Economics Questions

Re: Public / Private Chimeras

ryanpatgray — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:03:27 GMT

Jon Irenicus:

One thing to take into consideration is the meaninglessness of the terms "private" and "public" in this connection. As Mises pointed out, there's "private" property under fascism, but it's so heavily regulated and controlled by the government that it effectively its direction is in its hands.

-Jon

Good point and a "Government Sponsored Enterprise" is nothing if it is not fascist.

Re: Public / Private Chimeras

Jon Irenicus — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:03:03 GMT

One thing to take into consideration is the meaninglessness of the terms "private" and "public" in this connection. As Mises pointed out, there's "private" property under fascism, but it's so heavily regulated and controlled by the government that it effectively its direction is in its hands.

-Jon

Re: Public / Private Chimeras

ryanpatgray — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:51:04 GMT

Jon Irenicus:

Perhaps they're more efficient in the production of bads.

-Jon

Or goods if you happen to receive their bribes - I mean campaign contributions.

Re: Public / Private Chimeras

Jon Irenicus — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:13:55 GMT

Perhaps they're more efficient in the production of bads.

-Jon

Public / Private Chimeras

ryanpatgray — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:11:30 GMT

The debate about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae has made me wonder about a more general question in economics. Are public / private chimeras generally less efficient (or, if you prefer this wording: do they make less-wise decisions?) than entirely government enterprises?