Most economists in the United States are Keyensian economists, they favor a planned out economy. Planning out an economy is the most you can do to interfere with the natural phenomena. While the US may practice a really watered down version of laissez faire, they still get involved with the economy. In my opinion, the government should just let the economy be by itself, it is after all by the people, for the people, and made of the people.

On a related note, you said taxes help the country function...taxes are collected because they are there to pay for public school teachers, police, and the military...Now, what if you had everything privatized...that would mean a private police force, private schools..you wouldn't have to pay taxes. You would get a monthly bill for police protection, for your childs school, for the firefighters etc..

Now while you may think that is inconveniant, and money squandering or stupid, look at it this way. Every year, you pay taxes for public education, even if you send your child to a private school. You pay for other people's welfare, while there are those who exploit the system.