More questions for progressives

• Why do many progressives believe it is acceptable for government to ensure its citizens have enough to eat through the use of vouchers called food stamps, but unacceptable to ensure the education of its children through tuition vouchers? Would it make more sense for the government, as with schools, to operate the service directly and mandate that food be purchased only in government-owned and operated grocery stores?

• Is it logical to believe that government typically operates schools more effectively than the private sector? If so, what evidence would you cite to support this?

• A society in which everyone earns $25,000 would be far more equal than one in which 90 percent of the population earns $100,000 while a ten percent minority earns $50 million. Which scenario is preferable?

• The 10th amendment states that "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." What does this mean to you?

• If the Founding Fathers were to somehow be transported to the present day, do you think they would approve or disapprove of the current size of the federal government? Do you think the government's current size comports with their vision? Does it even matter?

• As of 2008 the Federal Register comprised 80,700 pages while the federal government for fiscal year 2010 is estimated to have taken in total revenue of $2.381 trillion. Are the amount of regulations and taxes too much, too little or just right?

• Does the government possess a unique competence at identifying future sources of energy use or transportation methods? If yes, what evidence would you cite?

• Do you regard NAFTA as a success or failure? If a failure, what metrics are you looking at? If a success, what explains the reluctance by many Democrats to support further such free trade agreements?