Well, when &quot;things&quot; (regulation, or taxes, or transport, or transaction costs, or whatever) cost less, then more things become economically viable, <i>so more things happen</i>.  That is, the overall economy grows.<p>We&#x27;ve had a stagnant economy for the last 6 years (at least).  It is my impression that we have also had an increasing burden of regulation in that time.  Are they related?  I can&#x27;t prove it, but I suspect yes, at least to some degree.