In a message dated 7/31/02 12:09:35 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Howdy, Does anybody think that the amount or pattern of support for farm subsidies would change if the average American were "better informed?" (I know, I know, "better informed" is awfully value laden and implies a Philistine-ish public, I'm just not sure how to phrase it.) By better info I mean deeper understanding of int'l trade economics along with more complete knowledge of amounts spent and the patterns of spending and per capita costs, etc. (And anything else you feel is important.) >> While it might be "value-laden" (by which I take it you mean laden with value judgements) it might also simple be descriptive. Isn't it Public Choice economists who coined the term "rational ignorance" to describe the situation in which it would cost the average taxpayer more to get better informed than he could thereby save himself in taxes he could thereby prevent (or prevent from being raised, or get lowered)? Sincerely, David Levenstam
