Why Is Denmark Happy?

None of these things is incompatible with a free-market economy (traditionally known as capitalism). They are exceptions to the rule of competition that can and should be made, because they are necessities and/or deemed essential to the public good. The rationale of public utilities’ being closely regulated is widely accepted. Capitalism can’t work if you don’t exempt necessities. How would you feel if you were too poor to buy fresh water and were therefore allowed to die of thirst? Well that’s what the know-nothings in Congress are trying to do to food, shelter, and healthcare.