This is a powerful and well-articulated post. It’s refreshing to see central planning called out not just in the usual socialist suspects, but in places where people least expect it like in Republican-led states or “free market” institutions. The Certificate of Need (CON) process is a perfect example of this hypocrisy. While politicians preach about market freedom, the reality is that entrenched players are protected by regulatory gatekeeping that actively suppresses competition. It’s the worst kind of socialism: one where only the already-powerful benefit.
The Fed might be the most glaring contradiction of all. A centrally managed monetary policy, directed by a handful of unelected individuals, influences interest rates, inflation, and even asset prices yet it’s defended by both sides of the political aisle. The idea that we live in a purely capitalist system is a myth.
Utilities are another solid example. “Private in name only” is a phrase that really hits the mark. The illusion of competition keeps the public complacent, while in reality, state-regulated monopolies dictate pricing and infrastructure with zero real accountability.
The deeper issue here is that people are conditioned to associate socialism only with overt government control, missing the more insidious, bureaucratic forms of central planning embedded in the system.
This is a powerful and well-articulated post. It’s refreshing to see central planning called out not just in the usual socialist suspects, but in places where people least expect it like in Republican-led states or “free market” institutions. The Certificate of Need (CON) process is a perfect example of this hypocrisy. While politicians preach about market freedom, the reality is that entrenched players are protected by regulatory gatekeeping that actively suppresses competition. It’s the worst kind of socialism: one where only the already-powerful benefit.
The Fed might be the most glaring contradiction of all. A centrally managed monetary policy, directed by a handful of unelected individuals, influences interest rates, inflation, and even asset prices yet it’s defended by both sides of the political aisle. The idea that we live in a purely capitalist system is a myth.
Utilities are another solid example. “Private in name only” is a phrase that really hits the mark. The illusion of competition keeps the public complacent, while in reality, state-regulated monopolies dictate pricing and infrastructure with zero real accountability.
The deeper issue here is that people are conditioned to associate socialism only with overt government control, missing the more insidious, bureaucratic forms of central planning embedded in the system.
Excellent write-up.