> > I may be mistaken here, but don't public choice economists talk about the > concept of "rational ignorance" to explain how small, concentrated groups can > gain large focused benefits while spreading the costs in tiny pieces across > the broader population?
They do - but it doesn't make much sense, since theres nothing "rational" about being ignorant towards a political system that benefit others at the expence of oneself (or indeed benefit noone at the expense of everyone). As Bryan has pointed out (BC: correct me if I am wrong) RATIONAL ignorant voters would either punish immensely upon detection of political fraud (faliure to deliver on promises, eg.) or they would simply erect institutional barriers that would limit political fraud. However, they don't - and so they are not just rational ignorant. They are either just plain ignorant - or they are (rationally) irrational in their voting behavior - and general attitude towards politics. - jacob braestrup > > Sincerely, > > David Levenstam > > -- NeoMail - Webmail
