“If government would only be run like a business, then we wouldn’t have any of these problems.” If I had a nickel for every time I heard that from a businessperson, I’d be rich. It usually comes up in discussions surrounding government deficits, mismanagement, and public salaries.

Prudent business practices should play a role in government spending so that tax payers receive good value for their tax dollars. But business practices shouldn’t have the final say in determining the actions of government. Government is not a business.