Sunday, November 8, 2009

Free market socialism

So, here's an idea I've had for a while now. I'm not sure why I've never heard anybody else espouse a similar idea. It's probably unworkable or infeasible for some reason or another, but that doesn't usually stop people from supporting an idea.

The fundamental idea is that the free market is the most efficient way to distribute goods that are scarce and luxuries. But it's not so good at distributing necessities it usually - it's vulnerable to price gouging and leaving people without the bare necessities. Socialism and welfare are good ways to ensure that people have what they need, but can stifle innovation.

So, my idea is a combination of the two. The government provides to all of its citizens the bare necessities of life. Things it already provides, education, police, firefighters, etc. And things it doesn't, like healthcare, simple food and housing and things like that.

Everything else - cars, computers, fancy food and housing, etc. - can be provided in a free market with little regulations, primarily for health and environmental concerns. 

5 comments:

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  3. This exists in America to a far lesser and shittier extent. Medicare, Medicaid, VA, Section 8 housing, The answer is pure and complete socialism.

    And would you really want your food produced with as few regulations as possible? Upton Sinclair's The Jungle made it clear how the free market deals with the meatpacking industry/ We've already seen how the free market deals with environmental concerns: They don't give a shit

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  4. The free market and socialism absolutely cannot exist in the same sphere

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  5. But welfare in America provides only partial necessities, and only to some people. I propose that total universal welfare.

    As for food regulation, most of that falls under health and safety. Food regulation would mostly be the same as it is now.

    And no, the free market does give a shit about the environment. That's why the government should regulate it. And not just roll over for corporations which is what it does now.

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