Government that is properly resourced can have an impact at a far superior scale to any individual. Having individuals allocate resources generally winds up wit

Government that is properly resourced can have an impact at a far superior scale to any individual. Having individuals allocate resources generally winds up with the individual and his friends having most of the resources (Putin, Saddam, the Emirs, the Saudi Royal family, etc.). The government, and only the government, will write a check (or legislate and require others) to build low-cost housing, provide food for poor children, or provide healthcare so that we don't have lepers dying in the streets. That's not a society, and individuals aren't going to do anywhere near enough - they had their opportunity in 1895, and they acted selfishly, which is how we eventually got to 8 hour work days, medicare and social security.