AT&T, ALEC & The Wild, Wild West
When cartoon characters enjoy a better grasp of history, law and economics than the current crop of politicians something is…askew. I’m not sure who Mr. Peabody would “be” today, but sure as hell Ricky GoodHair ain’t Sherman. Sherman was inquisitive and asked questions. I’m hoping Eric Holder puts on his Mr. Peabody costume and gets to work quickly.
To that point, apparently the legal beagles put on their big person underpants. Perhaps during summer vacay they “remembered” a certain law on the books – one that’s been around since the 19th century – and this law can be used. Yes, Virginia Teabrain, it is in strict accordance with Constitution, so settle down. Don't believe me? Look up "Interstate Commerce."
In the era of the Wild West and Robber Barons (Robber Barons I – not the current Robber Barons II) a Republican (yes, Republican) Senator from Ohio offered up legislation that would prevent BigAss (and/or sneaky as hell) companies from cornering the market, screwing other companies, and the rest of us. It does not prevent cornering the market because you have the coolest product or service EVER. In short, it seeks to prevent a monopoly in the market which willfully prevents true competition. Lack of competition artificially increases prices. This is bad for the common good, common good being something they actually thought about back in the last century.
The Sherman Anti-Trust (or Anti-Monopoly) Act is FINALLY being used. The legal beagles should keep Sherman standing by and use it often. Over the years it has been added to and strengthened; should you be a fan of such legal history – just use your google machine.
Of course, the GOP and their corporate overlords with the help of the sacred writ of Greenspan and SCJ Bork-speak will whine about this. Remember in their eyes – “the market” is the true g-d in the machine. The market is never wrong. The market weeds out these things….Market Market Market (now say it like Jan Brady) The market seems more like the Wild West at present – as do the idiots controlling it and the politicians they have placed in office who are "afraid" of it.
At present, the question is regarding ATT & T-Mobile. Damn! It took them long enough. Does anyone REALLY believe there is fair competition in that marketplace now and there is NOT price fixing? If you think it’s all okey-dokey ‘bet you, too, can see Russia from your house and believe the Statue of Liberty is a pagan icon. Bet you think Cowboy diplomacy is well regarded abroad, too.
It is likely no coincidence that ATT’s lobbying dollars in recent years have been HUGE – and they are spreading the payola out to reds and blues alike. The powers that be have willfully turned a blind eye to monopolistic behavior. I would posit that it has a great deal to do with our “fear” that China, Japan, EU and developing nations will come up with the best new thing and we have to “protect our national interests” by protecting our home grown monopolies. Xenophobia rarely results in good legal or economic policy; just a thought.
There are hundreds of companies that should be actively investigated. For a brief listing of organizations Mr. Holder and the beagles should look into, ALEC members are a good start. Big Oil was “Shermanized” once – ‘bout time to do it again. If they can “Shermanize” Ticketmaster there are a whole lot of other companies who by way of the multitude of “Mergers and Acquisitions” should be running scared. Indeed, if it is too big to fail, it is too big.
Mr. Holder must channel not only his inner Mr. Peabody but his inner Lawman – as this is the only type of “negotiation” outlaws understand. Unfortunately, reason and fairness do not resonate in these centers of corporate greed. It is unfortunate, but in my mind it goes something like this:
Eric Holder: [referring to Standard Oil] Take a good look at him, AT&T 'cause that's how you're gonna end up!
Eric Holder: The Monopolies are finished, you understand? I see price fixin’, I kill it!
Eric Holder: So run, you fancy CEO... RUN! Tell all the other CEO’s the law's comin'! You tell 'em I'M coming and hell's coming with me, you hear? Hell's coming with me!
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