I would actually argue that you have a valid point (hard to believe,
huh). As a society we need to decide what role we want gov't to play in
the daily working of society. Some people believe the gov't should take
the responsibility for the primary necessities of life (food, shelter,
fuel) etc. In this system the gov't chooses the prices and allocates
the resources based on need (since the prices are always such that
there is more demand then supply). However, I would submit to you that
examples of such gov'ts (Soviet Union, Cuba, China) have much more
corruption because the system rewards with power those that rise up in
gov't. It also fails to provide incentive for innovation.

The other side is to say the gov't should stay out of my business. Just
provide the things that don't make sense for me to do myself (national
defense, roads, etc). However, even in this world you need a gov't to
ensure people are playing by the fair rules of free market (not price
fixing, etc). I would submit to you that the end result of this system
is a much more efficient allocation of resources, more opportunities
for people to fairly succeed and a higher standard of living since
suppliers are rewarded for producing more products more efficiently.

-Robert


OtisWinslow wrote:
I think they should all be nationalized.


A responsible oil company should charge you as much as you are willing
to pay.