The meaning of government

The argument that governments should not be involved in governance conflates evolutionary biology with economic and political responsibility.

Evolution through randomness and natural selection explains biodiversity, not human governance.

The fact that species evolve by chance doesn’t mean societies must operate without intentional structure, planning, or compassion.

In fact, the entire concept of civilization is built on rising above the randomness of nature — through cooperation, shared resources, and ethical progress.

As for the $300 trillion example: it’s a false dichotomy.
The issue is not a one-time redistribution but the systems that keep wealth concentrated and opportunities unequal.

No one is suggesting that everyone receive a $37,500 check and call it a day.
The point is to invest in systems — healthcare, education, housing, and equitable markets — that give people a fair shot sustainably.

Even if that money “runs out” in 2 years, those years could include education, healthcare, and business support that could lift millions out of generational poverty.

And it’s worth noting that trillions are hoarded or lost to tax evasion, inefficiency, and unproductive speculation by the top 1%.

We don’t lack resources — we lack systems of fair distribution.

Regarding Scandinavia: yes, they don’t invest in military at U.S. levels — because their model is built on diplomacy, social cohesion, and economic resilience.

It’s not that they’re freeloading; they’re choosing different national priorities.

The U.S. spends over $800 billion annually on defense — more than the next 10 countries combined — yet millions remain uninsured, homeless, and under-educated. That’s not leadership, it’s misalignment.

A government doesn’t need to solve every problem to address the most pressing ones.

Public healthcare isn’t utopian — it’s standard in Canada, the UK, and across Europe.

Functional safety nets and smart investments in people don’t distract from governance — they define it.

A more balanced view acknowledges that governments do have core responsibilities — but those responsibilities evolve with time.

The modern role of government includes not just security and infrastructure, but the well-being of its people.

That’s not “mission creep” — that’s progress.
• South Korea and Finland invested heavily in public education post-war and became innovation powerhouses.
• Germany runs a universal healthcare system and still maintains one of the strongest economies and militaries in the world.

• The U.S. spends ~17% of its GDP on healthcare — more than any other country — yet ranks below 30* in health outcomes like infant mortality and life expectancy.

• The Nordic countries invest in people and rank consistently high in quality of life, innovation, happiness, and economic competitiveness.

Governments can — and must — walk and chew gum. Security matters. So does compassion.

The best governments balance strength with humanity. That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.