"And lest we forget, every government program, regulation and policy is the result of a problem (real or imagined) that couldn't or wouldn't be handled at a lower level of government. There are quite a few anti-government types out there who rail about big government, but I've never (met?) one who failed to cash that "guvmint" check."

!. The growth of Federal goverment "back in the day" was due to problems lesser jurisdictions couldn't or wouldn't handle. For instance, the continental railroads and the homestead program. Territorial lands became federal lands when statehood was granted. I think Texas was the exception to this rule. Absent law enforcement the US Marshal was sent in.

2. I served 20 years in the US Navy, for low pay and the chance of getting shot or sunk. The Navy sent me to the University of Southern California for a year. I earned my pension; I'm old enough to draw social security; whatever you think about it, we paid at least part of it, and its there. July 1 I will retire from state service after 34 years credited time, again for low pay. The GI Bill and another federal Program paid most of the cost of my Batchelor's and Master's Degrees. Dealing with some of the folks you referred to who wanted "their" check, I was physically attacked more than when I was on active duty. So I'm a "triple dipper", and I don't back up to the pay window.

3. The trend now is for the Feds to address problems the states Should and Could handle, for political benefit or credit. For example, so called hate crimes, and tacking federal sanctions on top of state law. So low lifes end up in a way suffering double jeopardy.

4. Just because they pay me as contracted does not mean I can't complain about 'em. For instance they are about to give away the farm to illegal immigrants, none of whom fought in the WBTS. Stan