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The Trouble With Grants

by Gordon Francis Corbett

    When we were small, our teachers taught us how people develop addictions.  They showed us slides or motion pictures.  They gave us pamphlets.  Perhaps they told us in their own words.

    They warned that someone almost always urges the youngster to try drugs.  He says that trying the drug would be "smart."  He implies that refusing to try would be "chicken."  Besides, the first dose is "free."

    Eventually, curiosity wins;  he tries the drug and feels a strong euphoria.  He buys some.  Thereafter, whenever pressures from his peers, his parents, or his teachers grow intolerable, he escapes on his new "magic carpet."

    Gradually, the pressures affect him worse, and escaping them requires more of the drug.  Buying more drug costs more money, and soon, his habit consumes his allowance.  Our lad has a monkey on his back.

    "No problem," says the dealer.  "You can have all you want if you work for me.  Just sell to your friends."

    The same principles apply to the political "addiction" to grants-in-aid.  At first, cities and counties suspect that taking "free" money would cost them their independence.  But, their peers tell them that such fears are foolish.

    Eventually, they give in.  Projects long dreamt of and wished for materialize.  Constituents marvel as bridges, buildings, libraries, fire stations, police protection, or social services appear without increasing their tax payments.

    Soon, the grantees need more grants, because their constituents want more goodies;  and the city or county fathers discover that keeping the grantors happy involves more than sound bookkeeping.  They must do whatever the grantors want.

    That point marks the death of local control.

    Addiction always promises power.  It always delivers weakness.

    What's wrong with just saying, "No"?