Failed? Depends on what the objective IS.

This site and author is new to me, but his article on the Scandal of State Management paints a dark picture of our bloated beauracracy that once was our constitutional government. It is a bit long but make sure you read the account given by two emergency medical workers attending a New Orleans conference.

To quote Benjamin Franklin

"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."