I don't think of government as the enemy, but my studies have taught me that it cannot be the solution, either. For the solution we have to delve deeper than that.

To save our way of life in this country we must reconcile the inherent tension that exists between liberty and equality. In short, we have to come to a better understanding of justice.

I am convinced that we must recognize as the ethic of justice mutual respect. There is respect that must be earned, but there is respect that every human being is due merely by being a fellow human. People who are incapable of the former are people who have been denied the latter.

A society governed by mutual respect would maximize liberty as a practical mater. Political democracy would be reinforced. The outcomes for society of the existing economy would be transformed (without redistributing anything or placing any limits on income/wealth — and with less governmental presence in people’s lives, not more).

A requirement of mutual respect is implied by a belief in equality: "Equality Is All We Need" here in Medium. It also follows from observation within material existence: "Real Justice: Goodness without Limit" also here in Medium.