Honestly, this initiative would also make the government more accountable. This isn't about penalizing companies for their success (anti-free market)...but adding transparency.
Truth in fees and final bills is very important for consumers and it also highlights the amount of money that has been tacked on by state and federal authorities. The monthly charge service charge(s) should be posted as final price, not before taxes and fake regulatory fees. Hell, some companies are a few dollars more expensive than others because of their own inhouse fees (ah, the regulatory recovery fee...).
This doesn't hamstring companies (financially or in sacrificing sales), it just gives consumers better choices and transparency. Put aside partisan and idealogical differences aside, every taxpayer should support a government that gives you choice and transparency.
So you don't like freedom? Freedom of a company to provide you with a shitty deal, and your freedom to reject that shitty deal? And the competitors' freedom to provide you with a better deal, and your freedom to still reject it as a shitty deal. Or perhaps take the deal because it's a good deal? Yeah, let's legislate and regulate. Even more. More rules, more power to congress. Less freedom for the competitive forces to work out the best deals.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Isaac @ Feb 27th 2008 3:47PM
This would be so totally rad.
So don't expect it to pass.
JLTate @ Feb 27th 2008 3:51PM
Unfortunately, you're probably right. Stupid politicians.
everrette powell @ Feb 27th 2008 4:28PM
you mean a logical bill not getting pass? not our government.
IndiaTech @ Feb 27th 2008 4:51PM
I am soo expecting a Ted Stevans speech opposing this.
"Last Thrusday my staff went to buy a phone so that they could send me the intertubes. It took them 5 days to sign up.
Is this acceptable. NO!"
frozenrubber @ Feb 27th 2008 6:47PM
Honestly, this initiative would also make the government more accountable. This isn't about penalizing companies for their success (anti-free market)...but adding transparency.
Truth in fees and final bills is very important for consumers and it also highlights the amount of money that has been tacked on by state and federal authorities. The monthly charge service charge(s) should be posted as final price, not before taxes and fake regulatory fees. Hell, some companies are a few dollars more expensive than others because of their own inhouse fees (ah, the regulatory recovery fee...).
This doesn't hamstring companies (financially or in sacrificing sales), it just gives consumers better choices and transparency. Put aside partisan and idealogical differences aside, every taxpayer should support a government that gives you choice and transparency.
Jeebus @ Feb 28th 2008 1:35PM
So you don't like freedom? Freedom of a company to provide you with a shitty deal, and your freedom to reject that shitty deal? And the competitors' freedom to provide you with a better deal, and your freedom to still reject it as a shitty deal. Or perhaps take the deal because it's a good deal?
Yeah, let's legislate and regulate. Even more. More rules, more power to congress. Less freedom for the competitive forces to work out the best deals.