CEI Daily Update
Issues in the News
1. BUSINESS
The Federal Communication Commission prepares to overturn contracts between cable companies and apartment building managers.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Policy Analyst Michelle Minton on why the FCC is going down the wrong path:
“Halloween will be a little scarier this year. Along with the other horrifying regulations on this Wednesday’s schedule we can now add a new law that would allow the FCC to expand its powers by preventing and striking down exclusivity deals between apartment owners and cable television providers. The FCC claims exclusivity deals are anti-competitive, keeps cable costs high, and strips renters of their ability to choose cable providers. If this rule was applied only to public housing, they may have a point, but the FCC wants to prevent private building owners from making these deals, and potentially striking down contracts that are already in place—a move that would be far over-stepping the FCC’s current scope of powers. And while the new regulations probably won’t slash the cost of cable, it will take a swipe at the already tattered list of landlords’ rights.”
2. ENVIRONMENT
Firefighters in southern California continue the fight to contain several wildfires.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Center for Entrepreneurship Director John Berlau on conditions that have increased the fire risk:
“Environmental mandates have made fire safety for humans take a back seat to the well-being of the aforementioned California creatures, as well as that of every bug and rat lucky enough to be listed as an ‘endangered species’ under federal and state law. For over a decade, environmentalists have hamstrung Californians in their efforts to clear the dry brush that is providing the fuel for this massive fire. If any of these endangered or even ‘threatened’ species are found in shrubs or bushes on public or private property, it becomes very difficult to give this vegetation even the slightest haircut. This is true even if city codes require firebreaks to be built.”
3. ECONOMICS
Protestors in Washington, D.C. denounce World Bank and International Monetary Fund policies, including privatization of government services.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Senior Fellows Iain Murray and Eli Lehrer on the advantages of privatization:
“Throughout the world, it has become clear that private enterprise generally outperforms government in providing a large number of services. Not everything currently public can or should be made private, but a growing body of research indicates that government works best when it draws on the private sector to deliver services.”
Blog feature: For more news and analysis, updated throughout the day, visit CEI’s blog, Open Market.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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