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We aren't ever going to agree. You look at government and see one thing. I look at the same thing and see exactly the opposite for example, you say

You on a municipal line for water or power? Likelihood very good government money helped build those faclities.

You see something that helps quality of life. I see tax dollars taken and spent wastefully for something that private industry could do better (an example is Atlanta - a corrupt African People's Democracy if ever there was one) Even in Atlanta privatization of the water system is saving $8,000,000 a year.

Another example - you say

The fact you can buy private property and be reasonably sure that it won't be taken away by some schyster with a fake deed is because of government

You see protection of private property. I see the property tax system that ensures that if you don't pay an annual bribe to the county/state your property will be taken away by some schyster with a real deed. And so it goes.

I don't think I will ever convince you, and I know you won't convince me.

Private industry saves 8MM a year operating the infrastructure vs the government equivalent.. I can believe that... what you ignore though, is where was the private industry when that water system was needed so that Atlanta could grow and be a safer place? Were they finding the money to build that infrastructure privately ? Hell no, THEY NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!

The system that keeps track of your deed and property btw is a neccessary function if you want private property... I suppose you would prefer a communist state? You can deride government all day long, fact is, even though you don't want to recognize or appreciate it, the government you hate so much allows you a life that most on this planet will never see. That's the beauty of america... you can be ignorant of what you have and still be free to rant.

I mostly agree with you; but I think government funding of certain research is necessary and proper when the fruits of that federally-funded research redounds to the benefit of National Defense, or other constitutional duties with which our federal government has been charged.

A prosperous nation that wishes to be protected from aggression MUST advance the technology of warfare, or be vulnerable to injury and conquest.

And, as to public works projects, if the government has to build it, most likely not everyone wants it. In a free society, there is no obsticle to prevent those who will benefit from this or that project, from likewise funding it. (To believe that no visionaries could exist outside of government is vile hubris. If there is profit in a thing, it will be accomplished.) Successfully lobbying government to become the financier of such things increases the benefit to the developers unnaturally, and forces all to pay for the wealth and convenience of some. (If a group wishes a road to be built, they must pay market value for the right-of-way; the government can "take" it) The folks who could do without are forced to pay for them that have want. That ain't right.

I think there is some discrimination required in the screed...both ways; key words: necessary, proper.