Leo, I think the more conservative view is government as a 'protection racket' - if you give them money they won't beat you up (and will discourage others from doing so). Liberals tend to think they should promote the common welfare and avert 'the tragedy of the commons'. I really don't know what history has to say on the subject. Tim Eck PA zone 6 before they changed the weather -----Original Message----- From: pbs [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Leo Martin Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 10:58 AM To: pbs@lists.ibiblio.org Subject: Re: [pbs] Sharing seeds of rare plants Many here overlook that the only concern of a government and its camp followers is power: Preserving it and acquiring more. Leo Martin Zone 9? Phoenix Arizona USA