We’ll open this column with a general statement about the federal government, which is easy picking. Obviously, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is proving that there will never be enough when it comes to confiscating our money for its purposes and follies.

Frankly, the last thing we want is for the government to be more efficient at what it’s doing, because most of what it does is unconstitutional or wrong. Add to the fact it overspends while doing it inefficiently and poorly. Why do we want to make the process more efficient?

And a closer look at what DOGE is and isn’t accomplishing should bring some questions to the forefront.

The first question should be concerning the alleged waste, fraud and abuse DOGE is finding running rampant through our federal spending system. We’ve all heard the stories. And what crazy, hyped-up stories they are! So, yes, while we don’t want Sesame Street being funded for Iraq or any of the other myriad, agenda-driven dollars being wasted overseas (and apparently at home as well), we would like to see exactly where the dollars saved from Sesame Street Iraq went back into the budget to cover some other costs, being spent on our societal problems directly, or even crazier, showing how it’s reducing the deficit.

Has anyone seen proof in physical dollars? We haven’t. Has anyone seen the deficit reduced from all DOGE is finding and cutting? Apparently not, as the latest continuing resolution has us spending and printing just as much money as we ever have. How is it even possible with DOGE in full effect to require an additional $5 trillion in debt?

Closer to home we now have Democrats proffering more abortions to help make up the state-budget deficit. Yes, you read that correctly. Want to know their rationality? They think most babies who would be born would be a further strain on the Medicaid (unfunded mandate) system, which is already growing cost-wise out of control. So we’ve reached the point where increased abortion is more palatable than cutting spending.

Here in Grand Junction, our city council has decided no matter what the voters approve of or how many fees they can come up with in going around the voters, they still need to set up schemes to get even more money.

The latest, trendiest scheme is to put bike lanes in every plan, so the city can capitalize on government grants and federal funding. For now, this is how the Ponzi-scheme cash-flow game works. Don’t worry, there will be something new once this loses its juice.

Or how about the latest one to hit our fair city? The “pay to play” scheme related to our new community center? Or its now multi-purpose development at the community center? Truth told, we’re no longer sure what it is or will become.

That’s because the minute after approving nearly $40 million for the community center, the city was out panhandling for more money and expanding beyond what the voters approved. It was the same with the Avalon Theatre. The same with Dos Rios. And the same with the HomewardBound of the Grand Valley Resource Center – after going through the million dollars in federal funds it used to put it in place – as the city looked to buy real estate for HomewardBound to continue its mission. Just whose mission is the real question.

It appears the city wants to monopolize all development and social services in Grand Junction. And it should call into question every capital project or deal it has made over the past few decades. And let’s be honest, all the city knows in attempting to fix our social problems is to find money and throw it at them – apparently through cronies.

So, the answer to the question is no, the government will never have enough money. Cash is king, whether taxed, via fees, money-laundered or printed out of thin air. Government has none. So, where do you think it’s going to look to fix its insatiable needs?

Think about that with every vote you cast.