What useful purpose does the US government serve?

Question

Most people accept the institution of government because it has always been there; they have always assumed it was essential. People do not question its existence, much less its right to exist.

The most dangerous man, to any government, is the man who is able to think things out for himself without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitable he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane and intolerable, and so, if he is romantic, he tries to change it. And even if he is not romantic personally he is apt to spread discontent among those who are.

~ H.L. Mencken

One of the most perversely misleading myths about government is that it promotes order within its own bailiwick, keeps groups from constantly warring with each other and somehow creates togetherness and harmony. In fact, that’s the exact opposite of the truth. There’s no cosmic imperative for different people to rise up against one another – unless they’re organized into political groups. The Middle East, now the world’s most fertile breeding ground for hatred, provides an excellent example.

The violent and corrupt nature of government is widely acknowledged by almost everyone. That’s been true since time immemorial, as have political satire and grousing about politicians. Yet almost everyone turns a blind eye; most not only put up with it, but actively support the charade. That’s because although many may believe government to be an evil, they believe it is a necessary evil. (The larger question of whether anything that is evil is necessary, or whether anything that is necessary can be evil, is worth discussing – perhaps in another forum.)

What, arguably, makes government necessary is the need for protection from other, even more dangerous, governments. I believe a case can be made that modern technology obviates this function.

Answer 1

It has been said that all the U.S. government does is to tax the people to death, while the very ones we elect to office to serve us, is in reality serving themselves and get wealthier, and wealthier with our tax money.

Answer 2

The primary purposes of government are:
1) to protect the people from foreign intervention
2) to protect the people from each other
3) to create laws to promote the better good of society
4) create processes to resolve and aid the people
We lost our way. First the government has forgotten that it is created by the people and for the people. Therefore, it has no reason to exist if the people decide it is not necessary.

Our government now oversteps it's use by createing laws to protect us from ourselves and interfering with our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It creates laws for the sake of itself and to protect itself rather than promoting the good of the people.

Government is necessary - history shows this and you can look at Iraq, Somalia for example. Without a strong government to control and create a peaceful society - it tends to not exist.

However, we don't need them to dictate everything and certainly don't need them to solve everything or protect us from everything.

The people however can change things peacefully in a free democratic society - unlike those where the leaders come into power through force, through birth, or even through a very small group of powerful/controlling people such as in communist societies.
(Can we say that is what the U.S. if falling into with the 2-party rich man wins system? Does the best person really win or he has has the most money to make it to the end?)
But ultimately if we assume that the election system works then this is what makes a democratic society a very good thing since as the quote says:
"Complete power corrupts completely."

Now for we the people's failing. If you don't like what is happening - get off your backside and VOTE! 85% of incumbant politicians win (note that ONLY around 5 people were new in this congress in both houses with an incumbant in place, there were 13 up for grabs but not all of these had an incumbant) because WE don't act to change things.

Answer 3

The government is as good as the American people. The American people are ultimately responsible for how the government responds to the needs of the people. We vote 'em in, and should vote 'em out if we don't think someone is doing a good job. This is a democracy. It's kind of difficult when only less than 50% of eligible voters show up to vote for president and vice-president. We need the institution to exist. Its framework is ours to change if it's deemed unacceptable.

Answer 4

Population Control.

Answer 5

The government's first job is to protect the people from Foreign Invasion. Without the military, we will all be speaking Russian.

Answer 6

I agree 100% with that.Don't you know that we here in the good ole U.S.A. can be locked up for a simple thing as "looking" suspicious? Patriot Act.The whole institution of government is bullshit.They take my money and spend it on building bombs to scare away the big bad wolf,and all along there is no big bad wolf!

Answer 7

Obviously it does not service the people, it does not service freedom, truth, understanding, or any beneficial purpose. I think it services malice and rich jews together with insensitive people who love to label others as terrorists and justify their malice as being some good thing.

Answer 8

So I take it you can think for yourself? If so, give us some answers, not more questions.

Answer 9

Without order there is chaos.