[quote=pri_dk][quote=CA renter][quote=pri_dk]The difference between public and private sector is taxpayer money vs. private money.
I don’t know how someone cannot understand this fundamental distinction.[/quote]
Money is fungible. It doesn’t matter if we’re spending too much on the “private sector” or the “public sector.” [/quote]
Another CAR gem. So much ignorance packed into so few words.
So who is “we?”
When you use a realtor, are “we” paying the bill?
When I use are realtor, are “we” paying the bill?
But when the city pays an employee, are “we” paying the bill?
Is it that hard to understand?[/quote]
No, I don’t pay for your realtor, nor do I pay for the public services used by people in Phoenix, or Las Vegas, or New York, or…
WE pay for goods and services every day. Sometimes, those goods/services are purchased from a “private” entity (and baisc goods/services MUST be purchased, we do not have an option). Sometimes, those goods and services are purchased from a “public” entity. Sometimes, buyers are pooled together, as with insurance (from the private sector), or public infrastructure and services (from the public sector).
See, the problem with your thinking is that you want to draw a bold line between “public” and “private.” To me, there is little to no distinction.
We might be forced to overpay in both the “public” and “private” markets. When we are forced to use “private” financial middlemen to access a public good or service (like having to go through a “private” loan originator to get access to govt-backed loans), WE are forced to overpay for those services, and we don’t have a choice if we want to obtain a mortgage. Likewise, if speculators are engaging in a leveraged buying frenzy, WE are ALL forced to (grossly) overpay for gas, housing, heating oil, food, etc. WE don’t have a choice.
I resent having to overpay in the “private” market every bit as much as when I have to overpay in the “public” market. From everything I’ve seen, I overpay to a greater extent, and on a more regular basis, for things purchased in the private market than in the public market. IMHO, I get more value for my money when I buy from the “public” market.
You are free to feel otherwise, but your opinions are just that — opinions, not facts.
