What should the goverment stop funding?

[Twiceshy]

The big waste of money is probably busting adults for marijuana use, but there are other federal and state laws that really need to be modified so that money isn't wasted in enforcement.

What laws, either state or federal, do you think should be taken off the books?

 

[Laughingmouse]

The drinking age could be lowered back to 18. I see no reason to delay drinking and no reason to spend time policing who gets beer, outside of making sure that little kids don't get beer.

 

[heretoday]

Looking elsewhere

I believe that part of the problem is that we tend, as a nation, to simply look inward while there are tons of examples internationally to give us ideas. The Dutch seem to have sorted out their cannabis problems and most European nations seem to take a more relaxed view about the age of alcohol consumption as well. Maybe we could learn something from their examples?

 

[Frankie]

I have a list:
Seat belt laws (The violate privacy and freedom of choice)
Drug laws (My idea is simple: Use them if you want to and are over 18....but do so in front of children, harm someone while on them or commit any other crime and your butt is toast on a 1st offense)
Eliminate all foreign aid to nations that don't like us. Right there I have just solved the immediate financial crisis and over 10 years eliminated the deficit.
Release everyone in prison who is a nonviolent offender and has served at least 6 months.
Remove all gun laws. They aren't being prosecuted ANYWAY. One law is all that is necessary: Misuse a gun and you will get a life sentence in the now mostly empty prisons.

I want two NEW laws:
1-Every 5 years Congress may ask for a raise. The people will vote on it.
2-You may not introduce yourself with a mini biography. ie "Hi, I'm Frankie and I'm gay and live with my mother who hates my sister but I'm a starving artist and I don't like tofu".

 

[Frankie]

Seriously,
I want earmarks to be voted on. I REALLY object to my tax money being spent on tattoo removal in California. I wouldn't mind it being spent on plastic surgery to help burn victims. But tattoo removal?!?!? Stuff like that shouldn't be funded.

 

[SageMother]

I believe that part of the problem is that we tend, as a nation, to simply look inward while there are tons of examples internationally to give us ideas. The Dutch seem to have sorted out their cannabis problems and most European nations seem to take a more relaxed view about the age of alcohol consumption as well. Maybe we could learn something from their examples?

We could definitely learn from their example. I think our main problem here is that many of these laws are based on religious taboo, and not on what works well in a civil society.

 

[katharina]

I want earmarks to be voted on. I REALLY object to my tax money being spent on tattoo removal in California. I wouldn't mind it being spent on plastic surgery to help burn victims. But tattoo removal?!?!? Stuff like that shouldn't be funded.

Good gracious, I didn't even know that it was! I assume you're serious... and our tax money is being used to remove tattoos in California? Well if that doesn't proverbially take the cake!

 

[heretoday]

The tattoo removal for the ex gang people? I can see where that could be worth the price (not to mention the life of the person).
If we eliminated every country we were frightened of (and I think the neo cons could come up with a few hundred), we might save significantly on the defense budgets, but we'd lose our souls.
As for the stopping of funding, I think we should legalise, tax, and control prostitution. Same with most drugs except any kind of meth (you can do way too much damage on that stuff.)
I would institute universal health care. Anyone who ever worked in medicine, (and not had their soul burned through) will inform you that illnesses and conditions caught early cost much less to treat and/or cure are much less expensive than ignoring them until they can't be ignored anymore.
Seat belt and helmet laws are alright with me as long as they are mandatory until adulthood, and that adults sign a waiver proving full medical coverage so we aren't stuck with the bills for folks in lifelong comas and severe disabilities. If you can pay for it, go for it.

 

[Frankie]

Here,
I don't feel the need to have insurance and I would really appreciate it if you would try tolerating my freedom of choice in regards to using a seat belt. It's none of your business.

By the way, you can't have universal health care. It's not possible.