Subsidies: Well then at least stop subsidizing the damnable biodiesel producers (/me dons flame-proof underwear). Re-Rant: I took a degree in economics, conclu

Subsidies: Well then at least stop subsidizing the damnable biodiesel producers (/me dons flame-proof underwear). Re-Rant: I took a degree in economics, concluded it was mathematical proof that economics is largely about whimsical playing with unrealistic models, and now deride (most) economists ;) The point of my post was mainly that beyond protecting basic institutions, much economic law-making does more harm than good, not through ill-intention but because economics does not predict well the effects of the laws, and when it does, the actions it suggests are rarely politically sexy. Conversely, intelligent law removal often does more good than harm. Reversing drugs policy, much of tax policy, much of foreign policy (why do we have so many bases in Germany again?), and policies that (as you so rightly say) "pick winners." These last are the most infuriating, as they are simultaneously destructive _and_ presumptuous.