The Fractured State: Rethinking Government's Role in Safeguarding Society

Greg Mullen
May 16
102 min read

As I reflect on the state of our country today, I find myself standing at the intersection of frustration and reflection. The growing chorus of voices calling for a smaller government, free from what they perceive as bureaucratic overreach, seems louder than ever. Across the political spectrum, from the left to the right, there is a deep-rooted belief that government intervention stifles individual freedom and economic progress. But beneath this wave of opposition to government lies a much more complex truth—a truth that reveals just how intricately capitalism has woven itself into the fabric of our political system, transforming the role of government in ways we cannot ignore.

Even the most progressive and well-intentioned politicians who advocate for models of governance that align with the spirit of Franklin D. Roosevelt—those who champion policies like universal healthcare, stronger worker protections, and social safety nets—find themselves bound by the powerful forces of finance and corporate influence. In an era where lobbyists hold more sway than ever and where campaign contributions come with a steep price tag, even politicians who promise reform are often compromised. The very system they hope to reform is the same one that shapes their political careers. They are beholden to the same corporate interests, stock market backdoor dealings, and financial demands that run counter to the very ideals they espouse.

What has become clear over the past few decades is that the influence of capitalism in our political system is no longer an undercurrent—it is the system itself. The rise of corporate influence, combined with the unregulated forces of free-market capitalism, has led to a reality where both Democratic and Republican parties are fighting, not just for the welfare of their citizens, but for the economic interests that line the pockets of the wealthiest elites. And in this environment, doubts are growing on all sides. No party, no ideology seems immune from the grip of financial power, and as a result, the original purpose of government—to protect the vulnerable, ensure justice, and create equitable opportunities—has been increasingly sidelined in favor of maintaining a market-driven status quo.

We now live in a time when questions about the role of government are not just ideological—they are deeply practical. How can we trust a system where the very people tasked with enacting policy are influenced by the same corporate interests that the policies are supposed to regulate? How can we address systemic inequalities in our justice system, education, healthcare, and beyond, when the forces of capitalism are so tightly embedded within the structures of power? The historical inequalities that government was once designed to correct now seem entrenched, and the capacity of government to provide true solutions is being questioned on both sides of the political aisle.

The truth is that, in many ways, government has become a reflection of the very system it was meant to regulate. The push for deregulation, for smaller government, and for more individual freedoms has created an environment where economic growth is prioritized over human well-being, and the political structures we once relied on to address inequality are now trapped within the very forces that perpetuate that inequality. This paradox—the tension between the ideals of freedom and the reality of systemic inequality—is at the heart of our modern struggle.

As we face a future where global challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and health crises demand bold solutions, we must confront the reality that the political system we have today is not equipped to address them. Both sides of the political spectrum are deeply entangled in the financial interests of the market, leaving them unable to fulfill the promises they make to the people. In this context, the idea of government as a protector of the common good is in direct conflict with the forces of capitalism that benefit from the status quo.

This book aims to explore the fractures within our political system and reframe the conversation around government—not as a hindrance, but as a necessary force that can shape a more just and equitable society. It will examine how, over time, government intervention became synonymous with bureaucracy and inefficiency, and how that perception has been weaponized by powerful financial interests. But more importantly, it will explore how, despite these challenges, there is still a path forward—a path that involves reclaiming the role of government as a force for good, and finding ways to break the grip of capitalism on our political system.

We cannot move forward without acknowledging the deep flaws in our system. But we also cannot allow those flaws to define us. The conversation about the future of government is not just about limiting its reach; it is about understanding its potential to heal the divisions in our society, correct systemic injustices, and restore balance in a world increasingly defined by inequality. The task ahead is not simple, but it is necessary. It’s time to reconsider what government can and should be—and whether it’s possible to create a system that truly works for the many, not just the few.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

I. Introduction: Frustration with Government

In recent years, government has shifted from being a stabilizing force to a target of criticism, often seen as inefficient, bureaucratic, and corrupt. The question "Is government the problem or the solution?" reflects deeper ideological divides about its role in society, especially in an age dominated by individualism and unfettered capitalism. While frustrations with government often focus on inefficiency and bureaucracy, they miss the essential functions that government serves in maintaining societal stability and protecting freedoms. Advocates for reducing government intervention overlook how these systems provide necessary social services and protections, which, if dismantled, would leave citizens more vulnerable and less free.

II. The Rise of Individualist Capitalism

Individualist capitalism celebrates personal success and self-reliance, often promoting minimal government intervention. Proponents argue that the freer the market, the more efficient society becomes, but critics point out that this can exacerbate inequality and exploitation, benefiting the wealthy while leaving the poor behind. The central belief in self-reliance is often at odds with the collective responsibility needed to address systemic inequality. Historical context, particularly since Reagan's era, shows how policies favoring laissez-faire capitalism have led to deregulation and market-driven solutions that overlook the very citizens capitalism manipulates to support the principle belief of infinite profit and growth.

III. FDR and the Birth of Modern Government

FDR's New Deal, a direct response to the Great Depression, radically expanded the role of government in the U.S. economy, moving away from the previous adherence to laissez-faire principles. The government became an active participant in ensuring economic stability, protecting workers' rights, and addressing systemic inequalities. While critics saw this expansion of government as authoritarian, FDR’s interventions were a necessary response to an economic collapse. His central belief was that government has a duty to protect the public good and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, particularly in times of crisis. His legacy reminds us that government, when properly structured, is not an inefficient burden but a vital safeguard for collective well-being.

IV. The Modern Dismantling of Government

Today, there is a growing push to reduce government functions, with advocates arguing that minimal government fosters personal freedom and economic growth. However, critics argue that reducing government programs disproportionately benefits the wealthy while leaving vulnerable populations—such as the poor and marginalized—without protection. The core belief behind this push is that unfettered capitalism, when allowed to operate freely, will naturally correct societal problems. Yet, this faith in the market often ignores the systemic inequalities that restrict opportunities for many, especially those born into disadvantaged circumstances. The tension between individual freedom and social responsibility continues to shape the debate about the role of government in maintaining a fair and equitable society.

V. The Influence of Technology and Globalization

The technological revolution and the rise of the global economy have redefined governance. Digital technologies and global trade have blurred national boundaries, creating new challenges that cannot be addressed within the confines of traditional government systems. The global interconnectedness of economies and the rapid pace of technological change expose the limitations of national governance structures, which were designed to manage local economies. To address global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and economic inequality, governments must prioritize international collaboration and adopt global solutions that transcend national borders.

VI. Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding History

Ignoring the historical context of government intervention risks repeating past mistakes. Dismissing government action as inefficient overlooks the crucial role it has played in times of crisis, like the Great Depression, when intervention was necessary to stabilize society. The tension between individual freedom and collective responsibility remains central to the debate about government’s role. We must ask ourselves: What kind of society do we want to live in? A society where individuals fend for themselves, or one where government intervention ensures that everyone has access to opportunities and protection? Moving forward, we must balance personal sacrifice with collective success, ensuring that government remains a force for good, protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring fairness for all.

Chapter 1: Frustration with Government

A Changing View of Government

Over the past few decades, the role of government in society has shifted dramatically in the eyes of many citizens. What was once regarded as a stabilizing force—providing security, order, and the systems that allowed people to thrive—has increasingly been seen as a hindrance to progress. In today’s political climate, government is often criticized for its inefficiency, bureaucracy, and perceived corruption, with many viewing it as an obstacle to the freedoms they cherish. What was once a key institution for ensuring the public good is now, for some, viewed as the problem, not the solution.

This shift is more than just a reaction to poor service or occasional failures within the system—it represents a fundamental shift in values, driven by growing beliefs in individualism and unfettered capitalism. Increasingly, government is viewed not as a protector and enabler of freedom, but as a restrictive force that limits personal agency and entrepreneurial success. As private sector solutions become more dominant, the role of government seems to have become synonymous with overreach—in politics, business, education, and healthcare.

This changing view of government can be traced back to a rise in individualism—the belief that each person should be free to chart their own course, without interference from the state. However, it’s important to note that individualism was not as prominent in American society a century ago. In fact, at the turn of the 20th century, the country was more focused on collective action to address systemic challenges. The Progressive Era, for instance, saw the government step in to regulate industries, protect workers, and ensure fair wages, reflecting a more communal mindset. The New Deal era further entrenched the belief in government intervention as a means to safeguard the public good, providing economic stability, social safety nets, and opportunities for all citizens, not just the most privileged. While the New Deal was itself viewed as an authoritarian overreach at the time, it has since been widely recognized as a pivotal event that is foundational in American history, illustrating how government action was not only necessary but instrumental in lifting the country out of the Great Depression and ensuring the long-term welfare of its citizens. This shift toward government intervention reflected a collective understanding that the state has a crucial role in addressing systemic inequality and providing essential services for all, particularly in times of crisis.