Ask HN: What if the US gov't worked like a startup?

1 point·davidmspi··4 comments

Gmail would replace the US Postal Service.

Can you think of other examples that would make our country run leaner...

The truth is that it just can't. The reasons for which a startup is lean are real (less ressources, less credibility). Behavior and strategy are affected by an organization's position and opportunities in the world. The US gov is also not a for profit corporation. Its goals are different (to serve the people), and shouldn't behave like a startup. Accountability is huge. That said, I agree that there are obviously many things the gov could be doing to be more efficient. It could take cues and learn from startups, but not necessarily work like them. Best example I could think about is use open source software to replace expensive commercial solutions. Many argue that the support just isn't there for open source products, but I disagree. I think this is a more efficient use of funds and more jobs can be created in open source support.

If it did, it should go public and it's IPO would generate massive investments that it could use to get out of debt.

During the initial offering, a massive campaign could be put in place to show people that even with its faults, you can't have a world without the US government in place. The world needs it, depends on it.

That realization alone would be enough to make every investor realize that they HAVE to invest in the US gov't IPO and would guarantee the rise of the stock price.

> Gmail would replace the US Postal Service.

How so? People still need physical mail sent around the world?

Agreed. That comment was more of an attention grabber. Although I do believe that most of physical mail could be replaced by email.

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