Songwronger, There is nothing wrong with austerity. It is essential if we are going to tame the economy. There is a problem with irresponsible austerity that only targets the programs one side doesn't like.

My point was that the conservative side claims to want smaller government. They seem to think that private industry will fill the role when a need is uncovered. As has been borne out by past actions there needs to be a SUBSTANTIAL profit before they'll do anything. I believe businesses set a profit goal and will not undertake anything that does not meet or exceed that goal. The needs in Manila are not met by government nor by private industry.