CSM on UL's private market regulation

The news is otherwise filled with stories of how the markets "failed" and the need for more (governmental) regulation.  Congrats then to the Christian Science Monitor article for pointing out a great example of the private market regulation by United Laboratories (UL).

"Every product they test is at the request, and the expense, of its manufacturer, who seeks out UL not because it has to--no federal law mandates safety tests for most items--but because it's cheaper and easier than a product-injury lawsuit, Drengenberg says.  In fact, most retailers won't stock a product that hasn't been safety tested.  But it's all voluntary, a tidy case study of the free market at its best: bottom-line drivers of consumer good."

A Grass Roots Petition: "Wishing Ron Well"

Please sign this grassroots petition on iPetitions.com

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Dear Dr. Paul,

We, the undersigned, have given our all for you: our time, our treasure, our energy, our creativity… and our hearts. We, your philosophical children, want to let you know we are loyal to the cause of liberty and that we remember you and Carol, your contributions and your tireless efforts. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have rallied to your message with incredible zeal and unabashed devotion.

Murray Rothbard detailed how America was conceived in the flame of liberty, which has flickered over the years, only to be rekindled in every darkest hour by heroic men like you. Bob Taft’s 1940, 1944 and 1952 primary efforts lit the sparks for Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign and later the movement to elect Ronald Reagan governor of California and eventually President. Sadly, the Dewey/Rockefeller wing of the Party—that defeated Taft and kept Reagan off the ticket in 1976—now dominates in an unholy alliance with those “draped in a flag and carrying a cross.”

But you, our good doctor, have cured our apathy and given us “Hope for America." You have resuscitated the Freedom Wing of the Party and rekindled the torch of liberty. That torch has lit a thousand small candles in the grassroots institutions spawned by your campaign’s success thus far. For that alone, you have earned your rightful place in the pantheon of liberty’s heroes.

Your Campaign is the pilot light keeping these candles burning. We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices you have made and for your ongoing leadership in the service of freedom. Since you seem to appreciate J.R.R. Tokien's The Lord of the Rings (“the media toadies, warmongers, and Wall Street rip-off artists … always remind me of Tolkien's Orcs”), remember Lady Galadriel’s warning to Frodo: “To bear a Ring of power is to be alone. This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will.”

We admire you deeply for your personal integrity, your consistency and your loyalty to the cause of liberty. We are proud to stand with you and will do whatever we can to help your Campaign realize its full potential in winning both votes and minds. As we prepare for the February 5 "Megaprimary," we remember the rousing battle cry given by Tolkien's hero Aragorn: "The day may come when the courage of Men fails; when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship; but it is not this day—an hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the Age of Man comes crashing down—but it is not this day! This day, we fight!"

In admiration and respect, we are:
The Loyal Soldiers of the Ron Paul rEVOLution