Mike-

There is incredible accountability at the state and local level for
reception of federal funds.  Not good accountability, but lots of it
(e.g.,huge oversight bureaucracies for school funding, highways, Medicare,
etc.).  States are hurting more from unfunded federal mandates than from any
other common (to all states) financial burden.  The U.S. does not have a
constitutional mandate for a balanced federal budget.  Most states have such
a mandate in their constitutions.  Washington signs a federal mandate into
law, yet expects the idividual states to ante up.  It would be funny if it
weren't so heartbreaking at the local gov't level.

KC

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael H Collis [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 4:13 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: civil war, was re. earthquake

<snip>   In
effect, the advocates for states rights now make the states into little
nations with little accountability to Washington as to the handling of
federal funds or otherissues.