Mixing Liberals With Common Sense

Conservatives want less government but admit it may not ALWAYS be the best answer. There are jobs best handled by State or Federal government. Let common sense prevail.

Since 1970:

• Nationwide smog levels have dropped  25%.
• Peak smog levels are 33%  as high.
• Lead in the atmosphere has been reduced by 90%.
• The air is cleaner despite twice as many vehicles traveling twice as many miles.
• 85% of the pollution from government regulated factories and power plants now accounts for 15%.

Each of these is connected to big government. Libertarians say [ideally] none should be. They claim each problem could be more efficiently and effectively handled by free market competition. I don't think this is a pragmatic stance.

Am I wrong?