Viewpoints
Why can governments have monopolies?
We are constantly hearing from those beacons of objectivity, the national
media, that our country must be saved from the evil monopolists like
Microsoft. Yet never a word is mentioned about our slower-than-Christmas
U.S. Post Office, a true monopoly, which has just announced yet another
price hike for first class mail.
Such price hikes are arbitrary, since, as a real monopoly, i.e., an entity
created by government fiat and control where competition is outlawed, the
U.S. Post Office is not subject to the demands of the market which determine
price fluctuations. But you can rest assured that Peter Jennings and Dan
Rather won’t get too upset over the Post Office raising prices for the
second time in as many years. They and their liberal and
economically-ignorant co-horts will be after those dreaded companies that
dare sell products for less money, attract a bigger market share, and are
therefore instantly labeled as “monopolists.”
 The expensive marketing campaign the Post Office is currently utilizing
(paid for by tax dollars, of course) uses the Seventies hit “Fly Like An
Eagle” as a slogan song. We at DBJ think that “Fly Like A Do-Do Bird” is
more like it.

The key is service
 Those of us who live and work in the Delta know that the cards are stacked
against us in many ways. Public opinion, even in our own state, is often
derogative toward us, and we face many difficult struggles that are unique
to our region. Light is at the end of the tunnel, however, as we are
currently seeing tremendous growth in the area, and a new sense of purpose
and resolve. Along with this resolve should be a recommitment, by all of us
in the business community, to service. By going the extra mile for our
customers, we can keep ourselves, our clients, and our customers, many of
whom are not natives, happy and wanting to spread the word about the service
that they received.
The Delta may have strikes against it; but we must not pass up a swing at
the ball by failing to provide great service at every opportunity. It’s such
a simple point, but so very crucial. We at the DBJ cover outstanding
businesses every month who do provide exemplary service. Let’s all keep it
up. The dividends will be tremendous, for profits, for image, and for our
whole community.
 

Getting out the vote
We at DBJ believe that getting out the vote is an important part of the
electoral process.  We believe, however, that that effort should begin many
months before election day and should consist of educating people about the
importance of their participation in the process, the issues at stake, and
the candidates who most nearly reflect the interests of the voter.
We are horrified by reports of outright bribery of ignorant people, by
semi-bribery by churches and other organizations who are not supposed to
participate at this level, and by illegal activities at or near polling
places.  We have, thank goodness, not heard of this occurring in the Delta
and hope that our citizens will continue to exercise their political rights
in a manner that will reflect honor on the most cherished process that we
have in this country, our right to democratic self-government.

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