"Free Markets".

Kia-ora

I do not have a problem with the market. It has proven to be the best option for the supply of most goods and services provided cheating and cases where natural monopolies would exist are properly regulated.


The mix of state and market economies in the European social democracies works very well, as it did in the USA and here until the thieves were given free reign.


The problem is many “free market” advocates actually want them to be free only in the way that benefits them.
Finance markets want no regulation which could limit their casino profits, but government laws and bailouts when required to maximise their profits.
Banks, supermarkets and oil companies want to be “free”; to form cartels and rip everyone else off.
Employers want to be “free” to band together to limit wage rises and raise prices while their work force is banned from withdrawing their Labour or co-operating to ask for reasonable wages. There is no “freedom” to strike in NZ. Sam Purnell would be breaking the law if he “colluded” with other workers to advocate an 8 hour day at present.


You will hear the screams, soon, when builders start asking for more than the inadequate rates tradesmen have been paid recently, to come back from Australia and rebuild Christchurch.

The market will sort out excess rents and pricing in Christchurch over time, but Government help and regulation will be required to kick start the market.

Corporates want to be “free” to operate anywhere with total dis regard for local residents concerns, the environment and community.
They have been allowed far too much power over our Government and society to the extent they now have a Government they totally own.
In other words they are totally happy with the freedom to maximise their profits at the expense of everyone else, while trying to limit our freedoms to live a decent life and have a decent society..