I don't see how Standard Oil was a monopoly, it only ever had at most 60% of the market. And even then, oil prices fell substantially during its reign so what's the problem?
Windows for all its market share, has still coexisted with Mac OS for decades. During that time computers have become more affordable, more prevalent, and more useful and having a dominant single platform seems to have been beneficial to many industries. So again, I don't see what the big problem is.
The only monopoly that seems genuine to me is (/was) DeBeers diamonds, although the fact they have no control over the sale of second hand diamonds makes me question its authenticity.
Can't we admit that monopolies are basically a myth? Why do people keep bringing them up as if there's numerous examples of monopoly abuse or monopoly-induced misery.
>> Can't we admit that monopolies are basically a myth? Why do people keep bringing them up as if there's numerous examples of monopoly abuse or monopoly-induced misery.
Exactly. The only monopolies that have ever existed in history are ones given monopoly privilege by government force.
Monopolies do exist, especially in developing countries. And they tend to control prices when no competition is around. The only reason why monopolies are no longer as dominant in the United States and the West is because of the outlawing of monopolistic practices like hoarding or selling products below costs to kill off smaller competitors. Again I don't deny that government involvement sustains monopolies but monopolies are first created by the free market, and then they kill that very free market that brought them to the top. I think we should do away with campaign contributions and go straight with public financing.
Windows for all its market share, has still coexisted with Mac OS for decades. During that time computers have become more affordable, more prevalent, and more useful and having a dominant single platform seems to have been beneficial to many industries. So again, I don't see what the big problem is.
The only monopoly that seems genuine to me is (/was) DeBeers diamonds, although the fact they have no control over the sale of second hand diamonds makes me question its authenticity.
Can't we admit that monopolies are basically a myth? Why do people keep bringing them up as if there's numerous examples of monopoly abuse or monopoly-induced misery.