I agree.  I would not choose to trade freedom and self governance for economic benefit.  I was however pointing out that when you look at things from a purely utilitarian perspective, you often end up with strange conclusions.<p>The other thing I find interesting is that we seem to be left with no options for solving the problems of these struggling post-colonial nations.  Some certainly prospered economically after the ruling colonial powers left.  Some suffered immensely.  If one accepts that institutional order is a prerequisite for economic prosperity, then one might conclude that an outside power should take over and institute order, but the obvious moral problems prevents this.  Not to mention the historically supported unlikelihood that the country would actually benefit.  The only solution appears to be institutional order that grows organically from within the country.  Outside aid doesn't seem to help much.  This leaves very few options for the Haiti's and the Camaroon's of the world.