What does a democratic capitalist society do when it nationalizes a company or an industry?
This country is no stranger to nationalizing private property.
A few examples:
WWI and WWII we have examples of companies that were confiscated.
The drug company Bayer (aspirin)Was taken over in WWII. Returned to shareholders in the 1960s. The company prospered under US Government ownership and Stockholders profited as well.
GAF, formerly known as General Alanine and Film Company, today known for roofing products, but in WWII it was critical in making war materiel. Also, returned to stockholders in a very profitable transaction benefiting both Government and Shareholders.
AT&T was taken over in WWI under the guise of a "critically needed for national defense". Returned to shareholders after the war with enhancements.
And
All the major railroads in the USAin 1917 were taken over by the Gov't during WWI because there developed huge logjams on the rails due to incompatibility and lack of interchangeability of equipment between the different RRs. Returned in 1921, to owners after more than a $100 Million in US taxpayers' money ($10B today's $s)to improve the system.
Now, F&F have to be dealt with.
If, our legal system still works on precedent, then we have a great investment on our end. If, however, we let greedy private self-interest groups get it, we are screwed. Look up CSX takeover of Conrail under Dubye 2001.
PS I really don't want to be the only poster on this board. Anyone here can disagree and bring their input into the discussion.
