Quote:
Originally Posted by Xenophon
Typical American discourse names the problem you are talking about as "self selection" and reserves the terms "free rider" or "free riding" for those who obtain a particular benefit without paying for it at all. Both are real issues, but we use different names for them because the typical American attitude is that self selection is unfortunate (in that it complicates the problem of maintaining a viable insurance pool) but is not immoral or wrong. Thus, we consider self selection something to be dealt with via careful design of policy terms.
By comparison, free riding is something that is viewed as being wrong and immoral. And sometimes illegal as well.
Xenophon
|
I see. The distinction seems to be a specious one, though, sort of like one of those other recent inventions, "enhanced interrogation," so I don't really see how "unfortunate" applies in the situation. On the level of implementation, perhaps, but I do think it's harmful to invent lots of euphemisms, as they allow people to rationalize too many things away too easily.
Perhaps these word games are your alternative to British puns?
Anyway, those MSAs sound fun (and would be something I would be interested in if we had them here). Shame the implementation is so
nerfed, though.
off-topic:
this might be interesting/informative if you've got 60$ or so to spare, as a general introduction to lots of current policy (came out just before the money crisis, though). Pick it up when it's 70% off, though; sales happen at least once a year for every course. [it can probably also be found on various sites that shall not be mentioned here]