"Mike Rapoport" wrote in message
ink.net...
If you look at another issue of the same publication:


http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/....html#niskanen

You will see that there are a range of estimates on the cost of regulation
from $44B to $182B (1988 dollars) and most of these regulations have an
offsetting benefit to somebody. When the coal fired powerplant is
required
to install pollution control equipment that is revenue to the supplier of
the equipment, their suppliers employment for their workers ect.

That part was put in in jest; it's known as the "fallacy of the broken
windows".

Also, read the next paragraph:

"Most readers of Regulation will probably conclude that the authors of this
new study have grossly underestimated the costs of regulation. This study,
however merits the attention of the Regulation audience, both for its
contributions and its limitations. This note summarizes the approach,
conclusions, and limitations of this important new study. Those who wish to
pursue this issue further should read the original article. "

Additionally these costs must be netted out against the benefits. The
bottom line is that the cost of regulation to society is nowhere near
$800B.

For one thing, you're quoting a 1991 article; in the intervening years
(particularly the 90's), the amount of regulation has SKYROCKETED.

Further, regulation costs are hidden like high teaxes are hidden by
withholding from your paycheck.




Mike
MU-2


"Tom S." wrote in message
...

"Mike Rapoport" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Tom S." wrote in message
...
I also think that we have to question your numbers particulaly
the $800B one. There are less than 100MM tax returns representing
~$4.5T
in
taxable income filed in the US each year. I find it hard to
believe
that
$8,000 per family or over 15%$ of personal income is spent
complying
with
various regulations.

Believe it. (Why does it require two incomes to live as well as it
did
just
a couple generations ago...and don't confuse toys with REAL COSTS of
living).

$800B spread over 280M people is about $2400 per person, but it hits
higher
if what you buy comes out of manufacturing (more so than services).
The
cost
of regulation adds 50 cents to a gallon of gas, for instance, about
$25-50K
to the price of a house, about 25% to a grocery bill...

Please cite a credible source. Thanks.

Mike
MU-2
Here's a couple in just one issue (though others are spread around in
other
issues).

http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/...4/reg14n4.html