But public enthusiasm waned quickly, and these international schemes began to backfire by increasing opposition to government and all its works. There are no domestic or foreign crises left to grab our attention away from demanding what we should always demand, which is the ability to live normal lives unencumbered by the central state. Precisely, and may it always be so. Clinton's attempt to make education a national issue fell flat because most people have an instinctive sense that education is and should be addressed at the local level. When we think about the federal government, its talent at managing the education of the young is not the first thing that comes to mind.
Government always takes advantage of the citizens' sense of loyalty.
It wants us to put the nation-state first, second, and third, so that our families and communities, our liberty and our property, are of minor importance. This is why Jefferson said the proper attitude toward government is not confidence and trust but eternal suspicion. Not everyone is thrilled at these positive trends. Some people are panicked, especially the bureaucrats and politicians who have lost their exalted status in public life. Mario Cuomo says it all signals the loss of collective responsibility.