In addition to my previous comment -- I think you are also including the idea of the
market as an institution for rationing scarce goods, as problem of information. Again
I would submit that while the market does fulfill this function, it is not the only
institutional arrangement that can accomplish this. In fact for basic needs it does it
in an "inefficient" manner. I.e., it tends to distribute in an uneven and unfair
manner. Over supplying to some and under supplying to others.
If rationing is required, I think that we can design other institutions that do the
job better than the market can. Hence my advocacy (and I think Jim's) of democratic
control.
Rod
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> > No, we are not against democracy. But we have to recognize that not all its
>effects are wholly good in every context. In the context of planning, democarcy would
>make the calculation problem worse by amplifying the information distortions it
>involves. Democracy is not part of the solution to the calculation problem. That is
>not a reninciation of democracy. It is a criticism of a proposed solution to a
>problem with planning. Am I speaking Latin or something, why is this simple stuff so
>hard to understand? I thought you guys were economists. --jks
> >
>
> --
> Rod Hay
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> The History of Economic Thought Archive
> http://socserv2.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/index.html
> Batoche Books
> http://Batoche.co-ltd.net/
> 52 Eby Street South
> Kitchener, Ontario
> N2G 3L1
> Canada
--
Rod Hay
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
The History of Economic Thought Archive
http://socserv2.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/index.html
Batoche Books
http://Batoche.co-ltd.net/
52 Eby Street South
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 3L1
Canada
