Reply #33: Doesn't have to be [View All]

[Prophet 451]

I have a theory (which I call "backstop theory") that, in sectors which have a captive market (meaning, you cannot leave the market without great risk or inconvienience: Water, gas, electricity, mail, healthcare and, perhaps, telecoms), the state should provide a bare-bones service at non-profit prices. That way, those companies which service those sectors can't fleece you because you have an automatic "backstop", a fallback option which, by default, establishes a minimum standard in those sectors. In order to compete, other companies have to offer a better product, better price or both. And I always thought that was the essence of capitalism.