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Friedman's Sampler (A WSJ selection of writings by Milton Friedman)
Opinion Journal ^ | Nov 18, 2006 | editorial

Posted on 11/18/2006 2:39:17 AM PST by The Raven

What most people really object to when they object to a free market is that it is so hard for them to shape it to their own will. The market gives people what the people want instead of what other people think they ought to want. At the bottom of many criticisms of the market economy is really lack of belief in freedom itself.

---

To summarize, deficits are bad--but not because they necessarily raise interest rates. They are bad because they encourage political irresponsibility. They enable our representatives in Washington to buy votes at our expense without having to vote explicitly for taxes to finance the largesse. The result is a bigger government and a poorer nation. That is why I favor a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance the budget and limit taxation. ---

And - many more at the link

(Excerpt) Read more at opinionjournal.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Editorial; Government; News/Current Events; Philosophy
KEYWORDS: classicalliberalism; freedom; freemarkets; libertarianism; miltonfriedman; opinionjournal

1 posted on 11/18/2006 2:39:19 AM PST by The Raven
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To: The Raven
A good selection of classical liberal thought much of which has survived in libertarianism. The two major parties view government more than the markets as the central agent to manage and transform society. What has been lost is the American belief in freedom and faith in individuals to make things better. Ironically, Friedman would have viewed Katrina as a classic illustration of what happens when you have Big Government. It can't react in time to help people who need it.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

2 posted on 11/18/2006 2:46:47 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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To: The Raven
What most people really object to when they object to a free market is that it is so hard for them to shape it to their own will. The market gives people what the people want instead of what other people think they ought to want. At the bottom of many criticisms of the market economy is really lack of belief in freedom itself.
I don't think the criticisms of the market economy are at bottom anti-freedom. I think they are first and foremost anti-freedom. They are anti-freedom through and through.

Anyway, Friedman was a great man. He encouraged greatness in all of us.

3 posted on 11/18/2006 3:18:39 AM PST by samtheman (The Democrats are the DhimmiGods of the New Religion of PC)
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To: samtheman

Yes..agreed. But the Dems certainly don't get it. Nor does most of the public.

Freedom (Political freedom) includes economic freedom.


4 posted on 11/18/2006 3:25:08 AM PST by The Raven (The word "fair" is not used in either of our founding documents-M. Friedman)
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To: samtheman
Anyway, Friedman was a great man

..... and a great man with a wonderful sense of humor.

When I majored in Economics back in the mid-60's, my oh my, was it dry..... without dry wit.

;-)

5 posted on 11/18/2006 3:42:33 AM PST by beyond the sea ( Now that Pelosi Galore is in charge, it's never too late or early to start drinking.)
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To: The Raven
Only the cavemen knew a free market.

There is no such thing as a free market. Even you buying hamburger meat is not free market. Buying anything that is taxed or regulated in any way cannot be free market.

Friedman's theory has never been tried in modern history nor will it. In a true free market caveman mentality will return.

6 posted on 11/18/2006 3:55:51 AM PST by raybbr (You think it's bad now - wait till the anchor babies start to vote.)
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To: raybbr

>>In a true free market caveman mentality will return.

It's the other way around.



7 posted on 11/18/2006 4:26:44 AM PST by The Raven (The word "fair" is not used in either of our founding documents-M. Friedman)
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To: The Raven
It's the other way around.

You mean in a true caveman world the free market will return?

8 posted on 11/18/2006 4:37:44 AM PST by raybbr (You think it's bad now - wait till the anchor babies start to vote.)
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To: raybbr
Very true........... but what is the alternative?

;-)

9 posted on 11/18/2006 5:25:35 AM PST by beyond the sea ( Now that Pelosi Galore is in charge, it's never too late or early to start drinking.)
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To: raybbr

LOL - No freedom includes the rule that you can't force others to do your bidding.

"What most people really object to when they object to a free market is that it is so hard for them to shape it to their own will. The market gives people what the people want instead of what other people think they ought to want. At the bottom of many criticisms of the market economy is really lack of belief in freedom itself."


10 posted on 11/18/2006 5:27:59 AM PST by The Raven (The word "fair" is not used in either of our founding documents-M. Friedman)
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To: The Raven

" I favor a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance the budget and limit taxation."

This would be an excellent thing. But I don't think members of Congress would feel constrained to obey that law.


11 posted on 11/18/2006 6:47:12 AM PST by RoadTest ( He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. -Rev. 3:6)
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To: The Raven

"Yes..agreed. But the Dems certainly don't get it. Nor does most of the public.

Freedom (Political freedom) includes economic freedom."

The Dems believe in control, control, control.


12 posted on 11/18/2006 6:49:06 AM PST by RoadTest ( He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. -Rev. 3:6)
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