4 ms·

Taking private money and making it public for the purpose of combating a global crisis is objectively a good thing. Cynical paranoia is not helping.

• wolverine876 4y ago
  > Cynical paranoia is not helping. I agree. > Taking private money and making it public for the purpose of combating a global crisis is objectively a good thing. It doesn't necessarily work out that way. It can distort the market and consume resources. For example (and IIRC from a journal article about 10 years ago), in western Africa philanthropic funding from a foundation went toward treatment for a disease (AIDS?); their money bought up all the healthcare resources, including medical personnel, diverting them from where they could have saved more lives. More broadly, that much money is not just economic activity but also power, and it can be misused even with the best intentions.
  • tofuahdude 4y ago
    Is there any negative externality in this particular version? Opening a new school to educate future generations such that they contribute new solutions seems totally positive to me.
    • olivermarks 4y ago
      positive and thoughtful paranoia, not 'cynical'...capitalism...