"Today, if you invent a better mousetrap, the government comes along with a better mouse"

This quote by Ronald Reagan is a criticism of the federal government's role in the economy. He is stating that if somebody creates a better mousetrap, the federal government will come along and produce a much better mouse. This indicates that the federal government is attempting to outshine the private sector and is not allowing services to innovate and complete. Reagan is recommending that the government needs to not be taking on the economic sector, but must instead be providing a level playing field for companies to complete. He is likewise indicating that the federal government should not be trying to outshine the economic sector, but should instead be offering rewards for companies to innovate and complete. This quote is a reminder that the government ought to not be attempting to outdo the private sector, but must instead be supplying an equal opportunity for businesses to contend.