“One way to make sure crime doesn’t pay would be to let the government run it.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“One way to make sure crime doesn’t pay would be to let the government run it.”
Explanation
This quote exemplifies Ronald Reagan’s sharp humor and deep skepticism of government efficiency. By suggesting that putting the government in charge of crime would guarantee its failure, Reagan cleverly lampoons the perceived incompetence of bureaucratic management. The joke rests on the idea that government-run programs are so notoriously inefficient and unprofitable that even something inherently profitable—like crime—would fail under their administration.
The remark aligns with Reagan’s broader philosophy of limited government and free-market principles, which he championed throughout his presidency. He believed that government should do less, not more, and that excessive regulation, oversight, and central planning often lead to waste, mismanagement, and unintended consequences. His frequent jabs at bureaucracy were designed to reinforce public support for deregulation, privatization, and reduced federal intervention in the economy and daily life.
Today, the quote remains a popular example of political satire, often cited in discussions about government overreach, inefficiency, or public-sector mismanagement. It underscores a timeless theme in American political discourse: that government, while necessary, must be held accountable, restrained, and focused on core responsibilities, lest it become bloated and ineffective—even at something as inherently lucrative as crime. Reagan’s quip serves as a humorous yet pointed reminder that competence, not just intent, is essential in public service.
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