Lindblom - The Market System - Afghan Journalists' Committee

112 What To Make of Itplayed an annoying preference for short answers. He wantsfacts, not theory. The physical world, both natural and human-made,that he sees about him looks much like what hesees at home, so he tells us—meadows, forests, and buildingsof many kinds. Our social arrangements he finds lessfamiliar.Seeing some signs of affluence, he asks who builds ourhouses. We explain that very few people build their own; almosteveryone has the construction done by others. “And iseveryone supplied with living quarters?” No. We tell himabout the homeless. He seems taken aback.“Food?” he asks. “Do people grow what they need?” No,we tell him. People earn money and then spend the moneyto claim food—or housing, or whatever they want. He asks,“Is everyone provided with—does everyone have a claimon—food?” No, some not. “Then how do they live?” We explainthat sometimes someone or a charitable organizationtakes pity on them and gives them some food. Sometimesthe government helps them. Sometimes they die.Apparently he does not like what he is hearing. “You arewell dressed,” he says. “And you have schools for your children,I would suppose. Autos, I see around us. A variety ofrecreations?” Yes, we assure him that we have all of these.“All of you can claim them?” Again we explain: not everyone.“But don’t you feel some obligation to meet at least theminimum needs of everyone?” No. Such an obligation, oneof us says, would rest on government. “Does your governmentrecognize such an obligation?” No; only in a limitedand disputed way. Although it frequently comes to the rescueof needy persons, it does not do so generously, and mostpeople think that taking government aid in these circumstancesis demeaning.“So, then, some of you have your various needs met and