Broken Not Crushed life as a statement, not an apology

Of the things I’m passionate about, politics and all things Apple are pretty close to the top of the list. And aside from the fact that Al Gore sits on Apple’s board, and Daniel Eran Dilger has his moments of liberal lunacy, I can usually keep those realms separate, and allow Apple news to distract me from politics for awhile.

Not this morning.

In reading this article, I was reminded that, to some, government intervention is THE answer to EVERY problem, real or perceived. Want AT&T to provide better technology for iPhone users? Call your Congressman!

“Consumers are tired of wireless carriers impeding innovation instead of promoting it. Congress should unlock the mobile marketplace by putting an end to these exclusive deals,” Free Press policy council Chris Riley said. “Cutting-edge wireless devices and applications have the potential to launch new industries and revolutionize everyday life. In this challenging economy, we cannot afford to allow AT&T or any other company to stand in the way of progress.” (bold/italics added)

Are we that far removed from a market system? What happened to competition, innovation, creativity? AT&T hasn’t always existed. Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile — none of those have always existed. They sprung up as competitors because they thought they could do a better job, serve people better, and ultimately turn a profit.

If AT&T is truly standing in the way of progress, and if there truly is a demand for that “progress”, and if it would be profitable, someone will step up and fill that gap!

(And isn’t it somewhat ironic that the president of an organization with “Free” in its name should be calling for the policies of private corporation to be dictated by government?)

I am starting to lose hope. Does the American entrepreneurial spirit still exist, or do we really just want to pay dearly in the hopes that someone will hold our hands, wipe our noses, and “fix” all of our problems for us?

Will we ever learn that government, without the competitive checks and balances offered by a truly free market, will NEVER come close to the efficiency, creativity, and customer service of the private sector?