There are a few basic things done well by government that are not mentioned - our interstate highways, the air traffic control system, the National Weather service that may have saved dozens of lives last week in KS. While the Coast Guard is “military” they do stuff that goes above and beyond in providing safety to boaters that is not in the “defense” of our shores. Finally, the national park system makes me happy/proud every time I visit a place like Yosemite or Appalachian trail.
The American air traffic control system is horribly outdated by international standards. Not only is this unsafe and has led to many crashes, but it also creates large numbers of travel delays.
RE: #27, I would agree. I started to mention the National Weather Service, esp. their severe weather watches and warnings.