Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

[flintlock]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

I owned a small business. there were specific laws that applied to my business that did not apply to others, and vice versa. The over-regulation of business in the US is astounding.

I recall one time when the local "liberal" radio talk host had on a gas station/mini-mart combo owner. The guy was paying something like 22 different permit and license fees every two years, most annually, many overlapping, and few that had the same inspector coming to review more than one at a time. This was costing him many thousands of dollars annually. It made no sense whatsoever. Some of these were simply nuisance inspections like checking his compressor every year to the tune of like $250 or something like that. But his problems were not my problems when I was in business. They were unique to what he did in business.

So you can ask where are the examples, but the examples are too numerous to cite in too many areas to even begin to make sense.


BTW, John Stossel had a show on the other night called illegal America that covered some instances that were abhorrant to liberty and freedom. But until it happens to you, you don;t pay attention and you do not care.

I was in the temp- and perm-help business. One year the legislature painted a bullseye on my inductry because they wated to use WA state as a model to go for the rest of the ation. This was when everyone was after Microsoft. They decided that if you were a "temp" you should get the exact same bennies and healthcare as any employee at whatever business you were working for. How does that work of you shift temps around every few weeks or months? How amy HC plans could a business run to cover all these chages from site to site? The answer was NONE, and the goal was to shut down th idustry. Luckily it failed in the state senate by one vote, or I would have been out of business.

I got rid of my employees when the cost of compliance put me at a point where I could not compete with the cash only businesses, the unlicensed and uninsured types. They have all these rules, but no enforcement. So only the law abiding comply. The ones with no assets and nothing to lose can get away with murder. So are we really any safer in the end? I'd venture to guess that at least 75% of residential electrical work in Atlanta done after the home is built is being done by rank amateurs. Just appalling work. Many simply call themselves electricians. Amazingly no one ever checks. Only about twice in 21 years have I ever been asked to see my license! A few more have asked for proof of insurance. Things have really changed a lot in the last 20 years. It really is amazing to me. People don't seem to care anymore about the quality of work, or if the worker is qualified. Turn in unlicensed people? Or people without workers comp? The government could care less. So its understandable why a underground market has grown.
These regulations serve a purpose, and I am all for most of the codes, especially in regards to safety. But it seems that the powers that be don't consider the actual rationale for some of the regulations that important if they won't enforce them. Or is it really just about the money?

[Slimprofits]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

This country is a giant cesspool of scammers trying to steal from each other. Keep your eyes open for real deals and real people.

http://www.warbyparker.com/

A collaboration between four close friends, Warby Parker was conceived as an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today. Prescription eyewear simply should not cost $300+. The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with our customers directly through our website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better looking prescription eyewear for under $100.

[doom&gloom]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

reads more like War by Parker, some sort of board game or cheap novel.

[doom&gloom]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

Last night my wife had over a gaggle of gals to play bunco. One had started up a small retail side business with he rhusband. I asked her a few questions about things I had learned the hard way (ie. they cost me money) in business, and she had no clue about them. She was very happy I spent five minutes helping to save her potentially thousands. She told me that she uses ADP and pays extra for "HR services" to answer questions as well. I told her use common sense, and call me for free. Everyone wants to bleed you for advice they won't even stand behind...

[aaron]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

In Taiwan you can walk into an eyeglass place, without a prescription, and walk out with glasses for $30 bucks. Yes, the fancy Italian brand is going to cost you (still less than the U.S.).

Here you must see an optometrist for a $100+ dollars or more first. In the Taiwan store, they have an optometrist who probably owns the place.

Getting your $100 dollar glasses from War by Parker ain't no deal after you need to get the 'script first anyway.

Here is another one: http://www.39dollarglasses.com/


The article makes absolute sense. Regulations are designed to drive small businesses out of business. However, they do increase the need for lawyers and accountants and government paper pushers.

I should have gone to law school.

[doom&gloom]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

Over-Regulation by government on all levels is the death of small business by a thousand cuts. Each little business bleeds out a little bit with every cut, and the economy suffers and withers as a result. I personally got out of business partly because I was tired of managing one, and partly out of "fear" (though that is not exactly the right word, maybe apprehension) of what bullcrap they were gonna throw at me next.

Now I farm in Uruguay, a place where they still have some understanding of "freedom".

http://sovereign-investor.com/2011/1...south-america/

[World Traveler]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

Fees, permits, and more fees are indirect taxation.

The American public has been conditioned to believe that that only tax cuts are acceptable, never tax increases. But inflation marches on, roads and bridges need repair and building, sports owners demand new stadiums, prison costs go up due to high incarceration rates in most of U.S., schools need to be built or maintained, etc.


And since the average American believes they absolutely deserve good government service, the state and local governments, both Republican and Democrat, need to find the money somewhere. Fees, permits, and more fees is the game they play.

[doom&gloom]

Re: Real Role of Regulation in a Corporate State?

Fees, permits, and more fees are indirect taxation.

The American public has been conditioned to believe that that only tax cuts are acceptable, never tax increases. But inflation marches on, roads and bridges need repair and building, sports owners demand new stadiums, prison costs go up due to high incarceration rates in most of U.S., schools need to be built or maintained, etc.


And since the average American believes they absolutely deserve good government service, the state and local governments, both Republican and Democrat, need to find the money somewhere. Fees, permits, and more fees is the game they play.

much tax muney now goes to retirre payments and HC plans. Some of those are especially outlandish. Were they more in line with the private sector, I am not so sure we would need as much taxation.,