Posted on 05/20/2007 8:42:37 AM PDT by em2vn
"For the love of freedom! And the glory of human creativity!"
Sunday June 3, 2007, is ICD 7 International Capitalism Day 2007! Capitalism is the only system based on the recognition that each individual owns his life. Capitalism is the only social system in which individuals are free to pursue their rational self-interest, to own property and to profit from their actions. It entrenches individual rights, limited Constitutional government, and political/intellectual/economic freedom.
The more capitalist a culture - the greater its freedom and prosperity
That is the verdict of history. In just two short centuries, capitalism has lifted men’s living standards to heights undreamed of in the pre-capitalist era. Often forgotten today is that Western Europe, prior to the capitalist revolution of the late Eighteenth Century, suffering under the political yoke of the feudal aristocracy, was the equivalent of a Third World country - wracked by famine, recurrent plague, and the most unspeakable poverty. But no longer.
When was the last time a famine occurred in any capitalist nation - whether in Western Europe, North America or Asia? The United States has never suffered a famine in its history. Capitalism has created abundance unmatched in human history, enabling hundreds of millions to live better today than all the kings of yesterday.
Less capitalism means more human misery
I would prefer to celebrate freedom. With freedom, capitalism follows. But there are forms of capitalism that have little to do with free enterprise.
I’m going to celebrate capitalism by finding something American made and buying it.
“But there are forms of capitalism that have little to do with free enterprise.”
Any “forms of capitalism” that have little to do with free enterprise, cannot properly be (imo) called capitalism. Call it corporatism, mercantilism, or even, if in the extreme form, fascism, but imo capitalism=free enterprise=freedom. To see this connection, Milton Friedman’s “Capitalism and Freedom” is a must read.
Great post!
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