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you go first. More can be done with less and that sort of improvement is happening all of the time. freedom and innovation is the solution, not limiting peopl
by stretchwithme 16y ago
you go first.
More can be done with less and that sort of improvement is happening all of the time. freedom and innovation is the solution, not limiting people's freedom
when I see tiny, populated, resource-poor, rich countries, its clear to me that trade and the rule of law are the solution to a great many problems many insist are unsolvable in other places that lack freedom
The situation you describe where deals are made with foreign corporations for control of resources are typically made by governments that have such control themselves. when resources are controlled by individuals in a competitive market, its very difficult for corporations, foreign or domestic, to bribe officials to sell out for far less than a resource is actually worth
- rdtsc 16y agoI think you both failed to make a distinction between resources necessary for life and optional resources. When it comes to water, healthcare, minimum daily amount of food, leaving that up to the market (especially one where monopolies form over time, and I believe monopolies will form in any "free" market over time) is tantamount to a country abusing their own population and shows a disregard for human life. When it comes to designer clothes, jewelry, eating out, entertainment, sure let the market work its "magic". When it comes to peoples' lives, the market will not put their interests first and a "free" market will end up producing lots of suffering for lots of people. Also it is worth pointing out that a centrally planned economy is also not an option. The answer if probably somewhere in the middle.
- jacquesm 16y agoSorry if it came across like that, I thought we were discussing water, which is pretty much the example of resources necessary for life (the others being air and staple foods). Trinkets and cell phone subscriptions are a different matter. (and in the case of cell phone subscriptions you could even wonder if the market is doing its work or not).
- rdtsc 16y agoOops didn't mean to derail the topic. You made a good point with which I agree. I just wanted to add how in one case government intervention is needed while in the other case it would be detrimental (think international tariffs on specific models and types of cars, etc.)