Forum Archive Index - December 2002

[prhughes@value.net.nz]

I have followed this discussion with interest, and to be frank I am in 
Snoop's corner on this one.I am not totally sure what economic 
liberalism stands for? I can speculate, but it would be better if its 
proponent would tell us.
Let's turn the clock back. Air NZ was owned by the People of NZ, 
however the government of the day sold it to private interests on the 
premise that they would make a better job of running it. Did they?
On the sidelines are as Snoopy said many growers whom are 
dependant on Air NZ to get their products to world markets.So 
someone had to step in and clean up the mess. This is not 
economic theory but the real world.
Now let us move on a little. There seems to be a growing feeling 
that Tranz Rail and Telecom could be turning to the Govt for 
assistance. What do we do, let them go belly up.Yes, say 
economic liberalists.
Let's suppose Telecom went under, do we perhaps wait weeks or 
months for some other crowd (probably Telstra) to take over.In the 
meantime the banks have appointed a receiver, whom decides that 
money can be saved by closing it down immediately
Many customers of Telecom would be without their telephone as it 
is unlikely that other providers could cope with the influx of new 
customers.
Does the Govt of the day sit on their hands, and do nothing? The 
answer is obvious.
I think the economic liberalists would gain more mileage if they 
questioned the reasons as to why these previously  people owned 
enterprises when sold to the private sector  have run into financial 
strife.
I realise the Telecom example above is rather simple and far 
fetched and is only used to illustrate a point

Bill

ps  I am of no particular political persuasion..

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