Entirely predictable

Seven of the 10 richest counties in America now surround DC.

There are about 1.5 million federal workers here.

Coincidence?

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Yeah, like the Moon and the tides.

We're starting to resemble the typical third-world country, with wealth and power concentrated in the capital city. It happens when success depends on Government favors and influence, not on accomplishment in the private sector. In that context "entrepreneurship" means finding the money to buy yourself a Government concession -- that is, to be granted a monopoly over some product or service. If you manage to get the concession to import and sell Mercedes-Benz automobiles, for example, you are set for life or the next coup, whichever comes first. Meanwhile, the tentacles of Government corrupt and debase the entire society, top to bottom.

In 1814, Washington was sacked and burned by the British. For the 200th anniversary of that event, we might consider inviting them back for a reenactment. In 1814 they were marauders, now they'd be more like saviors.  The nation would not just survive, it would thrive.

Byron