Worth looking at what the mega lock was designed to be, what it might even have briefly been, before it became what it is. How can we create places to live in which don’t degrade (in every sense of the word)?

So can we please all recognise that privatisation does not and CANNOT work for essential utilities, and supposed evidence to the contrary either has such tight regulation it is effectively state-run, or the company is drawing such huge taxpayer subsidies it is effectively state-supported.

Furthermore, the much-vaunted “efficiencies” that privatised companies bring are myths. Reducing the headcount below a workable level and neglecting essential maintenance and investment (beyond one or two showpiece projects designed to deflect criticism) is NOT efficient in the desired sense.

All of this could (and was) predicted by anyone who understands the incentives in capitalism and the kind of people who thrive in it. Tory MPs who voted to remove discharge restrictions and were then *shocked* when water companies exploited it should never have been near power.

Have you no shame? Have you at long last no shame?

dailyboulder.com/report-votin...

They couldn’t risk another General Smedley Butler, although they were allowed to get away with it then, too.