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I’ll listen to people complain about how bad markets are, as soon as they cease exchanging what they value less, for something they value more. Edit: To clarif
by pjkundert 7y ago
I’ll listen to people complain about how bad markets are, as soon as they cease exchanging what they value less, for something they value more.
Edit: To clarify: when you claim markets are bad, maybe don't engage in "market" behavior for your own benefit, while encouraging the use of force to deny others the same benefits.
And, if you do believe in markets (as virtually everyone does, for themselves anyway, even avowed socialists and communists) -- but you have a problem with corrupt markets, then be specific. Say "I disagree with Mercantilism masquerading itself as a free marketplace", or "regulatory capture and rent seeking by those aligned with government is corruption".
Don't say stuff like ... this. It reduces your credibility.
- minikites 7y ago>I’ll listen to people complain about how bad markets are, as soon as they cease exchanging what they value less, for something they value more. Where does duress fit into your overly simplistic view of markets?
- pjkundert 7y agoBecause the only way to get people to stop naturally forming markets, is by force. Usually lethal, if history is any guide.
- minikites 7y agoSo the market is virtuous when it charges usurious prices for medicine because people are getting something they value more (their lives) in exchange for something they value less (literally anything else)?
- pjkundert 7y agoConflating the patent-protected status of medicines plus the spectacularly expensive FDA approval process, with a “market”, does not a powerful argument make... Don’t get me wrong. There may or may not be a bunch of things wrong with the highly regulated (read: lobbiest controlled) and inefficient (almost insurmountable barriers to entry) medical industry — but using that as an argument against “markets” in general? Weak.