Multiple players driven to innovate, improve quality, and reduce costs to win customers. The problem in America today is that in several major industries competition has eroded over time. Consolidation through mergers has created a handful of dominant players who wield disproportionate influence over prices, access, and even public policy.

When five corporations control nearly all of the media market and a few airlines carry almost all passengers there is less incentive to offer better service or lower prices. The meat processing and pharmaceutical industries follow that same pattern which magnifies the power of lobbyists and entrenches regulations that serve incumbents over challengers. Consumers are left with the illusion of choice but face uniform pricing models and limited innovation.