[GJM] 1. Re: [Radical Economics] Transfinancial Economics - not clear to me, part II (robert searle)

[Steve Consilvio]

Robert,

Because of a mailbox full error and other issues, I missed the  
beginning of this discussion any many recent posts.

I am intrigued that you think you can contain inflation by adjusting  
prices with a computer model. In fact, it seems somewhat  
contradictory. If you can control prices from the computer then there  
would be no inflation automatically. Your "central command" could  
simply send a subsidy to any entity that is "losing" money, but the  
business itself, based on what I understand of your theory, would not  
be in a position to "raise" prices on its own. If it could act  
independently, then you would not be able to "control" it. Do you see  
the contradiction I am describing?

Hence, inflation could not exist with price controls. Profit and loss  
could, however, which I think is what you are trying to "even out."  
Presumably, and rightly so, you think if you can "even out" the  
problems within a business then you can even out the choices they  
make in regard to wages, the environment, etc.

On a side note, what you are describing is what the Puritans tried to  
accomplish when they controlled things in Boston during the 1600's in  
their economic philosophy and centralized control of life. Of course,  
they didn't have computers. Their efforts lost out to the desire for  
mercantilism, and it is mercantilism (greed systems) which enslaves  
us today. The ability to "count faster" with a computer doesn't  
really change anything.

Your recent post (I guess it is a few weeks ago now) that religion is  
not needed to create a peaceful and balanced society is wide of the  
mark, imo. For trade to be based on mutual benefit, rather than on  
self-gain, requires a philosophical underpinning. As mentioned  
previously regarding your idea of bribing the powerful: if you can  
bribe people to do the right thing, then you can bribe them to do the  
wrong thing, too. People who are willing to give and take bribes lack  
character, (in the church and out.) Before people will have the  
courage to do the right thing they first need to know what is the  
right thing. Principles will forever be more important than policies.

peace,
steve consilvio
www.behappyandfree.com