Government, taxes and the common good

Listening to talk radio and hearing the anti-tax sentiment being promoted by groups such as the "tea party", it appears there are many skeptics of government services and workers.  Even our nation's public school teachers have come under attack.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Bishop Peter Rogness has a thoughtful commentary, "Government is not the enemy" in the StarTribune.  Seems that our nation's founders had a clear understanding of the common good.  Ironically, as people become more affluent, with more to share, they become increasingly selfish; guarded of their abundant worldly possessions.

Many times I've heard from people who have traveled to economically impoverished parts of the world to have shamefully discovered the tremendous generosity provided by their guests.

So, how is it with us? Is government "us" or "them"?