Economic Freedom and Political Freedom
Is it possible that economic freedom and political freedom can exist in isolation from one another in the sense that any political arrangement can be coupled with any economic system? It is believed so by some, and usually by two types:
- "Socialist democrats" believe that a state run, centrally planned government can guarantee individual freedom through political action; and
- Totalitarian governments who believe that, by allowing a limited amount of economic freedom, that their population will be sufficiently comfortable to endure single authority rule.
2014/10/24 User:Jeff
Is it possible that economic freedom and political freedom can exist in isolation from one another in the sense that any political arrangement can be coupled with any economic system? It is believed so by some, and usually by two types:
- "Socialist democrats" believe that a state run, centrally planned economy can be run by a government that guarantees individual freedom through political policy; and
- Totalitarian governments who believe that, by allowing a limited amount of economic freedom, that their population will be sufficiently comfortable to endure single authority rule.
Those who believe in the first of these usually consider "material" considerations to be beneath them and of little importance; a view often held by intellectuals.
The premises embedded in this article are long held views of the CW sponsors. The writing has been guided by the writings of a few economist / social scientist thinkers - primarily: [Milton Friedman], [F.A. Hayek], [Charles Murray], [George Gilder], [John Kenneth Galbraith] and [John Maynard Keynes]. References are provided in some instances. But some supporting arguments are taken from these authors without providing specific reference. We admit to freely and frequently using their ideas and arguments. CW claims no economic expertise of a technical nature.
The reader will conclude that we are most influenced by the 1st four listed above. We claim that we are influenced solely by a reverence for freedom of individuals and parse ideas we encounter on how they serve that cause.
