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title: ""Have politicians solved the socialist calculation problem and found…"
date: 2018-12-27
source: facebook
type: Archer T. Ships updated his status.
---

# "Have politicians solved the socialist calculation problem and found…

*December 27, 2018 · Facebook*

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\"Have politicians solved the socialist calculation problem and found a way to determine whether their provision of police and soldiers is beneficial at the margin and, if so, how many resources should be poured into the support of these armed functionaries?\
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Well, in a word, no. In a bit more detail, besides not having solved the socialist calculation problem, they have never heard of it. Moreover, if it were explained to them, they would not give the slightest shit about solving it. Their actions have nothing whatsoever to do with maximizing the net social benefit of the government\'s activities. It\'s pointless to ask the lions if they have calculated whether they are eating the socially optimal number of wildebeests.\"\
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\-- Robert Higgs
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