I think the common ground in these "govt regulations" versus "free market" arguments is that both sides want to see transparency, encourage consumer choice and

I think the common ground in these "govt regulations" versus "free market" arguments is that both sides want to see transparency, encourage consumer choice and avoid monopolies; it's the means that's disagreed upon. > second the industry can lobby to buy regulations and fix the conditions so it won't have to be transparent This seems to be most of a problem in the US, where money has such a direct influence on government. This doesn't mean that all govt is bad; it means that corrupt govt is bad. To use your New Zealand example, they have arguably the most advanced and representative democratic system in existence. I think this helps limit antisocial corporate pressure (aka corruption) on their government regulations.