>
> On Mar 1, 2008, at 6:52 AM, Gerhard Fiedler wrote:
>
> Apptech wrote:
>
>> Next add the true costs of any indemnities offered against  
>> prosecution or
>> liability. These are easily priced by estimating what price the  
>> market
>> insurers would charge for them. if no insurers would front up at any
>> cost it's not a viable industry - or so the market forces people  
>> would
>> tell me. Why wouldn't I choose to believe them in this case ?
>
> I always get a strange feeling when the same people who just a few  
> minutes
> ago told me that the superiority of the capitalist system lies in  
> trusting
> the wisdom of "the masses" (whose actions determine the price of  
> everything
> in such a system) are now telling me that it's the stupidity of  
> "the [same]
> masses" that prevents the superior solution of the problem of the day.
>
> I guess you can't have it both ways. If you think it's because of the
> stupidity of "the masses" that the superior solution of our energy  
> problems
> isn't viable and you think this should be changed, then I think  
> this has
> consequences that go far beyond energy policy.
>
> Gerhard

If I was talking about capitalism, I guess I would say that the  
wisdom of it stems from many personal choices.  The stupidity of the  
masses comes from "mob rule" ( aka democracy ).  When I shop at the  
store, I am not told what to buy. ( Capitalism proving many  
individual, free choices )  When I go to build a house ; I am told by  
the mob where I can build, what materials I can use, what  
construction methods I can use, how many people can live in  
it , ...... Most of these rules are in place so mini-dictators can  
get their jollies.  This is when the "stupidity of the masses is  
apparent."  Mob rule also perpetuates " the tragedy of the commons"  
since mob rule creates "commons" with abandon.  I can discourse more  
on this if you wish.  So rather than "have it two ways", I would  
argue you conflate individual choice with mob rule.
cc


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