Posted by Jakeman on January 6, 2006, at 20:58:20
In reply to Oh, goooodie! I get to grumble!!!, posted by 64bowtie on January 1, 2006, at 21:32:06
In the early 20th century American went through what has been labeled the progressive era. We got anti-trust laws, the Security Exchange Commission, etc. People got fed up with corruption and price gouging and regulations were instituted to make businesess and government more honest and accountable. In the last 25 years or so there has been a reversal of those reforms. De-regulation and privatisation of public services has occurred. Maybe we need another progressive movement.
The City of Atlanta a few years ago turned over it's water and wastewater services to a private company. Long story short, the private interests put profit ahead of people, prices went up, scandals ensued. The mayor among others were indicted. The City has since taken back control of those utilities.
Regarding deregulation of electricity in Texas, the City of Austin has not participated, to the degree it can. The citizens/government own and control their utilities. The power company is not listed on the NYSE. The prices for electricity in Austin are lower than any other major city in Texas. The phone company is another story. At one time the local phone companies were owned by the people they serve.
So yes, deregulation and privatisation does not always work.
warm regards ~Jake
poster:Jakeman
thread:594182
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20051121/msgs/596009.html