4 ms·

> Government can't solve the problem of externalities Do you enjoy the the benefits of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act? In your view, does governmen

> Government can't solve the problem of externalities Do you enjoy the the benefits of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act? In your view, does government at least partially solve the problem of some negative externalities? (Based on your bio, I assume you're in the US.)

pdonis 7y ago
> Do you enjoy the the benefits of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act? I like having clean water and clean air. That's why I have air filters in my house and don't drink tap water. > does government at least partially solve the problem of some negative externalities? Government can certainly change incentives in ways that will, at least temporarily, reduce particular negative externalities. But to say that "solves the problem" implies that, once that particular government solution is put in place, we can stop worrying about that particular negative externality and move on to ther things. I do not think that is the case.
- chishaku 7y ago
  > That's why I have air filters in my house and don't drink tap water. I'll assume this is a joke. > we can stop worrying about that particular negative externality I'm not sure who said this. In any case, we're all in agreement that the government plays a key role in addressing negative externalities.
  - pdonis 7y ago
    > I'll assume this is a joke. It's not. > I'm not sure who said this. I'm not sure what "solved" means if you still have to keep worrying about the negative externality. > we're all in agreement that the government plays a key role in addressing negative externalities. I don't think our agreement is as broad as you seem to think it is.
  - 8bitsrule 7y ago
    Maybe it's up to the servants to shop around for new filters and facemasks? I've been enjoying this quote for a week: "If you think the economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath while counting your money. - Guy McPherson"

pdonis 7y ago

> Do you enjoy the the benefits of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act? I like having clean water and clean air. That's why I have air filters in my house and don't drink tap water. > does government at least partially solve the problem of some negative externalities? Government can certainly change incentives in ways that will, at least temporarily, reduce particular negative externalities. But to say that "solves the problem" implies that, once that particular government solution is put in place, we can stop worrying about that particular negative externality and move on to ther things. I do not think that is the case.

chishaku 7y ago
> That's why I have air filters in my house and don't drink tap water. I'll assume this is a joke. > we can stop worrying about that particular negative externality I'm not sure who said this. In any case, we're all in agreement that the government plays a key role in addressing negative externalities.
- pdonis 7y ago
  > I'll assume this is a joke. It's not. > I'm not sure who said this. I'm not sure what "solved" means if you still have to keep worrying about the negative externality. > we're all in agreement that the government plays a key role in addressing negative externalities. I don't think our agreement is as broad as you seem to think it is.
- 8bitsrule 7y ago
  Maybe it's up to the servants to shop around for new filters and facemasks? I've been enjoying this quote for a week: "If you think the economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath while counting your money. - Guy McPherson"