[ExI] Medical Costs

[BillK]

On Feb 20, 2008 4:22 AM, Lee Corbin wrote:
<snip>
> Yes, in many ways it really is hard to compare different countries.
> For one thing, there are profound demographic differences. For
> another, the differing tax structures of the nations probably plays a
> big role: if a small enough percentage of the people pay almost all
> the taxes, then I have yet to hear of any mechanism---I repeat,
> my interest is in ideas, processes, incentives, etc.---that prevents
> a runaway self-immolation of the economy.  Unless, of course,
> the rich simply corrupt the process and hire the politicians directly,
> running roughshod over the electorate (but doing so covertly).
>


The problem with your interest in these mechanisms is that people are
just as irrational about money and economics as they are about
everything else. A popular mechanism that moves a nation to do
something is very likely to be irrational.

The best solution for 'X' will be totally shunned if it is the wrong
colour or someone heard a rumour that it causes cancer.


BillK