Nixon deceived them about Watergate. Reagan deceived them about Irangate. The national government proved unable to solve the problems of poverty and racism. In the 1980s, President Reagan led an all-out attack on government. Government is not the solution to our problem, he said.
Government is the problem.
Politicians trashing each other in television sound bites further undermined public confidence in the profession to which they all belong. The media made cynicism a national industry. And today, stirred up by the furious flow of Speaker Gingrichs unending words, many regard the national government not just as the problem but as the enemy. But the withdrawal of the national government does not transfer power to the people. It is a delusion to say that, because state government is closer to the people, it is more responsive to their needs and concerns.