Q&A: Questions on Economics and Morality
Questions on Economics and Morality
Question
Hi Michi,
some time ago I watched a TV report made by an American crew about a Coca-Cola factory in Mexico that pumps river water for producing Coca-Cola, leaving the residents only murky water, and with no other choice they drink Coca-Cola.
Since you are an enthusiastic supporter of libertarian economics, I would like to know what your opinion is about this?
And now something I experienced myself:
A few months ago I suffered a lot from weakness and malfunction of my body's temperature-regulation system. In my distress I went to an alternative therapist, because conventional medicine had nothing to offer me. The therapist treated me with Chinese acupuncture and an herbal remedy. During the treatment he told me that I had to stop eating garlic because it puts a heavy burden on the liver. I listened to him. And indeed, after 3 acupuncture treatments and 3 bottles of the remedy, my physical strength returned.
But after some time my left calf swelled up and hurt. The doctor prescribed antibiotics, which indeed helped. But about 10 days later the calf swelled up and hurt again. I decided to go back to eating garlic because it contains antibiotic substances, and indeed it helped me immediately!
I told the alternative therapist about this by text message, and began by saying that I remembered I still owed him money [70 shekels]; I had already put the money in my pants pocket.
The guy replied that it was impossible that the garlic had helped me, because garlic only treats parasites in the stomach. I answered that I had read many research summaries proving that garlic has antibacterial and even antiviral properties, including against HIV. And I suggested that he read those articles. I added that as someone who treats people's health, he needs to take responsibility and keep up with current research.
The guy did not even bother to reply.
The money is still waiting in my pants pocket. Emotionally, I feel uncomfortable about it.
But since in my opinion this therapist is showing irresponsibility, I'll put the money back in my wallet.
Do you have a position on this?
All the best
Answer
If the water belongs to all the residents, then it is not okay that it was sold to Coca-Cola. But if the water belongs to a private party who sold it to Coca-Cola, then there is nothing problematic here. If I have an asset that others lack, I have the right to make money from it.
As for the therapist: if you went to him and committed to paying for his nonsense, then you have to pay. You should have understood in advance what alternative medicine is. Only if you think he was negligent by his own standards would that matter. After all, it is ridiculous that you demand he keep up to date. If he were committed to facts in any way, he should have studied medicine rather than staying updated on what garlic does or does not do. You went to an alternative therapist and you're demanding that he know facts? That's like going to a wizard and demanding that he know quantum theory.