Confusion of Means and Ends

Confusion of Means and Ends Those who use the infant-industry argument appear to place emphasis on the virtue of industry, as such, rather than on the goods produced. They seem to be confusing means and ends. We must not lose sight of the fact that consumption is the sole end and purpose of all pro duction. Business firms are constantly experimenting with new products and new methods of production. Some are suc cessful; many are failures. What reason is there to ask a government employee to substitute his judgment, backed by the taxpayer's money, for the producer's judg ment, backed by his own money? Is an "infant industry" any different in principle from a new firm coming into'a field already established? Suppose a new firm is formed to produce automobiles. "Give it a chance to get established and then it can 51 compete." The "infant industry" argument would demand that such a firm be subsidized with government money until it reaches adolescence. How much progress would this country have made under such a policy?