Economics and China

[Taem]

No, I don't think I would support that level of tyranny. Somebody owns the mineral rights to that land, and has the right to earn a reasonable profit from mining it and selling it as a commodity. If it becomes in short supply, they can jack up the price until nobody can afford it. That is how our world works. Government taxing can only distort the natural systems of supply and demand.

Tyranny? Perhaps, however I'd like to point out this tactic has been done to great success numerous times in America for various unrelated odds and ends such as pollution cap-and-trade, but it's usually only done when there is risk to the populace, such as the tobacco tax and alcohol tax. California does have a CA-Redemption Value tax on most recyclable goods, batteries, and some electronics. I never looked too deeply into it before, but I wonder if this is incentive based for corporations, such as carry these recyclable products, get a tax write-off at the end of the year which in turn is passed to the consumer - as this tax - whom can chose to recycle their item to get their money back or, as is usually the case, not. I guess what I'm saying is instead of forcing corporations hands, it might work better to offer incentives for change? But fyi, regardless it is the consumer who will get the short end of the stick with the tax. Change will come at a price...

It is WE the consumers, who need to make better choices by understanding OUR consumption power. At some point it comes down to morality, and we need to have a moral society. This may not mean what you think it means. I mean that when we know coffee, or cocoa is harvested by slaves, WE should choose not to buy it, rather than participate in an immoral system. It is our demand, and tacit approval that can then be used by those who would exploit others for their profits. But, yes, there should still be laws prohibiting slavery. I just can't see a global legal system able to hold rogues to honor. Case in point, incandescent light bulbs... they have been outlawed. Do you think I could still get them? {answer}

Also, the amount we consume may be immoral. We buy too much, prepare too much, consume too much, and end up disposing of too much. Meanwhile, those with less wealth in this world are not getting their needs met.

Again, I agree with the sentiment and sound logic, but you're shouting into the wind. Little guys like us can't make a difference unless it's with mass consensus, but telling people to give up their amenities to save the world... hahahaha.... most people would rather watch this world burn, and that's the sad, sad truth. Change has to start with the corporations, and they won't change unless government either, 1) makes them via my first suggestion through penalties, or 2) gives them incentives that makes them want to change; at least, I don't see any other realistic options other that the two I listed regarding this particular matter. I honestly don't believe the average citizen will chose to change, and the media only serves to entice for the new this, and the new that.