Re: The Cost of Relativity

From: Robert J. Kolker (robert_kolker_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 07/15/04 

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 21:43:47 GMT

Richard Henry wrote:
>
> Well, that is certainly definite.
>
> How about maintaining surveys and records of property ownership?

Under protecting property.
>
> How about maintaining a system of common streets and roads?

The first turnpike in the Colonies was privately builts as were most of
the railroads. Government need not be involved.
>
> How about providing a dependable supply of healthy water?

The first municipal water supply (Cleveland O.) was privately funded and
built.
>
> How about safeguarding public health and safety by picking up trash, garbage
> and sewage and disposing of it in a healthy manner?

I mentioned protection against contagion, didn't I. By the was most
trash and garbage pickups are private.
>
> How about maintaining standards for building construction, including review,
> inspection and approval services?

Not necessary. Class action suits would do better. Few building code
inspectors to bride.
>
> How about providing street lighting in the interests of public safety
> (reducing night-time crime and traffic accidents)?

Questionable. London had streetlight privately funded for many years.
>
> How about constructing dams, drains and basins to reduce the damage caused
> by inevitable, but unpredictable, flooding?

That is an good open question.
>
> How about providing public parks and playgrounds?

Not a proper governmental function.
>
> How about providing a system of public education?

Not a governmental function. Until 1844 all education in the U.S. was
church sponsered or private. It was the dreadful Horace Mann who brought
the Prussian system of State Schooling to these shores.
>
> Governments exist for the purposes desired by the governed. If that
> includes "Athenian" purposes such as fine arts (or schools, or parks, or
> streetlights, etc.), which you do not wish to support, perhaps you should
> sell out and move to a more "Spartan" dominion.

The people or their representatives ordain government. The Constitution
of 1787 was brought into being by private citizens assembled for the
purpose.

When you get a chance read Thomas Paine's essay -Common Sense-.

Bob Kolker

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