4 ms·
Before the neoliberal revolution globally, and the Thatcher+Reagan dogma, there was an awful lot that was not about profit that did not require a communist stat
by NeedMoreTea 8y ago
Before the neoliberal revolution globally, and the Thatcher+Reagan dogma, there was an awful lot that was not about profit that did not require a communist state. Things were done "for the good of the nation/town", or just because it was thought good to do. The NHS was not about profit. Flowers outside the town hall were not about profit. Nor were youth clubs, libraries, parks or a free town swimming pool.
It is the fashion, and it is a fashion, for small government that comes with neoliberalism which has made everything about profit. Most countries (as opposed to shareholders) are worse off in many ways as a result. Not every state sale provided benefit, nor every privatised industry more efficient.
I fully agree that pricing in externalities and environmental costs should be in all goods. Nothing to do with profit though. It's the only way to compare in a market economy. I also tend to sympathy with Keynes in aspiring for a middle ground somewhere between rampant market dystopia and communist dystopia.
- frankbreetz 8y agoI agree with you completely. Imagine if Libraries didn't already exist and the US Government tried to implement a Public Library. Fox New would have a field day.
- maxxxxx 8y agoGood point. Or think about the Interstate system. No way the country could so such a thing today.
- frosted-flakes 8y agoInter-state what? Trading? Highways?
- frankbreetz 8y agoI think he meant Interstate highways, such a large infrastructure project would be impossible to get through congress today. I hope that the attitude towards these types of projects change soon. America could be such a better place if we could invest in our infrastructure and citizens
- maxxxxx 8y agoI think stuff like this is what made America great so the MAGA guys should be all for it.
- maxxxxx 8y agoHighways.
- Kaiyou 8y agoYou mean like free software/open-source? Don't know about other people, but I don't tend to leave my home all that much, so flowers outside town hall, clubs, libraries etc. are all things I don't care all that much for. Maybe that has to do with it.