It's also a perfect example of how liberals get it backwards. The basic functions of a government include law enforcement. They do not include wealth redistribution.
Actually, you hit a key point I was contemplating this morning, after an Enron chat with a liberal pal.
Liberals believe wealth distribution *is* the primary mission of govt, with everything else either supporting that goal, or subordinate to it.
Once that premise is understood, the whole mindset becomes clear.