The proper role and scope of government

[ZenGum]

Funny, I was about to come over all regal. Well, I'll do it anyway.


Harken, ye people, for I am King ZenGum, and I give unto you these laws:

You can sell whatever you like, from raw goats' milk to refined sugar, fish oil to cocaine.

You can buy whatever you like. Pay honestly.

You must be honest about what you sell. No sticking "organic" or "pasteurised" labels on things that aren't.

The government will establish certain standards for weights, measures and - here is the tricky bit - certain qualities.
For example, some things have to be done right, such as pasteurisation. The government will establish the appropriate standard, and people who wish to follow this may do so and thus earn the right to add a sticker to their product announcing that their product has been produced according to the standard. This sticker will have a big G.A. for Government Approved, and a picture of a nanny, just to make it clear. Falsely using this sticker will get you smote with great vengance and righteous fury. See rule 3.

But! If you don't want to follow the government standard, you don't have to. Do it your own way, be honest about what you did.

People can buy whichever they prefer.

Cool?

[tw]

Originally Posted by ZenGum

But! If you don't want to follow the government standard, you don't have to. Do it your own way, be honest about what you did.
People can buy whichever they prefer.

Which works in some industries and cannot be done in others. No standard applies to all industries. Some (ie Tobacco, investment bankers, stock brokers) have such bad reputations that heavy government regulation is necessary. Another (ie computer industry) needs almost no regulation due to its history.

Milk must meet standards such as six sigma quality. If any part of that industry repeatedly screws its customers, then the entire industry has earned the necessary regulations. Some industries turn a blind eye to their bad boys. Others do not want regulation and enforce industry standards. Therefore go after their bad boys with a vengeance.

A standard that must apply even to milk. Another industry that earned the regulations it deserves. The amount of regulation required is unique to every industry. What works for one can be completely unacceptable for another.

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by ZenGum

People can buy whichever they prefer.

Cool?

As long as the same policy applies on uni-gender marriage, abortion, and sex toys.