For the most part I think it is a fairly valid assumption. It lacks error handling. Many Americans care about their fellow human beings. The endeavor to help those who have made mistakes can be considered noble and merciful. Because all of us can and do make mistakes.
Utilities are an essential aspect of life.
They provide us those things that are necessary to function in society. Electricity, gas, telephone, cable, internet access. A popular trend in this country is to deregulate access when large companies have too much control over a utility. We wanted to deregulate the long distance telephone companies to give smaller companies a chance. Naturally the bigger companies are at an advantage to limit access to resources as higher demand creates bigger prices.