Government produced goods?

Question

A frequent argument in support of government-produced goods is that they are vital to social welfare and therefore their provision cannot safely be left to the "whims" of the marketplace. Does this explain why parks and libraries are usually municipal services, whereas food and medical care are usually secured through the market?

Answer 1

No, I don't think so. To say that parks and libraries should be provided by the government just because they create social welfare is wrong by itself because medical care and food are more so for social welfare.  The reason those goods are public goods is because there is no incentive to create them because there is no real market for them.  Of course, if there was a market, I think it would probably be better.  But, it's too late now.  Who would pay to go to the library?  I think libraries and parks are made by the government because they improve society.  People who read are more productive citizens, ceterius paribus.  And when kids play in the park, they are "off the streets."  Sorry for the ramble but it's kind of interesting but hard to answer question.