The function of government and earthquakes

A lesson lost on the theocracies of the Middle East is that government does not exist primarily to provide religious instruction or advance the Islamic cause. The function of government, at its most basic level, is to protect its citizens. It's why we put "life" first when we talk about "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

And to all you Democratic Underground types who propose that America is the true axis of evil, I'll submit this comparison:

Earthquake in California measures 6.5 on the Richter scale: 2 dead
Earthquake in Iran measures 6.3 on the Richter scale: 20,000 dead (and counting)