The Government - Friend or Foe of Entrepreneurs?

This morning, I heard on the radio that the government banks would lend to OFW who would be losing their jobs on account of war in the middle east, the financial crisis in Europe,etc. There would be certain requirements though for them to avail of the loan like skills in general management and entrepreneurship (obviously) so that there would be an alternative source of income from the loss of job.

However to my mind, there no need on the  part of the government to appear patronizing and solicitous to encourage entrepreneurship.  Some need based entrepreneurs do not need govt help and assistance; they only need enabling environment that facilitate, rather than obstruct entrepreneurship:

l. Faster and less red tape in obtaining permits from the LGU;

2.  Less visits or no visits from BIR and other City Hall officials in the start up phase;

3.  More pleasant people at the Customs and Bureau of Post when getting delivery of parcels by traders

4.  Less middle men/cash points (they ask for cash) for "food viajeros"

5. Better and faster traffic flow

6  We are not asking for world peace; merely peace and order

7.  Better road, drainage, more parks, less pollution, less garbage.

That is all.  We know that the government does not have answer to all these problems.  But providing the right environment should be the focus of the servant leaders/civil servants. 

As the mayor of Angono said, his main job is to be chief janitor of this town.