Richard, Utilites simply do not work unless heavily regulated. They simply steal with their monopoly status. And central regulation is better than local rules. That is why the French have more nuclear plants and no accidents while we are always on the verge in our few nukes.
National defense is another obvious industry, since it is easily the most regulated and the most important. No capitalistic defense force has ever won a major war. In a major war, everything important becomes rationed and regulated.
No question that highway and airport infrastructure, another vital part of the world, is better handled by govt. than by corporations.
Though the Republicans would disagree, and be wrong, free, highly regulated public education is vital to any society that does not want to shrivel up and die. When education goes capitalistic, at least at elementary levels, you dumb down your citizenry.
Basically, if it is important, it is either heavily regulated or run by the govt. If it is not important, like video games, then capitalism reigns. The only question is where you draw the line. And how you develop regulations that work most efficiently and find regulators who are both competent and honest. Socialism doesn't work and capitalism doesn't work. Only a mixed economy works. And, then, rarely. <G>
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