@design_RG I like his honesty and integrity, but he is pretty clueless on policy. He would tank the USA and by extension the world economically with poor policy.

I don't support a minimalist govt exactly, I beleive in a government that is hyper-local rather than federal however, but bernie is power hungry and wishes to keep the power away from local govt and in federal govt.

With that said taxes ont he upper class is seperate from that to some degree. What is so telling about his stance is that the USA wastes a **huge** portion of its budget on military to wage wars. He keeps preaching higher and higher taxes on the rich when, if he actually was looking out for everyones best interests, he would be preaching to lower taxes for everyone and instead pull that money out by cutting the military budget in half, which in the end would give far far more money.

But saying "lets not tax the rich and instead lets just not waste money on wars" isnt what is "cool" these days, so he goes along with the crowd and all the poor decisions that stem from that.

@freemo Well said and argued.

I am not sure if spreading out government to local areas would work out well in most areas. Ideally, yes, it could be closer and more responsive to people's requests and feedback.

But it could lead to nepotism and no larger vision.

About a month ago I took a trip across the border to USA, and had the pleasure to take a long drive along the Interstate highways.

Remember noticing how well planned they are, and the "Eisenhower Interstate System" sign that was posted occassionaly.

Now, that was a man to look up to - today's Republicans should be ashamed of allowing the circus currently in Washington, just for the sake of attaining power.

Eisenhower was a real leader, and left a huge legacy. Surprisingly for a top level military commander, he made public statements warning the public about the Military Industrial complex, and how it could take the country and taxpayers on ways that benefited it.

Intellectual capacity, honesty and leadership.

All in the same country where Mr T currently presides, via twitter and TV pronouncements.

Shameful times for a proud country.

This next year could be very tense, there's so much division and an armed population, being incited by self serving interests.

@design_RG hyperlodcal doesnt suggest there would be no federal government of any kind. Only that the local governments would choose, and ultimately have the power, in doing that.

Most states would want road systems, so most states would choose to be part of a coalition to do that at a country level.

If everyone in a particular county wants to be amish and doesnt want a road running through their town, that is their choice, but it also means they wont get access to roads by extension.

To me the best analogy we are familiar with in our own lives are home owners associations, which is like a federal government as a metaphore. No one wants to be told what they can put in their own lawn or how to pain their house, and personally if ind 1000 homes all looking the same to be quite unpleasant.

@freemo Those cookie cutter subdivisions and the watching eye of the neighbourhood association are a nightmare for me too. Yuck.

I have some concerns about local politicians dipping in, bringing friends and family to the payroll and running important public services in support of their agendas.

It could work, and work well, if people had decency and integrity. Let's hope these qualities come back in fashion and are valued as the important things they are.

In theory I think the idea is good, to have more local empowerment.

@design_RG Corruption like you speak of is a very real concern, and completely valid at a local level.. thing is, it is just as valid at a federal level. We all know the tendency of politicians and president to hire people they know rather than qualified people, its been a big focus in the Trump administration for example.

The real question is, is there any reason to think this issue would be any worse at a local level rather than a federal one. It would appear to be ubiquous.

I'd argue this sort of corruption happens just as often at a local level than at a federal one. But at least when it occurs at a local level it would be easier to identify and fix and would cause less harm since the scope of their power is smaller. When it happens at a federal level, as it does, then everyone is harmed by it and the only way to change it is to convince a whole nation its an issue, rather than just your neighborhood.

@freemo Good points!

I think governing a very large sized country is also more difficult. US, Brazil, Russia for example.

European countries have more compact sizes, a more homogeneous culture with long history and an interesting way of life.

I enjoy visiting and observing, many things that I think they do really well, it's sad to take the plane back.

Yes, I think you are right, corruption can and does happen at any level.

@design_RG I think europe is a fine example. PRior to the EU they still managed to have a developed rail system and road system that surpassed even the USA which had a federal govt.

@freemo Agreed, I think Europe is currently the best place to live, Wish I could convince my kids to consider moving there, quality of life and happiness seem much more attainable.

Even myself, I am sorely tempted to once again move countries completely.

@design_RG no where is great and no where by itself gives me what i need.

In my view the USA is the best place to work and do anyhthing with money, europe is the best place to live, particularly without money :)

@freemo LOL, so true. I visit and travel slowly, backpackign and staying in hostels or small hotels. Travel by train whenever possible, a joy in itself, we can rarely do it here in North America.

History everywhere, castles in mountaintops, signs of the presence of other cultures like the Moors that were so advance in their time, cultural and scientifically.

Here, distances are huge and I doubt I can find accommodations for similar prices. So, I take a plane and enjoy time abroad.

Live with what I have on my backpack, eat local foods, delicious and affordable, lots of choices, meet interesting people from all over the world.

Spring is when I usually take off. Love the season, and it arrives at least a month sooner in southern Europe, compared to my region here.

@design_RG Accurate :) There is a lot to love here. While the system isnt perfect I am here for the people, not the system.

The cultures themselves are a nice bonus too.