A Necessary Conversation

Robert Samuelson, in a recent article, highlights some important points that need to be discussed as debate rages about government budgets, like what should be cut and what should be retained.

"Modern democracies have created a new morality. Government benefits, once conferred, cannot be revoked. People expect them and consider them property rights. Just as government cannot randomly confiscate property, it cannot withdraw benefits without violating a moral code. The old-fashioned idea that government policies should serve the "national interest" has given way to inertia and squatters' rights."

Also: "The social contract will be rewritten either by design or, as in Europe, under outside pressures. If we keep the expedient morality of perpetual programs -- so that nothing fundamental can ever be abandoned -- then Europe's social unrest could be a prelude to our own."

He brought up an issue I have been thinking about but haven't been able to articulate. Mainly that the general public lacks a clear understanding of what the role of government actually is. Or rather, the role it is perceived to have is much too broad, bordering on the fantastic. All the while, the public has a clear idea of what role firms play in our society. Like McDonalds serves hamburger things, Quicksilver makes clothes and the government does everything. A dialogue about the role of government seems like it should be a necessary conversation in a democracy.