[PEN-L:8746] Re: The perils of privatization

[Eugene Coyle <eugenecoyle@xxxxxxx>]

There are (or have been in recent memory) private fire companies serving
geographical areas.  People who want protection pay in advance and a plaque is
mounted on the house.  No plaque, no fire-fighting.  Houses have been allowed to
burn down while the firemen stood by.

Gene Coyle

Michael Perelman wrote:

> 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