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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author compares government to a baby that takes in resources but bears no responsibility.
In plain terms
Government takes money but does not take responsibility for the results.
What can you take from it?
Governments may consume resources without accountability.

Where it applies

  • criticism of government spending
  • debates on taxation
  • public administration critique

Putting it to work

  • discussing fiscal responsibility
  • analyzing government structure
  • critiquing bureaucracy

Questions to consider

  • Can government be held accountable like individuals?
  • What makes an entity responsible?

Another view

The analogy oversimplifies the complex roles government plays in society.

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