In 1989’s Field of Dreams farmer Ray Kinsella’s life was turned upside down by a whisper in a corn field. The phrase, by which Kinsella uprooted his crop to construct a baseball diamond teased, “If You Build It, He Will Come.”
Though it is often misquoted as “If You Build It, They Will Come,” the phrase has become widely known throughout cinema pop culture in league with other gems of the silver screen such as, “Run, Forrest, Run,” “I’ll Never Let Go,” “We’ll Always Have Paris,” “You Complete Me,” and of course, “Show Me the Money!”
But is it more than just a phrase?
Perhaps it is. Perhaps it is actually a commentary on taking risks, making investments, and sparking innovation. If you’re reading this article today at wearelibertarians.wpmudev.host, it is because the minds behind the site chose to build it – thus offering a new perspective for your reading enjoyment, at a URL that you would have not otherwise visited.
Here’s a Greater Example…
Last November, citizens of Colorado voted in favor of Amendment 64, which would allow adults to use marijuana recreationally (just as they would alcohol). Of course, their decision last November may have had a greater impact than voters (at the time) even realized.
For when you make it legal for adults to live freely, markets (the economy) will begin to respond as well.
If there is a demand for something, someone will almost always see the profit potential therein, and supply it accordingly. This has already begun in Colorado as Club 64, a nightclub where visitors are able to bring their own marijuana, opened its doors on New Year’s Eve.
For a $30.00 entrance fee, those choosing to use marijuana within the club’s walls can now do so. The club does not supply its patrons with marijuana, nor does it sell anything else. It is simply a place where those choosing to exercise the now legal practice, can do so together.
If the demand continues, and if the people are willing to continue spending their money in such an establishment, think of the economic benefits. Maybe the owner will profit. Perhaps he’ll have to relocate the business into a new building with more square footage. I guess that means the construction company and its employees would profit as well.
For the owner, his staff, and every one of the now paid construction workers, every dollar of that profit that they spend elsewhere (be it the barber, the grocer or the plumber) will now make a positive impact elsewhere in the economy. Even if they choose to save their money and put it away in the bank, the bank’s increased money supply could make them feel safer when issuing a loan to another entrepreneur or small business owner. Perhaps Club 64 would get some competition?
Only time will tell if government will attempt to put a stop to this, or if the people will even continue to demand places like this by spending their time and money there. I suppose that people could become bored with the idea easily and the Club could go away as quickly as it came.
Regardless, I’m fascinated by the process. Like Ray Kinsella, someone took a risk. They built it. People came. Everyone involved was free to take it or leave it, and it could eventually reap some positive economic effects for the community.
