The producers are at fault. They should go on strike and demand an overhaul of the system of graft and corruption that the rock stars in DC have created for themselves.

I am a business man. I work really hard, long hours. Just the other day, as I looked at all the empty commercial real estate in my town (it's got to be 50% vacant) the thought popped into my mind, "It is simply way too hard to start a business anymore." The regulations, laws, fees and fines are just too heavy. It's too obvious not to see it. Only somebody who hates America would continue down this path...

Very true. Something I had wondered was if the 40% number was strictly government agencies/civil servants or does it include contractors, subcontractors, etc. If not, the number could be larger still.

Under Attack? Goverment is 40% of the economy, I'd say it is nearly dead. Or at least cast out to a black or gray market economy.

I would find this entertaining if it weren't so disturbing. An answer to a simple question as to what percentage of the economy should be government, and the answer doesn't contain an objective response, but rather a non-committal abstraction about how it needs to be larger. Very typical with these sorts of interviews.

Was there ever a more convoluted defense for big government than what Rangel put forth? You'll never fight through the web that passes for a brain, so why bother? Hard and fast lefties are a waste of time, and are not where a rational person should waste his time.

I completely agree.

I haven't read Stossel's books yet but they are on the list. I recently just became aware that he has his own show, which I was pleased to discover as I was a fan during his 20/20 days. I am making my way through the Stossel archives as time permits, I really enjoy his show as the views are very well aligned to my own.

I am becoming increasingly concerned that there are so many out there who believe bigger government is the answer. I believe that if Rangel had his way the government might encompass the entire economy, as based on this interview he certainly seems to have a statist slant. I suspect his intentions may be good, but the implementation is misguided.

“…in making certain that the dreams and aspirations of the American people are met…” Charles Rangel on making laws. Every American dreams of being rich, so according to his criteria... Where does this line of thinking that the government will provide end?
I watch Stossel every week and have read two of his books.
True free market capitalism has never been tried. The further we drift from it the worse things will get overall.

That's an excellent point. One of the things I enjoy about Stossel interviews is that he tends to ask objective questions which are quite simple, yet make those without substance uncomfortable.