![]() ![]() Similarly, politicians who vow to protect the freedom to own all types of firearms are implicitly condoning the death of innocent people through lax gun laws. It may also mean that the national debt will increase, imposing a heavy burden on future generations. The fact is, increased spending on medical care, defense, education and so on guarantees that fewer taxpayer dollars and government resources will be available for other initiatives. Nor do they discuss how their proposed policy would interact with other policies and issues. None of them mentions the possible tradeoffs or costs related to each new policy. Each expresses a view on a single position and promises to do "everything possible" to enact it. We will argue that all these politicians are lacking in wisdom. What is your opinion of the candidates who hold these positions? Do they strike you as wise? Near-Pareto improvements include policy changes that create vast benefits for some and comparatively trivial losses for others. Undoubtedly, some of these positions appeal to you more than others. If elected, I will do everything possible to enact an across-the-board fifteen percent tax reduction. If elected, I will do everything possible to protect our natural environment and ensure that no additional species of animals or fish become extinct. If elected, I will do everything possible to guarantee that there will be no real reduction in Social Security or Medicare spending. If elected, I will do everything possible to protect the right of all Americans to carry the weapon of their choice without government interference. ![]() If elected, I will do everything possible to ensure that America has the strongest defense forces in the world and that we are prepared to fight two major wars at a time. If elected, I will do everything possible to enable every American to attend any university in this country. If elected, I will do everything possible to ensure that all Americans will be treated by the doctor of their choice and receive as much medical attention as they require. Consider how you would react to each politician's promises: Imagine that you are listening to a series of campaign announcements, each made by a different politician running for national office. This excerpt is from the book's introduction. ![]()
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