The function of government is to serve the people

[Joe Nation]

Government is not, and never has been a "business". Treating the levers of power like a commercial enterprise simply invites corruption and favoritism into the process. I ask you, what is the product of government and what would be the return on investment? And it always comes down to you and I, the people, the ultimate shareholders in this instance. No business operates like that. Government is fundamentally about serving all of the people and has no higher responsibility. Service is a dirty word in politics these days and yet is at the core of everything a good governance would stand for. Service, we need to reintroduce that concept back into our leadership or else we will see an endless line of Donald Trump wannabes well into the future.

[Historic NY]

1. Its says it in our Constitution, of the people, by the people, for the people .

Its been reinforced through our history. Government was created to serve the people. Not the big business and not an oligarchy.

[MadameButterfly]

2. they aren't running the country like government OR like a business

A CEO as irresponsible as Elon Musk or Donald Trump would have been fired within a month. From shutting down profitable National Parks, to tarrifs, to deporting workers we need on exhorbitantly expensive military transport planes, firing workers without knowing what they do...this has nothing to do with business.

A CEO for a business would also presumably not control the justice department, the military, or be able to summon armed men to break into buildings with impunity. They would be in jail by now.

[SARose]

3. Good points, Madame B

A good CEO listens to her Board of Directors.

A good CEO trusts his Senior Management to understand this business, to obey laws, and to speak their minds.

A good CEO consults with HR and department heads prior to a reduction in force. All employees are often offered early retirement or buyouts. HR and Dept head meet with each laid off employee before letting them go.

I don’t believe Musk or Trump ever thought about humanely reducing a workforce. Nope let’s take a chainsaw and see what happens.

[Joe Nation]

4. True, but they are running the country under the guise of a business.

Regardless of what they are actually saying and doing, they use the "Government as business" mantra to accomplish their takeover. They have all of the protections of an elected office, minus the guardrails, but answer to no one.

[MadameButterfly]

8. Agreed. I'm well aware what claims your post is responding to.

So I'm really. making a second point.

Besides, as you say, government should not be run as a business
They are failing to run it as a business either.

Also worth pointing out is that lots o businesses go out of business. They don't all make money. Governments, responsible to the people, can't take the kinds of risks many businesses do.

[Joe Nation]

9. Oh, I don't know if they are failing to run it as a business

Just wait until Trump files for bankruptcy. LOL!

[MadameButterfly]

12. Bingo

[jalan48]

5. Unfortunately, I think the function of government has changed. It's purpose now is to serve the interests of corporations

[Nanjeanne]

6. Exactly. And it's a real problem that the language has gotten so screwed. Like Ds using pro life for

anti choice, any D using the language of business when talking about government is a big mistake. Business wants to make a profit with as little expense as possible. That is not governments purpose at all and we need to use language that reflects the values of what government should and must do for its citizens.

[Joe Nation]

7. Speaking of language

I would love to hear Trump or any MAGA talk about service. Service to the people. It will never pass their lips.

[Morbius]

10. Look, I don't want to start a fight, but...

The function of government, any government, is to protect the people. Protect the people not only from external threats but also from themselves, frankly. Conservatives will bristle at the notion that government is there to serve the people but they will agree that government must protect the people.

Now, defining protection is something which invites debate. Protecting people from predatory lenders and corruption is a gimme, I think, and I also support protecting the people from unfair deprivation - social systems which do not offer fair opportunity to people who aren't white male Christians. And there's more, too.

People need protection from predators in their community as well as in the marketplace and outside the nation. Even in places where central government is ineffective, people choose protection in the form of tribal chieftains. Protection is why governments exist, not service. Government absolutely should not be treated like a business; businesses exist for the sole purpose of producing profit. There's nothing wrong with that but it's a completely different goal than governance.

[Uncle Joe]

11. Kicked and recommended

Thanks for the thread Joe Nation