Will more government regulation of corporations stem their power?

[andym]

I would like to see more government regulation of corporate power, for example, forbidding depository institutions from engaging in securities activities (that was revoked by the repeal of the Glass-Stiegall Act in 1999.)

Although some government agencies enforcement of federal law is problematic, such as the under funded FDA, and others change with the prevailing political winds such as the Anti-trust division of the Justice Department, there are other agencies that seem to consistently demonstrate effective regulation, such as the FAA or the Nuclear Regulatory Agency.

Republicans and libertarians traditionally dismiss government regulations as harmful. Liberals and progressives appear split on their usefulness. Some argue the government is too corrupt, others like myself argue that although government regulation and oversight is far from perfect, it can be one of the most effective ways to limit corporate power and should be extended.

If no, what are the best alternatives?

[andym]

1. Any one who said NO have arguments of the applicability of regulation to financial reform? nt.

[andym]

2. If you believe government is too corrupt, do you think campaign finance reform

can fix the problem?

[andym]

3. What about health care reform? Can the insurance companies be sufficiently regulated

to make it affordable and destroy their power?