Gerald,
It is one thing to argue that the introduction of elements of planning into a market economy will gradually, over long period time, lead to the creation of a totalitarian society.
I believe, from reading your posts, that you would argue this position yourself, the time frame being dependent upon the willingness of the populace to swallow the poison in large or small doses.
It is quite another to say that imposing antitrust remedies on Microsoft will turn us into another North Korea. This argument is ridiculous.
Exuberent? Yes. Stretched to make a point? Yes. The passions of politics, not to be taken literally. I know you legal guys like words to have precise meanings. :-)
Whatever validity your argument has derives from the fact that, yes, any antitrust remedy the court comes up with will most likely involve an element of planning, but, in and of itself it probably has some pretty clear benefits which are, after all, the justification for the remedy in the first place.
Ah, benefits and remedies for who? The consumers or the billionaire whiners in Silicon Valley? And at whos expense? Is the justification for any remedies analagous to the cure being more lethal than the disease?
And, if viewed as part of the larger picture, it is obvious that it will only be a tiny, tiny step in a long process of evolution drawn out over many years, even generations, one that most people will not, indeed, do not, even recognize.
The dream and hope of all statists in a semi-civilized, semi-free society. Stealth conquest. An eventual "fait accompli".
Regards, JB |
