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Originally Posted by Rob Paxon
Depends what you mean by "fair". By one definition, yes there is no such thing as fair competition because people and companies are not equal and nothing can be done to make such a thing as fair competition. If you mean fair as in they have opportunity to compete and equal protection under law, then this is not a theoretical myth, however it seldom is allowed to exist.
The idea of monopolies not existing and maintaining themselves without the explicit legal or financial support of government is within text books, history and economic history text books. From railroad monopolies on down. The only way that competition can't eventually chip away at a monopoly is if the monopoly holds a resource so scarce that it's literally impossible for a new party to enter the arena. As far as I know that has never happened in the history of the world to anything of consequence.
Sure, monopolies can exist as a strong market forces and last for a while, but they can't last for all that long all told. I wasn't attempting to create an argument about economic theory much less political theory.
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I know. Frankly I should have just let it go because its OT and I could debate this forever
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The simple fact is the NHL owners have a legally-backed, government-supported monopoly so it is dishonest of Layne Staley to argue that the owners being so wonderful and the players being so worthless and replaceable is the extent of the reasons why the league has so much bargaining power over the union. This point is certainly not dependent on one having a laissez-faire economic viewpoint and is equally valid under Keynesian or leftist viewpoints, and is more importantly a non-political, non-theoretical observation that the owners are no t fully responsible for the virtual monopoly they have in the sport
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I would also add the fact that unions are not one thing. There are many different kinds that deal with many different situations with different rules for each on how they can deal with the employer. They also involve a wide array of professions and salaries.
But I think we are giving a little too much intellectually backing to a counterpoint of an.... umm.. emotionally charged statement by said poster.
