The only legitimate function of government?

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Over the last few years, I've listened to different ideas on the true purpose and/or legitimate functions of government. Every one I've heard has seemed to be missing some critical point... even my own! I think I've finally figured out what's missing: Protection from the isms! Whatever your particular ism is, some element of your society is being damaged by it. Socialism strangles enterprise with extreme taxes, communism strangles the soul by seeking to eliminate it, capitalism strangles everybody by concentrating all wealth in the fewest hands possible. My point is, all isms are inherently flawed. They are all theories that fail to encompass the human condition. Without some mitigation, all, and I do mean all, are destined to fail. The fall of capitalism will be the most painful of all. The primary flaw seems to be that all isms assume people are the same. Those that don't meet the standard are disposable. Under capitalism, those that lack the tools to compete have no value - human garbage. Those that can't march to the beat of the communist's drum, be they rugged individualist or weak specimen, suffer the same destiny. SO, what mitigates the ism? Government... what or who else could? The U.S. government, in it's current manifestation, fails miserably because it's a profound perversion of what the Founders sought to create. Such a condition is created/enabled by the apathy of the citizenry, but that's a different discussion. A revolutionary reorganization is in order. I hope our lazy butts get around to it before it's too late!