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Post being replied to

What's frustrating is that in the big scheme of things by 88_92WSND

Common Defense is the only thing of those that ONLY the Federal Government can do (leaving out the National Guard as a viable form of power projection). The fact that we've built a system where the common welfare stuff is also inextricably tied to the Federal level, and that they are becoming competing priorities, is unfortunate.
Kicking everything down to the lower levels isn't the right answer, as there are disparities by region, but so much can be done more locally. (E.g. Habitat for Humanity works well, but it isn't something that can be scaled nationally and still works. Still, a more efficient division of responsibility and resources would go a long way). Social support is also something that can benefit from volunteer and charity support, which can't be said for infrastructure or national defense...

On that last, maybe we could begin issuing Letters of Marque and Reprisal again. Bring the profit and adventure motive back into play for dealing with the Russkies and Huthis.... there have been semi-serious suggestions that Ukraine could do it to throw another wrench at the Russian merchant fleet. And the government does get a cut of the prize bounty from any privateer.