In my experience, local and state government is far more dysfunctional than the federal govt.

[liberalpragmatist]

Conservatives and even many moderates often argue that big federal programs are too bureaucratic, ineffective and dysfunctional and that there should be greater local and state control for major programs.

In my experience, however, the most dysfunctional government agencies or programs I've had to work with are state or local bodies or programs that are funded by the federal govt. but administered by states and/or local governments.

The Federal Govt. administers Social Security. It administers Medicare. It runs the national parks and the Post Office.

By contrast, states and local governments run Medicaid, the DMV, and various state programs that are always subject to big budget fights and are often very hodge-podge.

I realize this could be a selective reading. And I wouldn't say that all federal government programs are great -- inefficiencies can be present in any bureaucracy. But in my experience, local and state governments are often far more dysfunctional than federal programs.

Anyone agree with this? If not, tell me why I'm wrong.

[LostinVA]

1. OMG -- I was talking about this very thing this afternoon to my wife

She mentioned something her mothger had said, and I said that as bad as people think the Federal government is, local and state (especially local) government is way worse than -- it's also more corrupt. And, I think it makes it worse because local pols are doing it to their own people (neighbors, etc., not some unknown electorate.

[liberalpragmatist]

2. Believe me, I work in local government

The people around me are great, but the level of bureaucracy is ridiculous.

[LostinVA]

3. I worked for the City of Greensboro (NC) in the early 90's

Seriously. And the politics of that bureaucracy was insane.

[stillcool]

4. I have problems

with corporate bureaucracy, more than governmental. Every time I call a utility, cable company...
whatever.. because of lack of service, or error laden bills it takes me the better part of a day, as they pass me from person to person, while putting me on hold between each one. No one seems to know what they're doing, and the worst part is because they don't know the answer..they lie.