[emiljbs]

>This is only a contradiction if you view the government as some sort of impartial referee in the game of capitalism. If instead you rightly view them as the biggest player on the field that bullies everyone else and picks favourites then there is no contradiction.

Or just as well see them as a parent that keeps the children from bullying each other.

[jerf]

Again, that implies a level of disinterest in the outcome that demonstrably fails to model the real actions of the real government.

[humanrebar]

If you allow for the possibility of child abuse, neglect, and favoritism in your analogy, sure.

EDIT: Also, the children work and the parent collects an allowance.

[BrandonMarc]

thanks to your edit, I wish I could upvote 10x ...