When should the government enter a "private" market opportunity? I think the answer is "Only when necessary to advance the public good." It seems people want t

When should the government enter a "private" market opportunity? I think the answer is "Only when necessary to advance the public good." It seems people want to have one model or the other ALWAYS. But it is not that easy. We don't want firefighters being a private business because a house would burn before you can pay for the service. Or police: the service is typically needed where those with least ability to pay live. However, it also does not follow that government should enter, say, into the haircut business or the fashion business. But the simple "threat" that it would be possible should send the message to private participants that service at reasonable cost is expected in some markets. To the extent that access to information and communication is a necessary requirement in the Republic, then it seems to me that it is the government role to ensure this. EDIT: I wonder at what level though. It seems that if the service is necessary, local initiatives have the least chance to be successful. Maybe this is one of those projects where states have a better chance.