It's a far better thing, as well as much easier, for government to act to prevent a disaster, or at least to warn residents loudly and clearly of the potential consequences of their foolish choices.

These bridges have needed fixing for 25 years and they're still operating?

What does Mr. Gates plan to do with all the extra people that won't die from malaria now that his foundation has found a cure?

Inspecting IDs is a waste of time and money, but it's ideal from the bureaucratic point of view because it doesn't solve the problem.

The Romans understood nation building, an art we and the British have forgotten.

"It is the duty of every officer of His Majesty's Navy, to discharge powder and shot in the general direction of the enemy."