What is an ‘unfortunate manifestation of free enterprise’ in business?

3 Comments on "What is an ‘unfortunate manifestation of free enterprise’ in business?"

1. sharon s

   says:

   March 23, 2013 at 12:58 pm

   I first simplified the question to be “What can happen or has happened that is bad as a result of our free enterprise system (capitalism)?”
   The first thing that came to mind is the current situation with mortgages, where thousands of people are losing their homes now due to foreclosure. For several years, mortgage companies relaxed their guidelines, competing with each other. These relaxed guidelines meant sloppier underwriting, and many people were allowed to take mortgages out on homes that they couldn’t actually afford by means of things like “stated income loans” where borrowers dont have to actually prove their income, and “adjustable rate mortgages” where the interest rate of the loan is fixed for the first couple of years but then increases, making the payments much higher.
   Then a couple of things happen, among others. The economy starts getting shaky and companies close their doors, putting people with these mortgages out of jobs and no means to pay their mortgage. At the same time, the prices of real estate decline and these people cant even sell their homes for what they owe on them. Mortgage companies tighten their guidelines and even if those people can sell their homes, there are few buyers that are eligible for mortgages.
   All of these things happening, I would consider as “manifestation”. Hope this helps.

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2. Eve says:

   March 23, 2013 at 12:12 pm

   People getting involved, at lot. into a “free” enterprise business. Manifesation. like fleas to something that is free.

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3. Dizzy Izzy says:

   March 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

   Ceos stealing our pensions.

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