Quote by Donald Rumsfeld
The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it can better be handled privately, by voluntary organizations, or by local or state governments.
Summary
This quote emphasizes that the Federal Government should only intervene in situations when there are no other viable alternatives. Instead of immediately turning to federal programs, it suggests exploring the possibility of private sector involvement, voluntary organizations, or state and local governments taking charge. It encourages a thorough evaluation of whether a particular issue is truly within the purview of the federal government or if it can be better addressed by other entities, highlighting the importance of limited government intervention and maximizing efficiency in governance.