I realize that this is a tech blog, but another subject that is gaining space in my head more and more on a daily basis is politics. As you can see in our Blogroll section, we have a few Libertarian blogs and websites listed. Two of my favorites are “Freetarian” and “The Adventures of Citizen X”. As a matter of fact, Citizen X recently wrote me an email that I wanted to share with all of you. If you get a chance, please check out his blog as well as his BlogTalkRadio show called “Tiny Political Show”.

Hey Michael,

This question will push you completely into the libertarian camp. Why is it
that the computer industry is progressing so fast? The answer: because it
is virtually unregulated. With the exception of FCC requirements, computer
and gadget makers compete with one another. The result: better computers
and gadgets at continually falling prices. Could you imagine if the
government had granted IBM an exclusive monopoly on PCs what the result
would have been? Think about the telephone service industry before it was
deregulated. No innovation, bad service, high prices. Another example, why
is it that while the price of computers is falling, the price of stamps keep
rising? Because it is against the law for anyone but the US Postal Service
to deliver the mail. It sets the price it wants and if you don’t like it
tough. Why do health care costs keep rising? Because the government
controls about 50% of the money paid to the health care industry.
Meanwhile, in less regulated industries like telecommunications, service
keeps getting better and prices keep dropping. Take the internet, for
example. It regulates itself. If the government did it, the internet would
die. Yet what is the politicians answer to health care? Just take the
whole thing over. They never admit that they screwed it up to begin with.
The computer industry and the internet are two of the best examples of what
happens when the free market is allowed to work without government
intervention…for now.

Your buddy,

Citizen X