Unintended Consequences - The Case of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

NY Times ^ | January 20, 2008 | STEPHEN J. DUBNER and STEVEN D. LEVITT

[Old North State]

I think the woodpecker situation is a metaphor for what always happens to collectivist governments that refuse to recognize that people act in their own self interest. Individuals have always been unwilling accept unequal economic burdens and loss for ‘common goods’. It remains the genius of Capitalism to recognize self interest and make it work for society.

[papasmurf]

I see it as that, also. Thanks.

[T-Bird45]

Let’s not get too far down the thread before remembering that the ADA was signed into law by GHW Bush and there lies the lesson — an R after a candidate’s name has little to do with overall political philosophy. Just something to think about during this political season that is filled with R-Nannystate candidates of all stripes.

[Elsie]

“They all said, ‘If I ever get a call from someone like that, I’ll never see her,’ ” he says.

Taxation without representation comes to mind.

People WILL find a way to avoid unreasonable demands put upon them!

[Balding_Eagle]

Thank you, I was thinking the same thing.

[ForGod'sSake]

I'm almost speechless. Heads will roll at the Times™! Or maybe it's been seven years since the Times™ last reported a common sense article and the editors are/were on sabbatical??? Or maybe they thought their hit counter was stuck and wanted to give it a proper test.

Apologies for duplicate pings.

[GOPJ]

The New York Times ??? OMG it looks like a liberal brain has trumped liberal "feelings". Is it possible?

If a liberal can understand unintended consequences, surely pigs are flying.

[GOPJ]

Thanks for the ping.

[ForGod'sSake]

Pleasure.

[GOPJ]

bttt

[null and void]

Rush-is-talking-about-this-now bump...

[GOPJ]

As true today as it was when printed... is this the last good article to come out of the New York Times?