Perhaps it isn’t odd that the American people are so skeptical
of the uses and purposes of government. As a nation built on a
revolution against a monarchy, such skepticism is likely built
into our national character. But it doesn’t accord with our
history, and that is why it remains surprising. Government was
inseparable from American economic and social development. It
did not reduce freedom, but protected it. I am always disturbed
when economists in particular talk about the “role of
government.” It is like talking about the role of parents in
their children’s lives, or the role of the basketball in a
basketball game. There is no economy without government, even in
America. The government does not merely correct market failures;
its purpose is far more profound. It is about true freedom, true
opportunity, and necessary change. We have organized an
important panel discussion on June 21st in Washington, D.C., to
put to rest some of the prevailing myths about government. Peter
Lindert of the University of Cal