--- Gus diZerega <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> on 9/5/02 9:55 AM, Steve Verdon at [log in to unmask] wrote:
>
> > Well okay. But when we are talking about $350 billion (yes, I am
> > aware that number is not accepted by all) shouldn't we at least
> > consider some of the other alternatives? Especially since many
> of
> > the decision makers are in a position to pursue those
> alternatives.
> >
> > To use Gus' example. I wouldn't know where to begin to send the
> $20
> > bucks for a movie (admission and goodies) to benefit the starving
> > child. And even if I did know where it'd take some time for the
> > funds to get to the agency, to cash the check, and to get
> supplies to
> > wherever the the starving child is. So my not walking into the
> > movies will not prevent a child from starving...at that time.
>
> Same point exactly.
>
> Assuming it is $350 billion (corporations are at least as dishonest
> as
> government about the costs of doing what they don't want to do as
> was
> evidenced for anyone with a memory when the auto industry said it
> could not
> afford to install catalytic converters on cars w/out making them
> inordinately expensive) the money is NOT being proposed for any of
> those
> nice things Lomborg offers as alternatives. They are very unlikely
> to be
> real opportunity costs.
>
> For all we know, it will be used instead to buy more SUVs, drugs,
> second
> homes (that disrupt rural communities) and similar goodies.
> Actually, given
> the politics of the people who like Lombord the most, that is a
> more likely
> use of the $350 billion than any of the good things he mentions.
Tsk, tsk Gus. I like Lomborg, but I don't plan on buying a second
home for some time. I'm just happy I can afford the small house I
currrently have! As for drugs, what the heck are you talking
about?!?!?
> I'd rather spend the $350 billion on mitigating CO2 emissions.
Ahh, yes, but isn't that using your own personal welfare function?
;-)
Steve
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