RE: A rebuttal to a socialist on the topic of monopolies.
Monopolies (a good or a bad thing) generally lower prices.
Lower prices are an effect of a Monopoly and that is good for the consumers of their goods or services.
Lower prices though, can make it harder for smaller businesses to compete with the monopoly which can be bad for consumers by reducing choice and innovation.
Governments enforce laws that favour monopolies where smaller businesses can not afford licenses, duties, and other taxes that governments enforce in order to participate in certain businesses.
Governments allow monopolies to grow this way and stifle competition. That is not good for communities.
If governments stayed out of the way and allowed a true free market, the market would control the creation of monopolies.
In a truly free market monopolies wouldn't really exist unless they generate exceptionally unique goods or services.
Monopolies control prices which is a different thing, once there is no competition they can ask for whatever price they want, I personally see no benefits to a monopoly, except for the owners. Again I disagree with your perception about government being the reason for monopolies, governments are owned by big business and they do what they are dictated, money talks.
I agree, big business and governments are like tag team partners with only their own interest in mind.
Both favour the other.
Those businesses provide kickbacks for government who provide protection and laws that assist the big business and restrict competition.
I don't think we have ever experienced a truly free market.
Very well said.