Evils of Gov't Regulation

[run4it]

Haiti: 7.0 magnitude earthquake
Chile: 8.2 magnitude earthquake
(Chile earthquake actually released 500 times more energy)

Haiti death toll: ~300,000
Chile death toll: less than 500

Haiti building codes: none
Chile building codes: going back to 1920's, and heavily revamped in 1960's, strict codes regarding building and renovating to protect against such disasters.

Haiti international aid: over $1bn when you figure in cash and material aid, including military/security
Chile international aid: not even requested for 1 week, afterward no troops, and requests of up to $50mm from Red Cross and other agencies. No troops or logistic/police presence requested

But government intervention and regulation is baaaaaaad. It costs too much for everyone.

The Devil says: pay me now, or pay me later.

[NBuffaloResident]

Jim O posting in 3,2,1...

[Dougles]

I doubt you'll find many, if any, sensible people who don't agree with building codes, especially in earth quake areas. However, to expect a building in the plains area to be built the same as a building in LA or San Fran isn't realistic.

[run4it]

I doubt you'll find many, if any, sensible people who don't agree with building codes, especially in earth quake areas. However, to expect a building in the plains area to be built the same as a building in LA or San Fran isn't realistic.

Nope, it's not. Perhaps I don't give you enough credit, Doogs, but you ARE one of the more reasonable partisans around here. You recognize the value of at least some sort of intervention.

As NBuff pointed out though, there are plenty of people around who do nothing but bitch about any kind of regulation. There's Jimmuh, his lapdog Tronix (who admittedly hasn't been around), I think Nickelcity usually blows snotrockets when talking about gov't regulation of real estate development, &etc.

[DomesticatedFeminist]

But we can count on big corps to be honest and do the right thing. Since when do they sell out safety.. Never! (sarcasm)

[Dougles]

But we can count on big corps to be honest and do the right thing. Since when do they sell out safety.. Never! (sarcasm)

And the govt doesn't sell out safety or oversight??? SEC... Maddoff

[run4it]

And the govt doesn't sell out safety or oversight??? SEC... Maddoff

Not if it's done right

(see Chile: building code inspectors)

[DomesticatedFeminist]

Not if it's done right

(see Chile: building code inspectors)

Example of govt ignoring safety regulations and big business interest taking a part.. see the airlines..

[300miles]

Not all govt regulations are created equal.

[NBuffaloResident]

not all govt regulations are created equal.

qfmft

[Dougles]

Not if it's done right

(see Chile: building code inspectors)

IF is the key word.

[run4it]

Don't deliberately try to miss the point. Government regulation is not just good, but totally necessary, for a well ordered society.

[Dougles]

Don't deliberately try to miss the point. Government regulation is not just good, but totally necessary, for a well ordered society.

And I agree!

[Eat My Gun]

Don't deliberately try to miss the point. Government regulation is not just good, but totally necessary, for a well ordered society.

I disagree.

Safety is always the argument used to justify building codes. But for most of us, that argument is stretched to justify what are essentially home improvement taxes under the guise of building codes.

Putting up a fence, building a deck, laying a uni-lock patio, or installing a pool all require permits and inspection where I reside. I can't really see how any of those projects are legitimate public safety issues.

I'm not opposed to government regulation pertaining to the structural integrity of buildings, but it seems that regulations are always expanded to the point where they stray from their original intent, ie: public safety.

[tomac]

I doubt you'll find many, if any, sensible people who don't agree with building codes, especially in earth quake areas. However, to expect a building in the plains area to be built the same as a building in LA or San Fran isn't realistic.

You do realize that the Queen City of the Great Lakes is built on a fault line as well, don't you? And, according to a program that I watched recently on the Science Channel about the Great Lakes, Lakes Superior and Ontario were formed when a Rift Valley opened up in their location about twenty to twenty-five thousand years ago (an eyeblink in geologic time).
The worst earthquake is the next one that happens directly under you.