This is why I switched from "conservative" in my naïve youth to anarchro-capitalist many years ago (i.e. fringe libertarian), and why our founding fathers assumed we'd need to have a little revolution every 2-3 generations if we were to remain free.

Even the most idealized state - that which starts with noble intentions to carry out its selfless charter - becomes "self-interested" in time; an organism unto itself with a survival instinct. It inevitably usurps more and more power in that interest, thus attracting the charlatan, parasite class to benefit from our diminishing individual freedoms and autonomy.

This can be seen in all facets of life touched by government. Before long, you have what El Gato has so eloquently laid out for us in these last two posts. It is always this way. Government "programs" exist for the ultimate benefit of the state, not for the people it supposedly serves. Ponzi schemes abound.

Never forget that power corrupts even the most "benevolent king" and as that power coalesces, the corruption and rot spread to all that benefit from its ill begotten riches.

We will continue the descent towards bondage until we get fed up somewhere down the road and throw off the yoke of absolutism. Thus, the cycle begins anew.