Question

Consider the centrally planned economy of the Soviet Union or China. Choose one and explain how its experience shows the problems with a centrally planned economy.

Answer 1

In HS, in the 60's' I heard the USSR determines what a student studies, but consider my experience, I wanted to take Business to go to a local Business College but got 64 on the State Regents, failing, in typing. I was informed by the School Counselor that going to BOCE was my best option (all my grades were not that good). I Graduated in '69 with a Local Diploma (no longer given) and 1000 hours of welding. Went into the Navy and took a test in boot camp, they then offered me a year of study (40 hours in class a week) in electronics if I would re-up for two more year, I accepted. After discharge I got retrice(3.49) in electronic technology and then a BSEE (3.9). Now, considering that State Regents, School Board, School Counselor, and Teachers are all actually part of the Government, who choose my path of education. I see no difference from what I was told about the USSR.
As for central planning, during this period I also heard the USSR had 5 year plans for this and that, which was true. But I wasn't informed that our Government was semi-ad-hock, known as a democratic experiment which changed their laws as civil and economic problems arose, such Anti-Trust Act or the Inciting a Riot Act in the 60's. More recently our Government now consider Budgets on a supposed long range, 5 to 10 years. It's funny it's like the kettle calling the pot black and the people fell for it. The wealthy want to keep their control of us and other countries and have always set the agenda.