i respectfully disagree that it is naive and misguided to believe the way i do. i think that is the argument used time and time again to justify increasing federal involvement in our lives.
i don't really care what other "first world" nations do. they are certainly not role models, and do not share our history. i think the framers deserve more credit than they get. they understood these days would come, that the constitution was intended to prevent just the type of intrusion we see.
in terms of need of reform of health care, i disagree as well. if governmental regulation wasn't so severe in the area currently - from not allowing interstate competition of insurance plans, to requirements that skyrocket the costs of building health facilities - it would be much less expensive to begin with.
further, i'll take our current healthcare system, and my insurance policy, any day over what is in the other "first world" countries, or what is proposed (i.e. the first step toward single-payer).
education, local police and fire protection, and the other items you mention should be up to the states without any federal intervention or "assistance." states are the best to determine what is best for their constituencies. federal control over these just makes for a mess, and if there's a mistake, everyone suffers.
i don't mind paying taxes to the state to do these things and more - don't get me wrong. i would much rather pay more state taxes if these services would improve. but, i cut big checks to uncle sam each year, and i suspect they're gonna get a lot bigger. i also suspect my money is gonna be used for - by and large - bullshit.
