I couldn't agree with you more, BOzdune. There is no choice available for "less government" or no government. That simply leaves power in the hands of whoever grabs it. Thugs and savants.

There are so many false dichotomies; one being that the role of government is to manage markets to prevent monopoly. This ratifies the notion that competition (among the most aggressive) is good. In ratifying competition some good things result. But many bad things also result; duplication for example and game theoretic behavior. Look closely and you see *everybody* competing to get money, not to serve customers. etc.

Everybody admits markets cannot address externalities, the effects on all stakeholders. The commons, the culture, the longterm future, for example are horribly disserved by market theology.

Cut to the solution: progressive income taxation that takes off and gets really extreme at really extreme incomes. Like, $1 million per year you are in the 80% bracket. This not only recovers to the commons but disincents hyperaggressive behavior. I am not worried about recession, our problem today is the opposite, a frantic hyperactivity, energy and CO2 crisis, etc. -todd- retired CPA