“Government does not solve problems—it subsidizes them”
“Government/Washington does not solve problems—it subsidizes them” is a line that Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) used many times as governor of California and while campaigning for president of the United States. Governor Reagan said in November 1967:
“Washington doesn’t solve problems. It subsidizes them. They think that if they throw money at problems they will go away.”
Wikipedia: Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan ( /ˈrɒnəld ˈwɪlsən ˈreɪɡən/; February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was the 40th President of the United States (1981–89). Prior to that, he was the 33rd Governor of California (1967–75), and a radio, film and television actor.
16 November 1967, The Mountain-Democrat and Placerville Times (Placerville, CA), “California speaks,” pg. B2, col. 4:
GOVERNOR REAGAN—“Washington doesn’t solve problems. It subsidizes them. They think that if they throw money at problems they will go away.”
21 August 1968, Morning Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA), Clayton Rand column, pg. 2A, col. 2:
Reagan took a crack at the Johnson-Humphrey administration, saying it “doesn’t solve problems, it subsidizes them.”
14 January 1974, Scottsdale (AZ) Daily Progress, ‘Federal health care raked,” pg. 3:
“Government doesn’t solve problems, it subsidizes them.”
(Rep. John B. Conlan, R-Ariz.—ed.)
16 November 1974, Chicago (IL) Tribune, “Retired Reagan to preach economy,” pg. N16:
“Government, does not have all the answers,” he said. “In too many instances, government does not solve problems—it subsidizes them.”
Google Books
The Quotable Ronald Reagan:
The common sense and straight talk of former California Governor, Ronald Reagan
By Ronald Reagan
San Diego, CA: JRH & Associates
1975
Pg. 91:
Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.
Speech
Dec. 11, 1972
Google News Archive
21 November 1975, Spokane (WA) Daily Chronicle, “Toy-Gun Threat Fails to Jar Ronald Reagan,” pg. 2, col. 4:
“Washington with all of its power seems unable to solve the problems any more…instead, it subsidizes them,” he declared.
Google Books
Speaking My Mind:
Selected Speeches
By Ronald Reagan
New York, NY: Simon and Schuster
1989
Pg. 419:
“Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.” — December 11, 1972
Bloomberg.com
Obama Needs a Few Good Enemies to Help Him Shape His Presidency
By Hans Nichols - January 28, 2009 00:01 EST
Jan. 28 (Bloomberg)—Every superhero needs an archenemy. President Barack Obama has yet to find one.
(...)
Enemies can be useful and at times essential because they provide contrasts that help a president frame arguments for a sweeping program or even a call to war. Theodore Roosevelt railed against the “malefactors of great wealth,” Franklin Roosevelt assailed “unscrupulous money changers,” Ronald Reagan belittled government, which he said “does not solve problems; it subsidizes them,” and Bill Clinton stared down Gingrich.
OpEdNews.com
February 19, 2009 at 19:01:35
Time To Stick A Fork In Reagan’s Ass
By Ed Encho
The Bastard Is DEAD!! “Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them. -Imperial Grand Prophet Ronald Reagan (mystically foreseeing TARP”)
CNN.com
Quick shots: Unexpected table turnings
October 12, 2010 5:17 p.m. EDT
(...)
Castellanos calls Obama ‘Reagan in reverse’
(...)
Reagan reminded us of core American principles, that big “government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.”