From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Wed Jul 07 2004 - 20:24:19 BST
Hi Mel,
> It might be more valid to ask if you want to have a limited number of
> static markets weighed down by governmental employees who will only work so
> hard and don't really care, on the one hand? Or, do you want a more dynamic
> system of dynamic markets populated by more efficient visions and dedicated
> people who have a passion for realizing their small niches? (~70% of
> businesses)
Personally I prefer a dynamic system of dynamic markets with as little
government interference and intrusion as possible, which means practically
none. For people to realize their small niches, they must make a profit--a
dirty word to those inclined to think they know what's best for others and
have no compunctions imposing their views using the police powers of the
state.
> Most of the "sins" of capitalism quoted in the prior discussions were
> really just inferior and selfish uses of technology, which is equally bad
> in any system, or the will by a small group to dominate others with a power
> differential. This is always reprehensible under coercion whether as
> slave-wages in a depressed area or as political prisoners in a non-free
> system.
There's a significance difference between coercion of low wages and
coercion by a police state. Low wages are always relative. What may be low
in the U.S. may be high in Shrilanka. Police states, however, are the same
all over. They throw political opponents in jail or worse, Cuba being an
nearby example. (Slaves don't earn wages: everything they earn is taken
from them against their will.)
No matter how you slice it, the moral principles of dynamism and freedom
that take top billing in the MOQ are best served by free markets. Pirsig
says so in no uncertain terms.
Thanks for your contribution to the discussion. I look forward to more.
Best,
Platt
> Sorry it is so long winded, but I hope it helps stimulate comments on three
> points:
> dynamic vs static economics
> markets vs political authority
> nasty little pink/brown/yellow/gray monkeys that use the Internet and
> eat BIGMACS (sorry)
>
> thanks--mel
>
>
>
>
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