Regulation is the exercise of power

Comment at TRNN:

Regulation is a tool and exercise of power. There will always be winners and losers whenever something is regulated... so regulation tends to further empower the already powerful. Much of regulation is related to control of information - this video is about information pertaining to drug safety. Safety regulations also involve information in that public knowledge (information) would be a source of public pressure to correct violations or improved consumer confidence in a service or product. To resolve the constant calls for regulation & deregulation (there's no difference if government is involved), transparency gives power to individuals (worker & consumers choose their employers & consumption with full knowledge).  

BTW, regulation & deregulation is not bad in itself. It's bad because they concentrate power and power is the root of much evil.

Similar comment at Truthout:

Regulation are tools of the powerful. In the rare occasions the larger public has more power, they are written to benefit the public. Unfortunately, more often than not, the rich have more power and they both rewrite regulation *and* change the rules of enforcement to benefit themselves. A major tactic is secrecy and control of information, both enemies of democracy. Transparency and informed choice gives power to the voter/buyer, not the candidate/seller.