In the past, I wished for a sane and cautious government. I wished for a government run by intelligent and cautious people who believe in incremental progress and are skeptical of new bureaucracy. I wanted a government where leaders are accountable and individuals are protected first as individuals. I wanted the primary job of politicians to be to role models and advocates, looking to encourage voluntary good behavior rather than legislating it.

I'm starting to think that's impossible.

And if it is impossible, then I want the biggest, most ridiculous frigging circus imaginable. I want more regulation, regulations contradicting other regulations, courts getting into feuds with other courts, criminals stealing bureaucratic credits. If good governance is impossible, then at least let the bureaucracy be entertaining. Bring on the circus. More bailouts, more surveillance, more legislation, more courts, more politicians, more taxes, more programs, more agencies. Bring on the circus - if good government is impossible, then at least let us be entertained.