From: Gary Britt 

Yes its true that in a totally backward undeveloped country its slow going
until the country can accumulate basic tools and other materials that are
assumed in a developed country.  Its not different than two chefs one with
a fully stocked refrigerator full of basic materials, onion, garlic,
lettuce, seasonings, knives, pots, pans, etc. and another chef who can't
start cooking the meal until he first gathers up these basics and does
basic preparation on the vegetables and other staples.  Both chef's can
eventually make a great gourmet meal, it just might take a little longer
for one of the two chefs.

Government's biggest role in helping the people of its country build wealth
is to provide non-corrupt government employees and police forces that
prevent bribes and crime organizations, inside and outside of the
government, from stealing a huge part of the economy's seed corn.  It is
often overlooked just how important it is to have a respected non-corrupt
government and police forces to the expansion of wealth within any country.
  Also, non-ridiculous, non-excessive, and non-pc rules and regulations that
promote truthful disclosures and advertisements and punish con artists and
other thieves of that nature are also important.  Highway, transportation,
and information sharing systems are also important and an appropriate
function for reasonable government.  Same for promotion of education
without granting a monopoly to any particular group or union.  Free access
to enter and leave labor markets and trades is also important and a role
for government to support and encourage such free access, as opposed to
passing laws that support barriers to the entry of various markets and
trades and professions.

Gary

Dave Ings wrote:
> While I understand you were mostly talking about advanced economies, I'd
> recommend reading some of the reports about micro-capital in the third
> world. It's truly inspiring what people are doing to elevate their lot in
> life given access to micro-capital loans.

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