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The role of uncle Sam

By David Brooks

The Role of Uncle Sam

By DAVID BROOKS

The New York Times

Published: May 28, 2012 176 Comments

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From the dawn of the republic, the federal government has played a vital role in American economic life. Government promoted industrial development in the 18th century, transportation in the 19th, communications in the 20th and biotechnology today.

Josh Haner/The New York Times

David Brooks

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But the federal role has historically been sharply limited. The man who initiated that role, Alexander Hamilton, was a nationalist. His primary goal was to enhance national power and eminence, not to make individuals rich or equal.

This