Re:monopoly (Score 1)

Monopoly's need not neccessarily be enforced by government. Anywhere where large companies or groups of individuals conspire together to bring about a dependance upon a product or service, we have monopolies.

Microsoft can legitimately be called a monopoly due to its anti-trustish dealings. However more correctly it is those who work together with Microsoft to create a product dependence that are behind the monopoly. This is evident not only in a consumerism scenario but worldwide, particularly in electrical and oil companies.

Why else do you think solar power, electric cars et al have not yet become the norm? Its not that we have a lack of new means of creating power, its the fact of dependence on the larger bodies. People who revolt against the larger consumer corporations are often labelled hackers, weirdos, punk, whatever. (Then of course someone comes up with the bright idea of creating a monopoly out of ideas inspired by the subculture, and it becomes *shudder* fashion).

Live long and prosper ;).