From: bowman@montana.com   
      
   On Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:53:07 -0000 (UTC), Lars Poulsen wrote:   
      
   > To get the local businesses healthy again, we need to have laws that   
   > help small business. Decades ago, many states implemented laws that   
   > required auto manufacturers to NOT own retail sales operations, and to   
   > set up franchises. In New Jersey, I think you are still not allowed to   
   > fill the gas tank on your car in a gas station, but MUST let an   
   > attendant do it. Yes, today it seems silly, and I am not sure these   
   > particlular laws make sense.Tesla broke the auto franchise model,   
   > and gas pump attendants make no sense in an EV world. But anti-trust   
   > enforcement against Google, Amazon etc makes as much sense as the   
   > breakup of Rockefeller's Standard Oil did.   
      
   The flip side is 30 years ago when all there was here was local businesses   
   the selection was limited. In a small market a business cannot afford an   
   extensive inventory. I remember going around town looking for the old   
   style compression fittings for copper tubing. All that was available were   
   the new style. Sporting goods were limited and REI was in Spokane. A   
   couple of music stores had guitars but if you wanted to have the ability   
   to compare brands, off to Spokane. Bicycles? Spokane.   
      
   Then the big box stores arrived along with Amazon. Yes, it hurt the local   
   businesses but most people don't want to go back. The local businesses   
   that survived have something unique to offer.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)