Government and the Economy

Governments have many functions.  Hundreds of thousands of civil servants attest to that.  but when it comes to the economy, free the human spirit.  Unleash free market forces and watch the G.D.P. grow.  Why?  I don't know, noone knows;  that's just the way the world turns.  Competition, efficiency, innovation, risk and vision are the hallmarks of enterprise.  Adam Smith talked about the "invisible hand"  250 years ago.  Some mysterious force that turns self-interest into group prosperity.  Strange but true.  So does government have a legitimate role in all of this?  Yes!  Regulate.  Maintain a "level playing field",  root out corruption, jail the fraudsters who promise 18-20% annually, keep the liars, crooks and con-artists out of business and above all, trust the men and women with energy, skills and vision to deliver the goods.  After all, they take all the risks - when they are successful, all of us benefit.