XI.4: Big Government or Big Business?

Share this page

Big Government or Big Business?

America is fiercely divided today just as it was in 1861 at the start of the American Civil War.

One of the many issues that divide us today is whether our society should be led by big government or big business. Can we have a “free market” if we’re led by big business? Most people define a free market as one without regulation. But without regulation the biggest dogs will always come out on top, which means the market is really not free at all. On the other hand, in a highly regulated market, the biggest dogs capture the regulating agencies and use them to prevent small businesses from competing. (I described regulatory capture in an earlier post.) So the point is that big business wins either way – with or without regulation – and neither way produces a free market.

A truly free market is one where there is real competition for all goods and services. Today we have an approximately free market, which means there is competition but in many cases it is only between the biggest corporations, which is called an oligopoly. And nothing can make those big corporations behave other than a powerful government. So many people think we have to choose either big government or big business to rule over us.

This is just another situation where we are led to believe in a false choice between only two alternatives, when our choices are in fact infinite. (I described a similar false choice in an earlier post.)

What we need is an entirely new way to organize our society.

But nothing will ever work as long as the left wing and right wing insist on shoving their way of thinking down each other’s throats. There is no end to that battle because one side or the other will always be unhappy. And compromise is even worse because it leaves both sides unhappy.

But some people are searching for a different solution:

The false choice between “big government” and “free markets” is a distraction …. (Rothkopf 2012, 93)

The question we should consider is not, as some modern politicians implicitly or explicitly frame it, whether business or government is good or whether one is relatively better than the other. The more salient and constructive question is what roles we want business and government to play in society, and this in turn forces us to ask what goals we have for society in the first place. (Rothkopf 2012, 105)

America’s founders created an ingenious federal system that has served America amazingly well. But both left-wing and right-wing special interest groups have figured out how to game the system, to get rich at our expense. Probably most of those people have simply deluded themselves into believing they are our saviors. Why don’t we put all of them, including those self-appointed saviors, out of our misery?

We don’t have to choose either big government or big business.

The left-wing and right-wing special interest groups love to picture each other as the bogeyman. That way, they can use our fear to distract our eyes while they rob us blind. This war between left and right shoves us into a box. And we desperately need to learn how to think outside that box before they strip us bare.

The left-wing special interests tell us – and they’re correct – that there really is no absolutely “free market”, because market manipulators are everywhere. They beat the drums of fear about the rich and powerful people who manipulate the markets, and they yell for more government control. How foolish! Don’t they know that those same rich and powerful people already manipulate the government just like they manipulate the markets?

And then the right-wing special interests tell us – and they’re also correct – that government ruins everything it sets out to control. They beat the drums of fear about the elitists who want to swell and control the government, and they yell for more private control. How foolish! Don’t they know that private interests swell up and gain control for exactly the same reasons governments do?

And then, because unbiased journalism doesn’t exist, the right-wing and left-wing media bombard us with propaganda.

They feed our hate and our fears so we’ll watch, read, or listen. Surely you know they make colossal fortunes off the advertisements they push on us between the editorials they masquerade as newscasts.

It’s all about power, and of course, money is power. Big business and big government go hand in hand (with their other hands in our pockets I might add!). Mark Twain understood how it works:

I saw a startling site today, a politician with his hands in his own pockets.” (Twain)

We actually can create a different world where small businesses compete for our money and small governments compete for our allegiance. Can you believe me?

This site is for discussing how to improve our political system. It is NOT for discussing party politics or political figures. So if you have a non-partisan question or comment, feel free to leave it below.

To top of page

Back to start of blog

Sources:

Rothkopf, David. 2012. Power, Inc. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Twain, Mark. n.d. Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/389073-i-saw-a-startling-sight-today-a-politician-with-his/ (Accessed Sept. 5, 2020)

125 thoughts on “XI.4: Big Government or Big Business?”

  1. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply
  2. Hey there! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!

    Reply
  3. I really like your writing style, wonderful information, regards for putting up :D. “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.” by Johathan Edwards.

    Reply
  4. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.

    The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do
    with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.

    The design and style look great though! Hope you get the problem
    resolved soon. Thanks

    Reply
  5. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, might check this?
    IE still is the marketplace chief and a good portion of folks will pass
    over your great writing because of this problem.

    Reply
  6. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

    Reply
  7. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. But imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Amazing blog!

    Reply
  8. I genuinely enjoy looking through on this internet site, it has excellent posts. “Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.” by Demosthenes.

    Reply
  9. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

    Reply
  10. Greetings! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  11. I haven’t checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

    Reply
  12. I can’t write detailed comments, there have always been problems with this, I just want to say that the infa is interesting, I bookmarked it, I will watch the development. Thanks!

    Reply
  13. I wanted to draft you the bit of word just to say thanks a lot once again regarding the magnificent tricks you have discussed at this time. It is tremendously open-handed with people like you to allow freely what exactly some people would’ve made available for an e book in making some bucks for themselves, principally considering that you might have done it if you wanted. Those basics in addition acted to be the good way to fully grasp other people have the same fervor really like mine to see more and more around this condition. I am certain there are numerous more fun opportunities in the future for many who browse through your blog post. lottery defeater

    Reply
  14. I intended to draft you that very small observation so as to give thanks again for those great ideas you have featured on this page. It has been quite shockingly open-handed of people like you to convey openly just what a few people would have made available for an ebook to help with making some profit on their own, chiefly seeing that you might well have tried it in the event you desired. The tactics additionally worked as the great way to be sure that some people have similar passion really like my very own to realize more on the topic of this matter. I think there are some more pleasurable occasions in the future for those who find out your blog. java burn reviews

    Reply
  15. Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading
    through this post reminds me of my old room mate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re no longer actually a lot more
    neatly-favored than you might be right now. You are so intelligent.
    You realize therefore considerably relating to this topic, made me personally believe it from a lot of
    numerous angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish
    with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. At all times deal with it up!

    Visit Explainer Video Agency in India
    https://www.indocanadianbusinesspages.com/c6-sec-82-noida-gautam-budha-nagar-up-201304/business-services/explainer-video-company-india

    https://directorylinks2u.com/listings12702449/explainer-video-company-india

    Reply
  17. Needed to write you one bit of remark just to give thanks once again with your remarkable advice you have contributed on this page. It’s really unbelievably generous with people like you to present freely what exactly many individuals might have advertised for an electronic book to help with making some dough for their own end, primarily now that you might well have tried it in the event you wanted. These smart ideas in addition served to be a easy way to comprehend the rest have similar dreams just as my own to learn whole lot more in regard to this problem. I believe there are several more pleasant periods ahead for many who take a look at your blog post. java burn reviews

    Reply
  18. Good day! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative
    in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

    Reply
  19. Thank you, I have recently been looking for information approximately this subject
    for ages and yours is the best I’ve came upon so far. But, what concerning the bottom line?
    Are you sure concerning the source?

    Reply
  20. Great blog here! Also your website loads up very
    fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply
  21. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or
    something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is
    excellent blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

    Reply
  22. We’re a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.

    Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You have performed
    a formidable activity and our whole neighborhood will be grateful to you.

    Reply
  23. You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation however I find this
    matter to be actually one thing that I think I’d never
    understand. It sort of feels too complicated
    and extremely vast for me. I am looking ahead in your next submit, I will attempt to get the grasp of it!

    Reply
  24. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required
    to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
    pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice
    would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

    Reply
  25. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after
    going through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

    Reply
  26. Whats up very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb ..
    I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I’m glad to seek out
    a lot of helpful information here within the submit, we need develop more techniques in this regard,
    thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    Reply
  27. This is really fascinating, You’re a very professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for looking for more of
    your wonderful post. Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks

    Reply
  28. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found
    that it is truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels.

    I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  29. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something
    to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
    The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem
    solved soon. Cheers

    Reply
  30. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of
    your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I’ll certainly return.

    Reply
  31. I intended to compose you one bit of remark so as to give thanks as before on the pleasing tricks you have provided at this time. It has been quite surprisingly open-handed with you to grant publicly just what a few people would’ve distributed as an e book to generate some cash for themselves, specifically since you might well have done it in case you considered necessary. The thoughts additionally worked as the good way to be certain that the rest have a similar dream just as my very own to understand more around this matter. I am sure there are lots of more pleasant instances ahead for individuals that start reading your blog post. sight care reviews

    Reply
  32. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send
    you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested
    in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

    Feel free to surf to my blog post :: herpesyl reviews

    Reply
  33. Unquestionably believe that which you stated.

    Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest factor
    to bear in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get irked even as other people consider worries that they plainly do not recognize about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out
    the entire thing without having side effect ,
    people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
    Thank you

    Also visit my web-site :: herpafend reviews

    Reply
  34. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and
    would really like to have you share some stories/information. I
    know my audience would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely
    interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

    Here is my website; the growth matrix gm

    Reply
  35. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to
    be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you
    some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring
    to this article. I desire to read more things about it!

    Visit my site; fitspresso website

    Reply
  36. Heya! I understand this is somewhat off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does operating a well-established blog such as yours require
    a large amount of work? I am completely new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal on a daily basis.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can share my personal experience and feelings online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for new aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

    Look at my web blog … the growth matrix step by step youtube

    Reply
  37. Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have
    you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value
    your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to
    shoot me an e-mail.

    Feel free to surf to my website … buy testoprime

    Reply
  38. Hello my family member! I wish to say that this post
    is amazing, nice written and come with almost all vital infos.

    I’d like to peer extra posts like this .

    my webpage … LipoZem

    Reply
  39. In an exploratory assessment of weight change in a group of 37 African American breast cancer survivors, 47 reported weight gain after treatment 19 [url=https://fastpriligy.top/]priligy equivalent[/url] SRSs are subject to over reporting, under reporting, missing data, exclusion of healthy individuals, lack of denominators, and presence of confounding factors 3

    Reply
  40. Discussions that center on the fact that more women die of cardiovascular disease than breast cancer may not convince the patient that she only has a low risk of developing breast cancer while receiving HRT buy cytotec pills The company has a proven track record of success in helping people achieve their goals

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Verified by MonsterInsights