On the Instability of Monopolies

Matt Welch has an interesting piece on the inherent instability of monopolies using Microsoft as an example. It seems that the existence of monopolies often calls into play the forces for their destruction: consumer anger, international envy, and corporate sclerosis from a too easy competitive life leach the power and talent away until the world beater turns into a tired, old, vulnerable company.

There's one monopoly where Welch's thesis breaks down: The Federal Government: it uses the existence of other monopolies and the "need" to regulate them to justify confiscating more (permanent) power and wealth from the rest of society.

Personally, I'd rather be ripped off by Sergei Brin or Bill Gates than Barack Obama any day. At least I get something for my money.