For many years we have had the american view "big is beautiful", and in many cases it has been of value to compagnies to centralize and to join.
Mutual operation gives a more simple administration, and other benefits - OK.
As a result we get longer transportation (more pollution), products of worse standard (uniform produts).
When I was a boy one spoke of the vegetables of the season. This is all over, and now we have a huge amounts of vegetables all year - except they taste of nothing!
You can have italian food in Rio, Rome, Roskilde etc. all taste somewhat alike!
Where is variation?
The compagnies primary interest's is durability before taste!
Unemployment is another result of centralization!
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL!
Another thing - how does one control the huge multinational compagnies? - Answer - one doesn't!
What I mean to say - We must think about the underlying philosophy of society - of what we are doing, not only what is good here and now!
Update 17.02.2001