Government is not the enemy. Not always. Don’t believe that right-wing malarkey.

[kpete]

OP-ED COLUMNIST
Friend With Benefits
By CHARLES M. BLOW

..................


In fact, for millions of Americans down on their luck and at the end of their rope, they can quickly find that government is their last friend left. Governmental assistance can prevent the certainty of a hungry night and a homeless tomorrow. It can mean the difference between the comfort of stability and the ravages of poverty.

This function is now more important than ever, even as it is under more pressure than ever.

............................


The Obama administration is far from perfect, and government is not beyond becoming bloated and being abused, but right is right and truth is truth: government can play a very positive role in protecting the less-well-off from the interests of the more-well-off, and this administration’s view of government is much more benevolent than those of the people who are seeking to unseat it.

That’s worth remembering.

MORE:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/12/opinion/blow-friend-with-benefits.html?_r=2&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212

[HopeHoops]

1. Funny, but they don't seem to think it is so evil when they are in charge. Go figure.

[madokie]

2. Only for hooligans is it

[dreamnightwind]

3. K & R

I didn't read the source article yet, but the "government is bad and we need less of it" meme is a very powerful corporate deception that we need to counter with all of our might. A great many people have fallen for it.

The main thing that's wrong with government is that corporations have bought it, taken it over, and they make sure that government works for them, not for us.

Government is really the only force (save for people hitting the streets) that can properly regulate capitalism. Capitalism that is not properly regulated is a beast that knows no limits.