Roads, post office, central banks, Louisiana Purchase .... all promoted during the first 30 years after the Constitution. And if you think the United States Military is just there to protect you from being enslaved and but secure your entitlement to private property and gain, you are do not know your history.
Any organization can be corrupted, even Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when it is turned into a vehicle for redistribution of wealth, read Red Lining.
The problem is not with Freddie Mac, who in it’s pure from could be a benefit to our society, but in the corrupt leftists that used it to line their pockets. and to stay in office, much as they are fixing to do with all those yummy health-care dollars.
I agree, which is why hearing a "conservative" say "there are times when you need government to help spur private enterprise and economic development.", is alarming. Only small government ensures personal liberty and saves us from self serving politicians. And, again, the governments central functions of defense and infrastructure responsibility shold not lead one to think that we wouldnt have the internet or kevlar if not for government sponsorship.