Not that it is the epitome of free-markets in action, however it arguably still retains some semblance of competition as the firms must satisfy the wants of each consumer in order to stay in business (bailouts notwithstanding). And believe it or not, but in contrast with the socialized space flight industry, the domestic airline carriers in America have a nearly flawless safety record — due in large part because they have an incentive not to blow up their customers:
Our safety record has been almost impeccable. Some 30,000 commercial aircraft depart each day in the U.S., carrying around two million people, and virtually every one of them arrives safely. The last accident involving a U.S. major carrier was almost six years ago — the longest such stretch in the industry’s history. There are now twice as many jetliners, carrying twice as many people, as there were a quarter century ago. Yet as a percentage of total flights, the accident rate has fallen sharply. Training and technology are the drivers here, and they continue to improve. Accidents will never be eliminated entirely, but in ten years we can expect to be looking at statistics that are no less impressive, or possibly better.
If the airline or auto industry was socialized (i.e., nationalized), would you still risk your life and limb traveling on the roads or in the sky? If not, then why would you support a socialized road system or a monopoly on space flight; neither of which has the monetary incentive not to kill their customers, let alone employees? [Note: this also ignores the small little detail that the taxpayer is coerced into subsidizing and financing these state-run entrepreneurial endeavors] See also: A World Without NASA and Private Roads: 1 2 3 4
