The Role of Government

We live in an era where people either want a total welfare state or complete anarchy. There are many ongoing debates over what government is supposed to do and not do. Ultimately, our government needs to look out for the best interests of the common American.

This concept of government acting in the parental role is nothing new. It extends back to pre-historic times when a council of tribal elders carried out the responsibility for overseeing judicial matters. In essence, they possessed legislative powers. They would hold forums and take decisions on strategic matters such as what crops to plant, whom to have treaties with and how much food to store for winter. They outlined a long-term strategic vision and detailed the associated actions needed to make it happen, while the younger members of the tribe concentrated on day-to-day work, such as hunting, gathering and raising children.

However, sometimes it seems that politicians exploit our business in that when we do not take the time to be properly informed, all kinds of laws can be passed. Case in point: Congress automatically receives pay raises every year while the rest of us see our salaries remaining stagnant or declining. Although Congress voted not to get a raise in 2010, the average congressman still made $174,000 in 2009. The irony is that Congress has to vote against getting a raise. If they don’t vote, they automatically get it.3

When Middle America thrives, so does the rest of the nation. The poor can advance into the middle or wealthy classes, and the rich grow their own net-worth through increased sales, business expansion, investment and innovation. In 1999, when the economy was rocking and rolling, Bill Gates net worth touched $101B whereas in 2009 it was around $50B.4 Push the middle, and everyone wins.

Level Playing Field

The government’s role first is to create policy that allows general society to thrive in a sustainable manner. To do this, they must ensure that everyone has equal opportunity. This concept is not to be confused with advocating equal pay for unequal jobs or lowering standards of excellence for minorities. Everyone who is qualified should be able to compete in the marketplace unhindered. The government must ensure that people who have accumulated massive res