> . . . > On a related note, a lot of the privatization stuff is only possible, I > think, _because_ of new technologies -- that is, it had not been possible Yes and no. Without doubt technology is important, but the political element should not be underestimated. For instance, before 1900, much of routine municipal services (such as they were in those days) were contracted out. Corruption scandals ended those practices and gave rise to civil service standards. There were also private roads and bridges, and catastrophic bankruptcies in companies that had contracted to build such things. This will be explicated at length in an EPI report, probably out early next year. Cheers, MBS =================================================== Max B. Sawicky Economic Policy Institute [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1660 L Street, NW 202-775-8810 (voice) Ste. 1200 202-775-0819 (fax) Washington, DC 20036 http://epn.org/sawicky ===================================================
