> three weeks for Australians to produce all
> the wealth needed to pay for all the state
> and federal government services for a whole
> year. Today, this takes almost four months.”

Good argument, but it has a basic flaw. Back 100 years ago, the military didn’t cost as much as today. And I, and I guess you too, actually support the strong military. Especially just south of the world’s biggest muslim state.

Also, back 100 years ago, there was no need to maintain roads, of if was, it cost much less. Other infrastructure was also far more rudimentary than now.

Healthcare is another issue. I am sure it cost much less 100 years ago … and delivered even less. That’s a different question, that maybe the gov’t is not the best to do healthcare, especially the way they do here, in Canada.

So while I agree that the state is far too big and expensive, and also very intrusive, comparing it to a situation 100 years ago is just not right.

I think the first and most important area where the gov’t has to step out of our lives are welfare, education, and laws protecting one against himself.

Welfare. I, as a citizen, *CAN* choose/discriminate whom to give my extra money. The state is bullied by the loudest and most aggressive lobbies, and the charity will go to their pet projects. I, on the other hand, can support only those who are genuinely in need, and I actually see, that they truly want to improve themselves.

Education. Indoctrination. While it might be a good idea that the gov’t collect money for education, they should not be involved in providing it. They simply should collect the money, and give back vouchers to parents who can use to buy education in qualified schools. That’s an another question, that the state can still “guide” the education by selectively qualifying schools…

Laws which protect me from myself. There is not much to explain here.

Vilmos