The nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help”.
~ Ronald Reagan (born: 1911-02-06 died: 2004-06-05 at age: 93)

That is perhaps true for the I.R.S. or the department of Homeland Security, but after a disaster I think you would be extremely happy to see someone from the government to help you put the fire out, dig out from an earthquake, get your water working again, get your electricity working again, stop the looters, clean up a toxic spill, help your finance repairs to your house.