| The "Free Enterprise" devotees like to talk about the wonderful competition that keeps the market on the straight and narrow, i.e. charging realistic prices. They love competition among their suppliers, which means that they can demand reasonable quotes for stuff they purchase - actually, not exactly. They'll take the lowest price offer for comparable merchandise, unconcerned whether the maker can make it for that price. Which is why U.S. factories (paying $20.00/hour, plus benefits) are sitting idle, while Wal-Mart and other such buy stuff by the boatload from ... it used to be Mexico, or Japan/Korea, etc. when they paid workers $20.00/day (if that high, and no benefits), then Hong Kong/Singapore when their prices went up, now India or China. They love competition among those buying their stuff, as well. But ... they hate competition on their own level. And will do what ever is necessary to get rid of it, e.g. buying out the competition (often at unreaklistically low prices), squeezing them out, whatever. Just get rid of them. What they really llike is "Private Enterprise" - and as few of that number in their own field as possible. Can you name an industry/commercial system in our part of the world where there are more than half a dozen or so entities (and often fewer than that) that carry on something like 80% or more of the business in that field? When that is the situation - prices become artificial. The monopolies/oligopolies can charge what they like, when the real competitors have disappeared from the market. We've had several studies, evaluations, investigations, etc., etc. here regarding the price of gasoline. All have concluded that there really is competition in gas pricing! Does the public believe it? Do you? Have a great week, everyone. ole joyful | 
