Most governments should act as the primary authority that maintains order, resolves conflicts, and provides public services like defense, infrastructure, and education. They are funded by the taxes collected from their members, and that is the best way to promote the services, aid, resources, and protection provided. There is hope contained in the choice of holding one another up, creating a bond by sharing small contributions we gather. Our institutions should be the fire that warms the whole community — a practical promise that no pathway will grow dark, no child will be left without a page to read, and no neighbor will face an unexpected tragedy alone.