Another example of why I'm not entirely libertarian: I really think we need to limit tort liability. Libertarians advocate a reduction in government regulation and claim that people will regulate their own activities if we have a strong court system that allows them to sue each other for civil damages. For example, we wouldn't need building codes if building owners could be effectively sued for damages when their buildings collapse on people. Such a suit could be brought now, but would likely lose if the buildings met whatever codes have been established by the government; under the libertarian system, the plaintiff would always win such a case based on the facts in evidence -- your building collapsed, ergo it was not built properly and you owe me money.
The multitude of problems with our medical malpractice system belies the theory behind this sort of regulation through unlimited tort. Jurors, unfortunately, don't appear to be smart enough or dedicated enough to make wise decisions in these matters, and their judgements are driving health costs through the roof and putting doctors out of business. Just as over-regulation can strangle an industry, so can trial lawyers and plaintiffs looking to win the legal lottery.
Unfortunately the building codes do not prevent a building from having a catastrophic failure, if the builder chooses to ignore the codes or the codes are flawed or some other factor enters in (environmental regulations trumping engineering).
Technically, the WTC would either have stayed up longer and/or had significantly less damage internally if environmental regulations had not hampered fireproofing *and* if the interior core had been encased in cinderblock instead of simply sheetrock on studs.
Controlling the amount of water a toilet uses to flush *is* insane. Its not that the government regulates that pisses me off -- its the fact that government attempts to regulate EVERYTHING. Why do I need a nutrition label on a bag of M&Ms? Duh diabetic people it has sugar, its CANDY. Eating a giant hamburger instead of a modest salad should be an obvious health risk without a giant HEALTH CHART on the wall at McDonalds.
The more government regulates the less brainwork is required to be a citizen and the lower the personal responsibility for living your life, damn sheeple. Libertarianism is just another ideology taken to an extreme.
Neo: I don't like over-regulation either, but I have to specifically and strongly disagree with both of your examples. Laws requiring corporations to provide information to their customers are one of the few types of regulations that are necessary. Otherwise consumers can't make informed choices.