As the adage informs “work expands to the time allotted” - so does government spending. That applies to all levels of government. To paraphrase another: History is always there to teach those of us who are willing to learn.

One of the key lessons from history is that government programs, once instituted, are rarely ended; and eventually, all government programs grow in both cost and scope significantly beyond original expectations. That’s due to envy – certain voters decide they want benefits too; and, worse, politicians are willing to increase budget costs in order to expand programs in exchange for votes.

There is a pattern in politics that first gives birth to and then expands all government programs. If government's "officers" were instead in the military the charge would be “conduct unbecoming.”

Could many taxpayers do a better job controlling spending and managing government at all levels? Yes.

Would incumbents be wise to seriously invite, genuinely listen to, and discuss options with citizens? Yes, again. But will they?

Unlike wise business leaders who listen to customers – even actively seek feedback and suggestions from clients – political incumbents don’t ask citizens how government programs should be handled.

Now, most diehard supporters of the administration will disagree with that – at least publicly. They will also join the “daydream believers” progressively and permanently committed to big government, massive public debt and unlimited government spending.

Could you handle your personal finances the way government mishandles public finances? No.

Individually, there's a limit to what you, or anyone, would be willing or able to pay for whatever the offered product or service. No one has an unlimited budget - not even government.

But government spending is perpetuated by people drunk with power. Because they are in office they are in a position to spend other people’s money. That's the half of it.

The other half is the power to coerce money belonging to other people by taxing and taking money and assets in every which way they can devise. To make matters worse, when government gets involved anywhere in the process, watch out.

In the beginning, our freedoms are constrained as the intervening hand of government enters, then shrinks further until eventually your choice is squashed by a heavy hammer of force and control. Examples include the seizure of the health care industry under the guise of reform and the blocking of domestic oil drilling while gas prices skyrocket.

For generations, teachers have taught us, media has told us and politicians have assured us that government exists only for the public good, that government is impartial and that government is there to protect us.

Do you still believe that?

Years of progressive manipulation have brought us to the brink of financial calamity. The truth is, government must be restructured at all levels to reduce the its size, scope and spending.

At the same time, the authorization relationship between each level of government as well as among the branches within each government level must be reclaimed, certified and cemented. Without delay, our nation needs genuine action to resuscitate founding Constitutional principles.

Next Week: Part II – Restructuring Government

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications and founder of Citizens for Change. A professional member of the National Speakers Association, he is available pro-bono for charitable fundraisers and public forums and can be reached via email at RichOlivastro@gmail.com or by phone at 1-877-RichSpeaks.