Posted on July 13th, 2014

It amazes me how large organizations such as the Federal US government are grossly mis-managed: A government watchdog agency said an estimated $106 billion in payments were made in error last year (thats about $ 350 per American, and much more for those paying Federal taxes): meaning they were the wrong amount, went to the wrong person or lacked sufficient documentation. There is something to be said for lean, efficient, organizations. Then again, its a lot easier to waste money when you have not earned it. Next time a politician talks about tax increases, they should be forced to talk simultaneously about where they plan to cut waste and mis-management. Often examples stare you in the face: for instance in New York, I often walk in bright daylight while street lights are left on, often in the middle of the day. There is a sports field across the street from my apartment where massive floodlights stay on all night for no good reason at all. I see government vehicles idling for no good reason across the City. Each instance is minor, yet collectively, multiplied over 365 days, the waste is extreme. The next political candidate who proposes a task force to cut waste and minimize inefficiencies will get my vote.