We shouldn't ever rely on the government.

Another post regarding Anderson Cooper's Dispatches from the Edge. He said that during disasters the government is never a "first responder". In other words, if the government bothers to come to your rescue at all, it always comes much too late. In many countries the government doesn't bother to come at all.



The perfect local example is Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Remember all the people stuck at the convention centre for a week with no food, water or medical help? All those people stuck on the roofs of their houses? The bodies floating around for weeks?



Cooper said that during disaster it's individuals who go in and help people. This brings up a good point: Never rely on the government.



Sorry, but the government will not solve all your problems. The government will not rescue you in a major disaster or give you enough money if you're poor or look after you if you're sick. They say they will and they'll charge you high taxes for it.



They might even do a little bit for a little while. But in the end, the government will fail. You will be disappointed. Conservatives recognize this; Libertarians even more so; Liberals - not so much.



The reasons the government ultimately fails are a topic for another (longer) post. In the mean time, plan to take care of yourself. Assume that government programs and institutions won't help you much.