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If the state wants to subsidize an industry for strategic reasons, that's the state's business. Tying it to ownership could scare away potential producers, and
by dehrmann 5y ago
If the state wants to subsidize an industry for strategic reasons, that's the state's business. Tying it to ownership could scare away potential producers, and it's a step towards a state-run enterprise. The US already subsidizes farms for food security; no one's saying it should take partial ownership of them because of that subsidy.
- specialist 5y agoAll of our modern standard of living traces back to initial govt investment. Govt routinely provides seed capital, grants, financing, patents, and other perks. Which then attracts private interests. Often jump starting entire sectors, creating new markets. Do you think we'd be enjoying solar boom today were it not for public investment?
- dehrmann 5y agoDoesn't mean the first instinct needs to be public ownership of it, though. The tax revenue will come on its own. > Do you think we'd be enjoying solar boom today were it not for public investment? This is somewhat awkward because it also wouldn't be where it's at today without cheap Chinese panels, and I doubt US tax subsidies would have been enough to make up for China's manufacturing expertise.