Comment 31885

By mikeonthemountain (registered) | Posted June 18, 2009 at 16:02:35

"As to your point about clean water, community health, etc, being important, it is. Does the government need to provide these things?"

In the case of the Commons, government MUST provide a framework laws, and funding if necessary, to facilitate this, yes. In fact that is the whole point of HAVING a government of any kind. To maintain order with respect to whatever is considered the Commons. Otherwise what is the difference compared to anarchy.

The definition of Commons is whatever is shared and of value to everyone. In private control, the few who do not care will ruin the commons for everyone. The entire twentieth century is an example of this - just about every large corporation finds it easier and more profitable to pollute (externalize their negative effects). Unless you just returned from a deep space voyage, you know what corporations and deregulation (private for profit interests) have done to the environment. You know the saying "the right tool for the right job"? Government is the tool that is designed to get these protections met. Private might or might not get it done. A paperclip might or might not turn a philips screw. Again, right tool for the right job.

The reciprocal is true. Private investment provides TONS of benefits that government cannot. Absolutely, variety, diversity, and healthy competition yield countless positives that government is not the right tool for.

Thus it is all about balance. Oh yeah and agreement, sensibility, and genuine concern.

Permalink | Context

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds