According to economist George Stigler, the process of regulating firms with market power becomes suspect over time. Why?
◦ Regulators impose additional costs on regulated firms because they are expected to accomplish other social goals.
◦ Regulated firms devise methods to circumvent the regulations.
◦ Regulation leads to corruption of political parties.
◦ Regulators shift from protecting the consumer to protecting the regulated firm from competition.
◦ Regulated firms are allowed to expand into other markets and drive out competing firms.