What's needed is a proper appreciation of the role of government.
They should ONLY do that which only a government can:
Law & order (you need both justice for crime/public order and a functioning court system for enforcement of commercial contracts so that trade can thrive - it's why Russia doesn't work)
Defence
Some key infrastructure
We have been progressively suckered over the last century into more and more nanny state. The State didn't start and run schools, hospitals, railways, canals etc. The idea the government is there to help is misguided. Their job is to get out of the way to the maximum extent possible. It's now fundamental to our politics. We have one party that grew too close to big business and engages in crony capitalism and the other trying to build a client state where everyone is one the payroll or getting benefits and 'grateful'.
The most prosperous nations are the most self sufficient. Go figure. Freedom doesn't come with apron strings.
This is a rattling good read!