OK, a correction and clarification to my earlier post .

I had mentioned "corporations and the government". In reviewing the
roster of the current administration, from the VP, to the national
security advisor, to the secretary of defense, ad infinitum, along
with those informing them regarding policy, I realize now that I had
inadvertently ventured into a "distinction without a difference" zone.
The tail most certainly excercises firm control over the dog now, far
beyond mere wagging.

As to my last point in the post, i would assure you that in no way am
I advocationg the cutting of funds to various releif and recovery
programs, libertarian inclined as i am. It was meant to experess the
"ounce of prevention" sentiment.


Looking at it from an actuarial standpoint, it would be quite
difficult to calculate the total actual costs that result from a
single individual that is lost to society. Let's do our best to
account for their loss of contribution, before we even get to what
they 'cost' for upkeep or long rehabilitation.

First of all, is the loss of productivity, which results in higher
prices. Loss of purchasing power, due to lack of funds, which results
in lower revenue for companies, which further contributes to higher
prices. The loss of income which would otherwise provide them with the
means to help out a family member, or another in their communty who,
now, has to turn towards some government agency, which results in
higher taxes. I could write for 5 pages on this. For those familiar
with fractal geometry, that visualization would be in order here.

Then, to the social costs, again, in terms of lost contribution. Some
of the many good mayors, teachers, coaches, counselors,
referees,judges, etc., that we _might_ have had, are either lying in a
grave , or taking our tax or contribution dollars for purpose of mere
upkeep. Quite a contribution to society, eh?

Now then, take the various costs that this *one* person might incur
upon society, as for "lost contribution" considerations alone.
Consider next that the greater number of these casualties survive, and
require lifelong care in some cases, which will require resources from
every corner whichfrom they might be obtained. This is only a partial
enumeration of all the actuarial considerations involving ONE person!

Multiply all that by many tens of thousands, and you will see that we
are to be reaping the "dividends" of our $87 billion "investment", for
many years to come.


JF