A Defense of Monopolies

Essay # 62944

Business > Companies
Law > Business
Political Science > Fiscal Policy (economy)

A defensive look at monopolies, using the anti-trust case against Microsoft as a primary example.

2,252 words () | 14 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how there has always been a certain degree of mistrust against monopolistic corporate powers. Because of this mistrust, the federal government has passed many laws meant to prevent the formation of monopolies; however, these laws have unfortunately ignored the many benefits that monopoly powers often carry. The paper points out that Microsoft, for example, is a company that stimulated the economy beyond measure--yet they've been persecuted more than many companies. The writer takes a look at why monopolies like Microsoft are good, not bad, for the United States.

From the Paper:

"Uttering the word "monopoly" is sure to illicit a positive response--because that word will unequivocally bring to mind the famous Parker Brothers board game which bears that name. However, if one were to clarify that they were in fact not referring to the beloved game but rather to a real-life monopoly--say, a gargantuan corporate power like Microsoft--then suddenly that grin of nostalgic delight will be replaced by a sneer of unbridled disgust. Indeed, it's a safe bet to say that monopolies engender the worst possible connotations among the minds of the general populace. Images will immediately come to mind of sneaky-looking CEOs with moneybags in each hand, a cigar sticking out either side of their mouth, and dollar bills bursting out their pockets. The natural assumption is that these corporate fat cats have earned their dirty money by exploiting consumers and forcing out all the good little entrepreneurs just trying to bring some honest competition to the table. Even though the public perception is that monopolies are overly greedy, bad for the economy, and just plain evil in general, the fact is that monopolies are often not inherently evil, but are rather pioneers in their respective industries that provide invaluable jobs, stimulate economic growth, and simply do not deserve the bad wrap that they so often get."