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Comment by kstenerud

1 day ago

Or, you need to be pragmatic, realize that you're not gods and won't create a perfect system that can't be exploited, and instead tackle the issue from multiple angles while revising your approach as the exploiters attack.

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of good enough.

What are you trying to say here?

  • I'm saying that running a government is a lot like running a ship:

    You can't just let the currents and tidal forces ("the invisible hand") run the show unconditionally because even though they can propel you great distances at very low cost, they'll eventually throw you upon the reefs.

    And you can't just let the rowers and tillers (legislators & executive) run the show unconditionally because they'll end up exhausting themselves with little to show for it as they fight against the winds and currents when they should cooperate.

    It's a balancing act that requires some science, some experience, some luck, and a steady hand - and a capable and honorable captain and crew who believe in the mission.

    • I still don't follow.

      If I'm reading it right, and the prior context, we shouldn't allow private insurers to charge the prices they want for insurance?

      What do you want us to do? Ultimately someone has to pay for the bad outcomes happening here - either that's homeowners in risky areas, insurance shareholders or the general taxpayer, depending on where you fall.

      If you don't make the ultimate originators of the risk pay for it (people in risky areas) they won't stop doing the stupid thing and others will bear the cost. Arguably that is the greatest strength of the "free market" - directing the efforts of everyone in the same, positive, direction.

      2 replies →

    • Where do we find an honorable captain in this day and age? And how do we get them into the captain's seat?

"good enough" assumes a lot about the rules of the game here. Imagine, the game is: "heads I win, tails you lose" and then read your comment.

  • And these kinds of defeatist attitudes are what allow the bad guys to win.

    You either fight the good fight, or roll over and die. Your choice.

    • Who is more likely to act: who thinks it is “good enough” or “the game is rigged”?

Or, the market lets the gods do their work, rather than the government acting like one.

—esoteric capitalism