[PEN-L:8744] The perils of privatization

[Michael Perelman <michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Hoover wrote:

> 90% of US fire departments are comprised either entirely or mostly
> of volunteers (protecting 42% of nation's population)...of remainder,
> more than a few are operated on a contracting out, for-profit basis..
> .Rural/Metro of Scottsdale, AZ is 'industry' leader with more than
> 150 contracts with communities around the country (they've been in the
> fire protection 'business' for 50 years)...   Michael Hoover


Landes, David S. 1998. The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich
and Some So Poor (NY: W. W. Norton).    520: "In Ottoman Turkey, firefighting
was in the hand of private companies, who came running when the alarm sounded.
They competed with one another and negotiated price with house owners on the
spot.  As the negotiation proceeded, the fire burned higher and the stakes
diminished.  Or spread.  Neighbors had an interest in contributing to the pot.
'Twixt meanness and greed, many a house fire turned into mass conflagration."
--

Michael Perelman
Economics Department
California State University
michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chico, CA 95929
530-898-5321
fax 530-898-5901