Wouldn't it be nice if ...

To those who think that anything the "government" does is bad...

Wouldn't it be nice if ...

People were paid a fair wage and treated fairly by their employers?  Then we wouldn't need unions.

All babies were born, wanted?  Then we wouldn't need state agencies to take care of them after they are born.

All children were read to every day, and came to school prepared to learn?  Then teachers wouldn't have to play catch-up.

People realized that there is more to life than making money?  Then the arts would thrive.

People picked up after themselves.  Then we wouldn't need sanitation departments in our cities.

Restaurants, hotels, and other places of public accommodation served all people equally, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, disability, orientation?  Then we wouldn't need civil rights laws.

Food processors only produced healthy safe food?  Then we wouldn't need the FDA.

Businesses earned a fair profit, and paid executives what they were truly worth?  Then we wouldn't need financial regulations.

Countries respected each other?  Then we wouldn't have war.

People respected the property of others?  Then we wouldn't need laws against trespassing and theft.

People settled their differences with words and agreements, instead of guns?  Then we wouldn't need criminal courts.

People took responsibility for their own actions, instead of blaming and suing others?  Then we wouldn't need civil courts.

Pay were commensurate with the importance of the job?  Then football players wouldn't be paid much more than teachers or doctors.

Everyone gave of themselves or their wealth to support those less fortunate?  Then we wouldn't need welfare.

Able-bodied welfare recipients sought or got work?  Then we wouldn't need welfare.

Politicians said "I'll try" or "I'll do my best" instead of promising things they (and we) know can't be kept?  Then maybe more people would contribute to their campaigns, and we wouldn't need government-funded campaigns.

People simply agreed to disagree?  Then we wouldn't have hate, name-calling, character assassination.

Government used every single tax dollar wisely, and didn't tax one penny more than necessary?  Then we wouldn't need Republicans. 

People accepted that the religious or political beliefs of others are just as valid as their own ... but everyone knows the other side is made up of fools or idiots and is going to Hell.

All people worked to the best of their ability, and only asked for fair wages and benefits?  Then we wouldn't ... oh wait, that would be Communism and we can't have that.

Unfortunately, the world isn't nice, it isn't fair, it isn't all sunshine and roses. 

If all the above things were true, then most Democrats would have nothing to campaign on, most Republicans wouldn't have anything to criticize, and Libertarians would have their Nirvana.

Until then, I'll continue to be a social liberal, as many Democrats are, and I will not apologize for wanting to live in a better world, even IF it means (Heaven forbid!) actually having a government that "promotes the general welfare" instead of pandering to the wishes of special interest groups, and I'm willing to pay reasonable taxes (not wasting that money though) to support those ideas in which I believe.