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Nimetic · 07-01-2006, 02:16 AM

This makes sense to me.

The "market" as I understand it, doesn't care about anything except profit. Or perhaps (IMHO) the perception of profitability is more important.

So I have no problem with other standards being applied through regulation. I'm thinking of polution laws, of minimum safety standards, of holidays (hours/conditions) and finally - minimum wages.

Maybe this is idealist bullshit. I'm living in a comfortable society. Maybe my values would be different if I lived in a slum and I had 5 kids to feed.

But, given a choice - I'd rather that we extended the work standards of developing countries (gently) rather than compete in a race to lower rates. If lowering standards is the only way to compete (and I'll accept some changes) then I'd be inclined to favour much more protectionist measures.

I'll put it another way, my support for free trade is linked somewhat to my support for reasonble labour conditions globally. If country X treats their civilians like battery hens, then I think we should limit trade with them.

07-01-2006, 02:16 AM	#81 (permalink)
Nimetic Junkie Location: Melbourne, Australia	This makes sense to me. The "market" as I understand it, doesn't care about anything except profit. Or perhaps (IMHO) the perception of profitability is more important. So I have no problem with other standards being applied through regulation. I'm thinking of polution laws, of minimum safety standards, of holidays (hours/conditions) and finally - minimum wages. Maybe this is idealist bullshit. I'm living in a comfortable society. Maybe my values would be different if I lived in a slum and I had 5 kids to feed. But, given a choice - I'd rather that we extended the work standards of developing countries (gently) rather than compete in a race to lower rates. If lowering standards is the only way to compete (and I'll accept some changes) then I'd be inclined to favour much more protectionist measures. I'll put it another way, my support for free trade is linked somewhat to my support for reasonble labour conditions globally. If country X treats their civilians like battery hens, then I think we should limit trade with them.