SOFT  MATERNAL/PATERNALISM

________(2006) THE ECONOMIST/ 4/18/67

Borrowed from behavioral economics, soft paternalism encourages the government to stop you from things that you don't want to do in the long run. However, in the short run, you want to do them, but they either ruin your life or could ultimately kill you.

In Missouri, 25 million people gamble at the casinos. However, 10,000 don't want to gamble but are compulsive gamblers. The state will take your name if you want it to and will not allow you to gamble in their establishments.

You are automatically put in a pension system. If you don't want it, you must sign papers to get out.

Enrollment rates double with that system. Savings plans can also be established this way. If you believe that you can make more money else where than just sign the papers.

Another idea is that you can smoke all that you want if you have a smoker ID. With it, you get 2,500 packs of your favorite brand. The up front cost is $5,000.00. Or make the fee small, but an ID must be purchased first and it last for 5 days. If you want cigarettes before the five days, you must plan ahead and buy a pack for each day.

Sin taxes seem to be the best in a number of ways. If  one is going to hurt oneself, at least roads are built and other government activities are funded.