Some thoughts on the demonization of innovation. Sadly, from both sides of the aisle. It brings to mind the stupid attacks on Newt, by Romney and others, when he proposed a bold space policy.
5 thoughts on “The Lobbyist And The Entrepreneur”
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Jim will be taking this as good news. There’s nothing better than a robust alliance between business and government. For example, the excesses of laissez-faire capitalism can be limited by objective and educated administrators who are only responsible to the welfare of the nation. The firm, but gentle hand of an enlightened stewardship can guide aggressive, selfish and animal business instincts into a helping-hand sort of corporation where the consumers benefit. The corporations also benefit, for by participating in this alliance, they are rewarded with a happier and healthier populace….
Ok, have to stop. Bile too caustic in throat.
Commerce and government has always been an evil brew. Commerce works best when the consumer regulates it in competition. It’s not that business people are angels.
Newt had two big problems with his moon base proposal. First, he did not lay out three or four easy to understand reasons why the United States should build a moon base. Second, when Romney jumped him, quite hypocritically as it turned out considering how many return to the moon advocates were in his aerospace brain trust, Gingrich was without a coherent response. Slyly saying, “It looks like the governor supports Obama’s space exploration policy, just as he did his health care policy in Massachusetts,” would have brought down the house and perhaps changed the history of the 2012 election.
A legal bribe to a politican (and that’s all a campaign contribution is) can earn vastly higher returns than just about any other investment. A business can donate $50K or $100K to a politician and get a multi-million dollar earmark in return. That being the case, it isn’t surprising how investments are not going to new technology as much as for dirty politicians.
Before the Justice Department went after Microsoft, Bill Gates wasn’t even remotely interested in politics. After they did though, Microsoft got into the lobbying game big time. A huge regulatory state will always attract those who wish to manipulate it to their own ends, or those who wish to keep it off their backs. Limit what the government can do and you limit the motive behind such things.