SBD,

Yes, USFWS and NMFS could be combined, but in what Department that remains after Commerce and Interior are eliminated. Census is specified as a federal function in the Constitution; therefore I don't see it working out under individual states. (Side note: Gary Locke as Commerce Sec. oversaw what likely was the best census ever; way better than anything he did as WA governor.) Don't know much about HUD, but I think the purpose of the USPS is to deliver the mail, not make a profit. Focus might be re-directed toward better efficiency to make it more cost effective, but Americans apparently like their Saturday mail delivery. Energy at the state level would be a clusterfvk since many federal energy projects are interstate, like what BPA oversees: WA, OR, ID, & MT. Same with TVA. And then have one state permit and regulate a utility with a dam in one state that floods another state with its reservoir. Uh, don't think so.

That's why I shared that RP proposal. People say stupid stuff without thinking through the ramifications. If those federal departments were eliminated overnight, as he pledges he would do, and other candidates could also, all hell would break loose. I'd like to see greater efficiency in government as much as the next guy, but suggestions create bigger problems than the existing ones are just plain stupid, IMO.

Sg