I am often genuinely amazed by people who can think they can make the government better. I like their positive energy. I can't force myself doing it though. I've wasted years in talking to bureaucrats about Linux, open source, open standards, security, ... I've seen people want to change the system from the inside by forming political parties, in order to either have no impact at all, or worse - becoming the establishment, in many cases doing exactly the same thing they've been against.

My stance is cynical, but practical. The state is there, like a bad weather. And my goal is to manage my exposure and risk. You don't change the weather, you change what you where, if you have shelter, or what climate you are in. Global warming? Turn on the AC (helps to make your own energy too). Hardcore winters? Change the hemisphere for the winter time. Raining? Get a raincoat.

Now I look at people who spend time, endless meetings and good intentions as people who are trying to control weather. Yes, they can spend insane amounts of energy for short term weather management. But it won't change how it works.

Manage the risk of state, don't try to manage the state. Central planning does not work even when done with good intentions. Maybe especially when done with good intentions.