Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Big Government Capitalism: Health Care

Wal-Mart is supporting government mandated health care coverage. Michael F. Cannon of CATO shares his inside knowledge of why:

A couple of years ago, I shared a cab to the airport with a Wal-Mart lobbyist, who told me that Wal-Mart supports an “employer mandate.”

...But it all became clear when the lobbyist explained the reason for Wal-Mart’s position: “Target’s health-benefits costs are lower.”

...Wal-Mart has gone native. That great symbol of the benefits of free-market competition now joins its erstwhile enemies among the legions of rent-seeking weasels who would rather run to government for protection than earn their keep by making people’s lives better.

Corporations using the government as leverage to reduce risk and competition. I am sure that is what the founding fathers had in mind.

5 comments:

Anonymous? said...

Justus, you forget the statement James Madison made when running for office in 1809

"I like Wal-Mart for their lower prices and friendly staff. That's how I see America."
-James Madison, September 31, 1808

And my other favorite quote...

"Why do you hate America so much?"

Professor J A Donis said...

When will we wake up?

I'm so glad I am seeing the implosion of the Republican Party and I just can't wait for the Democratic Party to implode too. Perhaps, we will wake up then and have real politicians run this country with INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS in mind and true CAPITALISM, and not lobbyists' interests which has clearly led to low-level socialism/fascism.

Say all you want, but the truth will be seen in the voting booth. Vote your conscience for once!

(Am I pressing too hard here, Justus? Delete if it is inappropriate, please.)

Rebecca said...

Loathsome, are you sure you mean our President James Madison and not James Jonas Madison (navy commander during WWI for whom the USS Madison was named)--(no relation to the Jonas brothers)?

Because I seem to remember him saying -- and I quote:

"If Wal-Mart doesn't quit trying to take over the world, I'm moving to Canada."

"And I'm taking my ship with me."

Dr. RosenRosen said...

I'm pretty sure you both were referring to Robert Madison, whose life story was made into a movie entitled "Billy Madison,"

Because I seem to remember him saying -- and I quote:

"It's too damn hot for a penguin to be just walkin' around here. I gotta send him back to the South Pole. "

JB said...

WalMart is also a big supporter of increasing the minimum wage. Could that be because they already pay an average wage of ~$11/hour? Both classic examples of "corporatism," the preferred economic doctrine of that governmental system that dare not speak its name...oops, I see Professor broke the rule. Nice. Very nice. Don't you dare delete it, Justus.

Madison. Quote. Funny. (couldn't come up with anything this early.)