Many bridges, roads, dams, and other infrastructure that we have today are projects that were funded via force through taxation. Workers are relieved of a portion of their wealth every year whether they like it or not and that money goes toward building railroads, canals, and much more; billions of those dollars go toward servicing the national debt alone.
What some might not be aware of is that many roads that were established in the 19th century in the U.S. for example, had been funded privately. Just because we might have become familiar with one way of doing things, funding projects through violence, doesn't mean that this is the only option that there is, or that it is the most superior option that is available to us to try.
Good ideas will easily garner support from others peacefully and voluntarily, there isn't any force required.
Look at how much help has been given through various crowdfunding sites voluntarily that has gone toward helping families recover after fires, losing loved ones, paying for medical expenses for strangers, and much more. There are millions of people out there who are willing to give, they just need to be convinced of why they should.
In Pakistan, authorities there recently announced that they are looking at crowdfunding to help them complete a new dam project.
Pakistan leaders are hoping that citizens both at home and abroad are going to be willing to donate money to the project, which will see two new dams built, estimated to cost around $14 billion.
The Prime Minister suggested that if every Pakistani were to donate at least $1,000 that the project would have the funds required to be completed.
That's a lot to ask from people who you are already taking a portion of wealth from for the specific purpose of supposedly funding projects such as this, along with other supposed responsibilities.
If they are successful, it will reportedly become the largest crowdfunding effort in history. Some people have already responded by contributing to the project, they didn't need to be forced to think that funding a dam might be a good idea.
For a country that seems content with funneling billions of dollars toward the war on terror and their ongoing military efforts, it's bothersome that they'd come looking to the people for more rather than re-examining their costly priorities.
Pics:
Pixabay