Santorum: Democrats are anti-science

[Torie]

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It was in the context of the global warming thing. Not that I would defer to Rick's judgment (he in fact does not even make a argument here, just a conclusion) in making up my mind as to the merits of that issue. It's complicated (just ask Snowguy, on whom I would rely much more actually on this matter ), and Rick is more of a Manichean type of guy. Nuance just isn't his thing.

[Torie]

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I am curious by what is meant by "opportunity costs" in this context, which typically refers to that which is precluded by virtue of doing something.  Can you further explain what you mean by use of that term here BigSkyBob?  Thanks.

[Torie]

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I am curious by what is meant by "opportunity costs" in this context, which typically refers to that which is precluded by virtue of doing something.  Can you further explain what you mean by use of that term here BigSkyBob?  Thanks.

Joke: Man asked, What does a candy bar cost?" He answers, "60 cents." Economist asked same question answers, "What you would have otherwise would have done with the money, a little tooth decay, and some addition weight that was presumably unwanted."

I have no illusions about the giant tailing piles that will be left behind. It is a political question as to whether, or not, Canadians want the oil mined. Their political choice was for the oil, and the money and jobs it brought. It is the choice I would have supported.

That is more about  externalities (items that are not internalized into the price system, and thus are not paid for either as a benefit (positive externalities - you kept a nice front lawn, with no junk cars in sight), or as a cost (negative externalities - such as pollution that is created but not paid for).