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Originally Posted by PCL_128  Regulation is not "collusion." It is a tool to stabilize an industry that has proved time and again that it can't stabilize itself under a normal free market system. In the entire 75+ years of commercial aviation, the entire combined profits and losses show a net loss of billions for this industry. In other words, commercial aviation has never turned a profit. The nature of the business makes it nearly impossible. Companies turn a profit of a few hundred million for a few years, and then they spend the next few years losing billions. Regulation benefits everyone, not just the employees, by stabilizing an industry that is vital to the US and world economies. |
I don't think the free market is the problem. The problem is that the current situation is not a true free market, it's still highly regulated. The government wants it both ways. Either regulate it or let the free market do its thing. If that means a carrier goes out of business then so be it. For me personally I don't trust the government to do anything well so I say let the free market run its course.
PCL_128, I'm curious as to how everyone benefitted from regulation? Flying today is less expensive than it was under regulation therefore making it available to more people. This has undoubtedly helped the economy. Sure I think fares should go up but they are doing just that and capacity is being cut. People need to quit looking for short term band aide fixes. The truth with any market is, the more the gov. messes with it the more screwed up it gets. It's just like the housing market. The idea that the government is going to step in and prevent a bunch of foreclosures is rediculous. If you can't pay the bank should be permitted to foreclose. The same could be said of the airlines. The market will take care of itself.