Over at Kiwiblog and at the Herald, the idea of delaying the implementation of the ETS is raised. No matter what Aussie is doing, we shouldn’t do this. Why? Delaying the ETS doesn’t delay our Kyoto liability – it just means that we will have higher taxes to pay for the pollution caused in industries …
Monthly Archive: April 2010
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/28/a-note-on-delaying-the-ets/
Apr
27
2010
Universal healthcare and superannuation, and the cost of thinking ahead
If doing actions that reward a future self is perceived as costly could we justify these actions. If thinking about our wealth, human capital, or ability to live in 10 years time is inconceivable, will me over consume now? In essence this sort of discussion is saying that we discount our future selves TOO steeply …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/27/universal-healthcare-and-superannuation-and-the-cost-of-thinking-ahead/
Apr
26
2010
GST and food. Why I’m against exempting the tax
Via Dim Post, No Right Turn mentions an article from Werewolf.co.nz by Gordon Campbell. The article supports the idea of exempting GST on food. There were a number of interesting facts, I definitely enjoyed the articles. However, even if all the premises are correct and even given significant social justice goals, I think we have …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/26/gst-and-food-why-im-against-exempting-the-tax/
Apr
26
2010
Fat is normal, but it still involves choice.
I was impressed by the title of a NZ Herald article today “Fat is normal“. I was like, yes it is perfectly rational for an individual to put on weight, contrary to what we are often told. I began to think that if policy wonks would treat the idea of putting on weight sensibly we …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/26/fat-is-normal-but-it-still-involves-choice/
Apr
23
2010
And a side note on addiction
With alcohol regulation we decided to remember that it is the external cost that matters. Now one reason private costs might matter in terms of regulation is internalities. There is a discussion of this with regards to boozing here. This brings me to the idea of “addiction”. What is addiction, and why are we so …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/23/and-a-side-note-on-addiction/
Apr
23
2010
With alcohol regulation remember
Remember the simple fact that, as long as we believe people are responsible, have better information on themselves, and are better able to make choices regarding themselves then arbitrary regulation (or some lesser combination of these points), then we shouldn’t focus on the entire “social cost (private + external costs)” associated with alcohol when regulating. …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/04/23/with-alcohol-regulation-remember/
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