[anamax]

> in a free market manufacturers are free to form a cartel and deny others the chance to enter into their market

How do they stop others from entering their market?

The typical means involves govt action....

When buying and selling is regulated, regulators are the first thing to be bought and sold.

[khafra]

The typical barrier to entry erected by many cartels in the US involves government action. The typical barrier to entry for non-regulated industries, like cocaine manufacture and exporting in Central America, involves firebombing a new market entrant's facilities and executing their families. Imperfect as it may be, I prefer the more heavily regulated version.

[anamax]

Surely you're not suggesting that the only alternative to allowing firebombing is govt regulation?

[newt0311]

" firebombing a new market entrant's facilities and executing their families."

Theft of life and property. Not exactly free market either.