The notion that government bureaucracies are universally inefficient is a dangerous myth.
Bob Cesca observes in his Huffpo column that one republican's claim that socialized medicine will be like waiting in line at the DMV is ridiculous -- not because it won't be, but because lines at the DMV usually aren't that long. People complain about the DMV, but really, most experiences with the DMV are quick and straightforward. I just renewed my California license online -- the transaction was comparable to using Amazon.com.
Perhaps a more common gripe is with airport security, and really air travel in general. Never mind that this incredibly technologically sophisticated service can get you anywhere in the world in a matter of HOURS, airports themselves are some of the most efficiently run services in this country. I've almost never waited longer than a few minutes in line at security, and EVERY employee I've interacted with is downright friendly. During the holiday rush, many have gone out of their way to make sure people are comfortable. The one time I was searched, everyone was professional, polite, and efficient.
Granted, some will have bad experiences. The do not fly list is a mess, but on the other hand, it doesn't usually keep anyone from flying for too long (that is, it's not a "1984" situation).
But, despite the fact that people know air travel is profoundly complicated, and despite the fact that most have perfectly good experiences each time they fly, all things considered, gripes about airports are commonplace -- fodder for comedians.
Consider that such griping is hurting our chances at government-managed health care.
Consider that most of the government agencies you interact with every day aren't out to get you, aren't staffed by idiots, and actually do their jobs. Consider that when they DON'T do their jobs as well as they could, they often lack funding. I mean, even the pilots who fly most planes were directly trained by our government, during their military service.
There's this notion that profit motive is necessary for an efficiently run service, that because government employees don't have to compete with each other to keep their jobs, that they're complacent and lazy. Or maybe they just want simple lives, with a secure job where they can help others and keep things running smoothly. Maybe profit isn't the best motive when a job needs to be done right, and "right" means only one thing.