Quote:
Originally Posted by LostCause
This thread has made me think: Why is an American's day spent digging ditches worth more than an African's day spent digging ditches?
- LostCause
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OK, I will follow you down the rabbit hole a little farther. Take the following as just an explanaition. An Americans day spent digging ditches is worth more becuase the African has nothing of value to the rest of the world. As you said, viewing the world on a pure barter system is pretty accurate. To bring a good or wealth into a country you need to trade something to get it. When was the last time you bought something that was made in Africa, I cant think of anything myself. Some African countries have natural resources but these are also the countries with major civil unrest so nobody can get the goods out to trade.
The idea that we can cut the pie fairly for everyone doesnt apply if there is no pie to cut.