Reuters.com has a piece discussing how former Governor Willard Romney apparently targeted some industries and business for relocation to and success in Massachusetts. See the informative article here.
Mr. Romney and the Republicans have criticized President Obama for picking alternative energy favorites such as Solyndra. Should government target certain companies for success? How about industries? Should broadband receive favored treatment versus agriculture? Should promotion of commerce be defined by providing incentives for favored firms?
Or should government focus on making sure infrastructure is in place to attract and channel commerce. Instead of betting on whether company XYZ will succeed, government can focus on determining what upgrades in education and facilities it will need in order to attract the private sector. Does that sound like a more reasonable bet to make?