# Fire the Federal Governement!!! **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 25, 2011, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713 "2011-10-25T04:22:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/21 "2011-10-25T15:29:04Z")
I think the OP would have been more persuasive had she used more exclamation marks in the thread title. Three just doesn’t do it for me. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/22 "2011-10-25T15:42:40Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > Only if we can realize Cain’s idea and have an electric fence and moat with alligators between them. In the face of criticism, he has walked that back; it is now an electric moat, and an alligator fence. ---
**Author:** ![Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/23 "2011-10-25T16:19:47Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > Fire the nuclear weapons!!! Congratulations, we have our Post of the Day winner. Please collect your Hillshire Farms gift basket at the door. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/24 "2011-10-25T16:30:26Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > Fire the nuclear weapons!!! Do nuclear weapons get unemployment? ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/25 "2011-10-25T16:31:46Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Translation 2: > > “I don’t know what this Federal government thingie does, but someone on the TV told me that it’s bad and not working and we don’t need it.” And Michelle Bachmann is _such_ an intellectual! (sorry !!!) (Can this be moved to the Pit so we can stop pussyfooting around?) ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/26 "2011-10-25T16:32:49Z")
Do we’uns what live down here in the South get to deport all the Damn Yankees after we set up our New Confederacy? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/27 "2011-10-25T16:37:03Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > So…each of the 50 states should become a completely sovereign nation? That won’t work. Because then, each state would have its own federal government. It would need to be fired, and the counties would go their separate ways. Oh, but wait… Then there would be all of those _new_ sovereign states (the former counties), and they’d have _their_ central government. Better break them up, so that the cities can become their own nations. Only the people on _that_ block get more assistance than _we_ do! Unfair! why do we have to pay for _their_ water? Et cetera… ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/28 "2011-10-25T16:37:52Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > In the face of criticism, he has walked that back; it is now an electric moat, and an alligator fence. I know I read it in a magazine. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/29 "2011-10-25T16:46:51Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > (Can this be moved to the Pit so we can stop pussyfooting around?) Motion seconded. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/30 "2011-10-25T16:47:52Z")
> [@MissesA](#): > > But its just not working anymore . . . 😕 What’s the federal government supposed to be doing that doesn’t get done? ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/31 "2011-10-25T17:08:40Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > In the face of criticism, he has walked that back; it is now an electric moat, and an alligator fence. > [@Ludovic](#): > > I know I read it in a magazine. Herman! Herman and the Dolts! _whoosh, Whoosh, WHOOSH!_ ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/32 "2011-10-25T17:13:06Z")
> [@Tristan](#): > > If you guys could just speak up, you silent majority you, and maybe outshout your crazy co-religionists, it would do the country a world of good. > > Until then, you are essentially like the guys who KNOW the roadside bomb is there, and KNOW The convoy is coming down the road, but don’t want to get involved. Guess you’ve never heard about the [Texas Freedom Network](http://www.tfn.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6577); they are party responsible for the latest science text selected for Texas children. > [@](#): > > “The release of Holt McDougal’s finalized materials puts an end to a campaign to undermine science education in Texas that began with the board’s adoption of flawed science curriculum standards two years ago. There is now no doubt that this is an unequivocal victory for sound science. But more importantly, it is a victory for Texas school children who are now assured that their science instruction will be free of political agendas and will instead be solely focused on fact-based science that will prepare them for college and a 21st-century economy.” Starting years ago, extreme rightists got a majority on the state school board; most people just don’t pay attention to that part of the ballot. Of course, Idiot Perry helped. We _are_ paying attention better now. Then there’s the [Texas Observer](http://www.texasobserver.org/)–preaching the liberal cause here since 1954. Molly Ivins was a long-time contributor & did a bit of editing. The mag has been on the forefront of explaining to the rest of the country why they really didn’t want to elect another Texas Governor to the Presidency. Molly tried in 2000 but Bush still got within stealing distance. (Luckily, Ricky opened his mouth too many times & did the convincing himself. Too bad he was able to avoid debating Bill White for the governorship.) Those Red State/Blue State maps are just a bit simplistic. Most Texas cities vote Democratic. We are currently outnumbered by eejits in the 'burbs & the boondocks, but our population is growing in the right direction. That is, more diverse & more urban. ---
**Author:** ![GoodOmens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@GoodOmens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GoodOmens)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/33 "2011-10-25T17:14:34Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Sooo…who gets the nuclear weapons? Presumably they would go to the state where they’re located. Which means that the Upper Midwest and New England would be royally screwed once the inevitable wars happen, and Montana, North Dakota and Missouri suddenly become world powers. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/34 "2011-10-25T17:26:36Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > 😕 What’s the federal government supposed to be doing that doesn’t get done? I thought they were supposed to be walking my dog every day, but they haven’t shown up for _months_. ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/35 "2011-10-25T17:35:01Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > Guess you’ve never heard about the [Texas Freedom Network](http://www.tfn.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6577); they are party responsible for the latest science text selected for Texas children. > > Starting years ago, extreme rightists got a majority on the state school board; most people just don’t pay attention to that part of the ballot. Of course, Idiot Perry helped. We _are_ paying attention better now. > > Then there’s the [Texas Observer](http://www.texasobserver.org/)–preaching the liberal cause here since 1954. Molly Ivins was a long-time contributor & did a bit of editing. The mag has been on the forefront of explaining to the rest of the country why they really didn’t want to elect another Texas Governor to the Presidency. Molly tried in 2000 but Bush still got within stealing distance. (Luckily, Ricky opened his mouth too many times & did the convincing himself. Too bad he was able to avoid debating Bill White for the governorship.) > > Those Red State/Blue State maps are just a bit simplistic. Most Texas cities vote Democratic. We are currently outnumbered by eejits in the 'burbs & the boondocks, but our population is growing in the right direction. That is, more diverse & more urban. Thank you for that. However, the red state/blue state thing is not just a Texas issue. That is the way of it everywhere in the country, for the most part. Cities and urban centers skew left, rural/suburban skew right. The key is getting those in the hinterlands to understand why it’s in their best interest to think RATIONALLY about their causes, and their candidates. Same for the urban folks too, as there is certainly a bit of irrationality there too. But I am very, VERY glad to see folks standing up to the “Moral Majority”. ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/36 "2011-10-25T19:24:24Z")
> [@MissesA](#): > > America needs change and I think we should just do away with the Federal Government period. They can’t be trusted any longer, its bad enough we have to watch our counties, and our states. I know this would brought up by our founding fathers, and its very appreciated. But its just not working anymore, we need like Obama says CHANGE. So I think all the states should just go their separate ways. What happens when you give someone to much power and authority/ It goes straight to their head and into Americans wallets. When did Grandpa Simpson get a Straight Dope account? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/37 "2011-10-25T19:35:25Z")
> [@Frostillicus](#): > > When did Grandpa Simpson get a Straight Dope account? Shhhh! Bart and Lisa told him it’s just an electric typewriter! ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/38 "2011-10-25T19:37:00Z")
> [@MissesA](#): > > America needs change The whole continent? Well, let me ask Canada and Argentina what kind of change they need. > [@MissesA](#): > > and I think we should just do away with the Federal Government period. Why question mark? > [@MissesA](#): > > They can’t be trusted any longer When could they be trusted? Hell, Thomas Jefferson said: “Whenever people are well-informed they can be trusted with their own government.” I see a vicious circle with this OP. > [@MissesA](#): > > its bad enough we have to watch our counties, and our states. The cities are ok, right? Whew. > [@MissesA](#): > > I know this would brought up by our founding fathers, and its very appreciated. Helping verbs are appreciated too. When they’re used. > [@MissesA](#): > > But its just not working anymore What’s not working anymore? I mean are we talking defense? Education? Helium supplies? Or just a blanket “all of it”? > [@MissesA](#): > > we need like Obama says CHANGE. John Luke Jr, chairman and CEO of MeadWestvaco said “Change Simply for the Sake of Change Is an Abdication of Leadership”. > [@MissesA](#): > > So I think all the states should just go their separate ways. Hawaii should have no problem with that. Sorry to all of the landlocked states though. > [@MissesA](#): > > What happens when you give someone to much power and authority/ It goes straight to their head and into Americans wallets. Yeah. I blame the Catholic Church too. ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/39 "2011-10-26T00:26:11Z")
Purely speaking from a realpolitik viewpont of the Bismarck school this would utterly destroy American power in the world. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2011, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713/40 "2011-10-26T00:57:58Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > So…each of the 50 states should become a completely sovereign nation? Not for long. Speaking as a New Yorker, I’ll note that Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are just sitting there on our eastern border. With Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine just past them. And we’ve got them all outnumbered. It’s time to put the Empire back into the Empire State. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-the-federal-governement/600713.md?page=3)