The Unbroken Window

I just read reports of rumors of merger talks between Ford and General Motors. Leaving aside my comments on the automobile sector, I’ll ask you this. Why is it that the justice department goes through such great lengths to prevent what it sees as “private monopolies” but is totally unconcerned with the granting of monopoly powers (with coercion) to the state? How would government provided health coverage differ in the eyes of the justice department? Oh, and if the feds are worried that GM-Ford would be too big, remind them of this.