How Would You Spend It?

June 29, 2006

Sure, you can always think of a subjectively better way to spend other peoples’ money. It usually involves you, being a recipient thereof.

The old argument resurfaces in todays Detroit Free Press, Desiree Cooper would like to play the role of central planner with Warren Buffets multi-billion dollar philanthropic donation:

“I’m dazzled by the possibilities for world transformation. But when I see the money going toward stemming the AIDS crisis in Botswana or immunizing children in Third World countries, I want to holler, “Yo! We’re right here in your own backyard! … So we’ve [Detroiters] proven that we can overcome. We don’t need a handout, just someone to help us fill in the deep hole of misery so that we can rebuild on level ground.”

Ummm, wouldn’t that be a handout?

Anyways, Ms. Cooper proceeds with a laundry list of ways which Detroit could spend the money on projects that of course, in her opinion, would be better than whatever the Gates foundation will do with the money. Michigan’s, and more precisely, Detroit’s problems are terribly structural. It is the end result of putting all one’s eggs in one basket.

Detroit, however, has proved over and over again that it is far from competent.

Here’s a question for all would be central planners: What do you think a central planner would do with you?

Does it bear any semblance to what you’d prefer to do, given the freedom to choose your own fate? If you’re being honest with yourself, and the concept of central planning, it ought not. So given that you’d rather make your own decisions, there’s a great logical disconnect between that line of reasoning, and the idea that someone, somewhere could make better decisions with regards to other peoples’ livelihood.


Posted in: Potpourri

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