Bastiat goes a bit deeper. If both the positive and the negative consequences of an action fell on its author, our learning would be fast. But often an action’s positive consequences benefit only its author, since they are visible, while the negative consequences, being invisible, apply to others, with a net cost to society.
TAKE POSITIVE WITH NEGATIVE
People who sponsor bills are careful to write them so only the positive consequences fall on their constituents. The negative consequences fall on others.//
For instance, let's take allowing people who are transgender to use the biologically opposite rest room. Most times, if they stick to a stall, people won't care or notice. Especially if the door locks and there is room for one. I've often used a woman's room in an emergency. //
However, there will be consequences that fall upon many businesses. They will need to reconstruct rest rooms to allow for mixing. //
MULTIPLE TOPIC BILLS
Many bills have A GOOD THING and A BAD THING. Politicians focus on the GOOD THING aspects of bills they sponsored without mentioning the BAD THINGS in the bills. They will advertise their opponents oppposed a bill with a GOOD THING, while failing to mention the bill also passed a BAD THING.//
