gavinfielder
DP Veteran
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- Sep 24, 2012
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- Libertarian - Left
In another discussion the idea was brought up of building infrastructure in poor, undeveloped countries.
How much do we like this idea?
First of all, let's set the parameters of a hypothetical program.
Before you respond, please make sure you understand this. Arguing about government spending is completely inane because the government prints money (at least, the US government does, and most here are in the US)--now, this proposal is a much more economically complex idea because it potentially involves somehow controlling inflation in two different economies at once. That's what we need to be thinking about.
And also, of course, its effects on our economy, the foreign nation's economy, how many people it would employ, and whether or not it's simply a good thing to do. Costs and benefits.
How much do we like this idea?
First of all, let's set the parameters of a hypothetical program.
- The materials for all construction projects, when possible, MUST be provided by private companies of the program's home country. This ensures that the money spent on resources for the program will be put back into the home country's economy, and it also ensures that the project won't consume all of the foreign nation's limited resources.
- Adequate food must be provided by the home country, preferably also by private companies--at the sites, of course, trading, buying, or selling food with locals would be fine.
- The program must only employ citizens of the home country, and for each a limited amount of time.
- The form and method of payment of workers is up for discussion--that's a complex issue.
Before you respond, please make sure you understand this. Arguing about government spending is completely inane because the government prints money (at least, the US government does, and most here are in the US)--now, this proposal is a much more economically complex idea because it potentially involves somehow controlling inflation in two different economies at once. That's what we need to be thinking about.
And also, of course, its effects on our economy, the foreign nation's economy, how many people it would employ, and whether or not it's simply a good thing to do. Costs and benefits.
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