Quote:
Originally posted by sgtclub
Huh? I'm not sure what you mean by "net welfare gains," but wouldn't this just nullify any efficiencies gained? In other words, if you are suggesting that we redirect the gains don't we simply, at best, maintain the status quo?
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I'm saying that if the country as a whole is going to be 1000 utils better off as a result of Free Trade Plan A, we find a way to ensure that, say, 400 of those utils are directed to those who would otherwise be harmed by Free Trade Plan A. Say, job training, or cheap malt liquor. This would work better if we could figure out a better way to provide job training, or cheap malt liquor. Usually, the cheap stuff tastes cheap.
edited to add:
It seems obvious that this should happen because everyone would be better off. What is less obvious to me is why it doesn't happen. If free traders are so certain that their plan is the best, they should be willing to pay off the prospective losers to make it happen.
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