The Forgotten Man has often blogged about the unintended consequences of government intrusion into our lives.  Michael Barone writes here about some of these costs.  Recently the government created the 'Cash for Clunkers' program which is already in debt.  But Barone tells us about a similar approach tried in Arizona in 2000.  'Arizona law paid $22,000 per vehicle to owners of cars operable with alternative fuels. SUV owners began installing small propane tanks and pocketing the money; the law didn't say they actually had to use the propane. A program estimated to cost $5 million ballooned to $500 million, one-tenth the state budget.  The law was subsequently repealed'  Remember this and the Cash for Clunkers program when Persons A and B tell you that reforming health care for Person X won't impact Person C's ability to keep their insurance, doctor etc.