Reply #7: The private world requires a return on investment. It needs to spend less than it earns to exist.

[county worker]

Governments other than federal governments operate on a balanced budget. They cannot spend more then their revenue. The revenue to government is not easily raised because most of it is in the form of taxes which require legislation to change. Some taxes rise and fall with the economy but the tax rate is difficult to change. So a state and local government is forced to live within it's means. Imagine a for profit police force or fire department. Service would be based on the ability to pay for the protection. Government services should not be a for profit business if everyone is to be treated equal.