Reply #7: Yes, things are expensive and people overcharge, too, esp. when contracting with government.

[No Elephants]

Meanwhile, government fails to control overcharges, cronyism, waste, etc. and, in fact, is sometimes complicit in same.

And, yes, the citizenry expects government to provide goods and services without charging or taxing.

Toxic combo on the part of government, contractors and the citizenry. Sometimes, all three should be smacked upside the head.