Don Boudreaux on nationalization in Bolivia

Carta de Don Boudreaux ao NYT:

6 May 2006

The Editor, New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036

To the Editor:

William Powers argues that nationalization of the Bolivian oil and
gas industry might well have good results ("All Smoke, No Fire in
Bolivia," May 6). Powers' optimism centers on the government's
claim that this is "nationalization without confiscation" - the
government confiscated only 51 percent of the private companies -
and Evo Morales's promise not to expel foreign companies.

Suppose Uncle Sam expropriated 51 percent of the assets of the New
York Times and other news organizations, promising not to expel
former owners from the newsrooms. Would news still be reported
independently? Would entrepreneurs launch upstart newspapers?
Would truth thrive? No. Powers' enchantment with the cosmetic
modesty of this particular instance of nationalization is outrageous.

Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Chairman, Department of Economics
George Mason University

(agradeco ao Professor Boudreaux ter autorizado a reproducao da carta n'O Insurgente)