But how does one determine what services fall into the commons? And what should be left to the devices of private enterprise?
Let's use health insurance in the United States as an example. Many people argue that the private enterprise of health insurance companies means that government-funded healthcare is unnecessary. Health insurance programs strengthen a nation because sickness and injuries lead to a lower standard of living. A nation plagued with disease will suffer all across the board.
How about social security? Is it a common? The main arguments against social security in the US is that it's not voluntary, and people who die early do not get to collect. But social security helps many retired people from falling into poverty. With a higher life expectancy in Western nations, the population numbers of senior citizens is a significant minority.
I chose these two examples because these health insurance is currently the most controversial program in US politics, due to Obama's single-payer healthcare option. Social security is a widely-loved program, but faces significant opposition from conservative and libertarian groups.
What do you think?
