One of the things the government can't do is run anything. The only things our government runs are the post office and the railroads, and both of them are bankrupt.

Lee Iacocca, an influential businessman and former CEO of Chrysler, is known for his blunt and often critical views on government involvement in business. In this quote, Iacocca is commenting on the inefficiency and incompetence of government in running large organizations. He points out that, despite the government's control over certain industries like the post office and the railroads, both of these institutions are struggling financially. The quote implies that government management tends to be less effective than private sector operations, suggesting that it lacks the innovation, efficiency, and accountability found in businesses run by the private sector.

Iacocca's remark specifically highlights the bankruptcy of government-run entities like the post office and railroads, which, at the time, were seen as examples of inefficient state-run operations. By contrasting these with more successful private enterprises, he is arguing that government is inherently flawed when it comes to managing complex businesses or industries. The point he makes is that government interventions often fail to produce the desired results, especially when it comes to sectors that require innovation, competition, and management flexibility.

The quote serves as a critique of the broader idea of government involvement in economic matters. Iacocca believes that the private sector should be the driving force behind economic growth and innovation, rather than relying on government intervention. He emphasizes that, in the cases of the post office and railroads, government-run entities not only struggle to be financially viable but also fail to adapt and compete effectively in a rapidly changing economy.

Ultimately, Iacocca is challenging the notion that the government can efficiently manage critical services, suggesting that it often operates with outdated methods and lacks the incentives that drive private sector success. His perspective is rooted in a belief in free market principles and the idea that competition and private ownership lead to better outcomes for consumers and the economy.