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We Don't Need Anyone to Run the World
The Wall Street Journal ^ | OCTOBER 17, 2008 | JOHN STOSSEL

Posted on 10/17/2008 1:00:58 AM PDT by ari-freedom

Imagine you had never seen a skating rink. I tell you, "I'm going to invite 100 people down to strap blades to their feet and race around as they like." You say, "That's insane! Someone must coordinate all those people."

Yet we know that the skaters' actions are coordinated, though not through central planning. There are predictable and understandable rules, but within them, people are free. In promoting my interest in avoiding a collision with you, I also promote your interest in avoiding a collision with me.

Economics Nobel Laureate Friedrich Hayek called it spontaneous order. The market system is the leading example. In promoting my interest in gaining through a voluntary exchange with you, I also promote your interest in gaining through voluntary exchange with me.

Like skaters at an ice rink, we trace our way in the economy making decisions for ourselves. It works out pretty darned well. Prices help guide our way.

Most of life works by spontaneous order. It characterizes how we choose our jobs, hobbies, associates, recreation, etc. When politicians try to regulate the process, they usually make life worse.

(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...


TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: centralplanning; economy; financialcrisis; obama; stossel
Go to the ant, lazy one, observe her ways and gain wisdom, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8
1 posted on 10/17/2008 1:00:58 AM PDT by ari-freedom
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To: ari-freedom

What about the Queen of an ant colony?


2 posted on 10/17/2008 1:16:36 AM PDT by Jason Kauppinen
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To: Jason Kauppinen

That would be Hillary.


3 posted on 10/17/2008 1:23:49 AM PDT by HIDEK6
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To: ari-freedom
However, some people skate with other motives.


4 posted on 10/17/2008 2:00:29 AM PDT by Cvengr (Adversity in life and death is inevitable. Thru faith in Christ, stress is optional.)
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To: Jason Kauppinen
What about the Queen of an ant colony?

What about the Queen?

5 posted on 10/17/2008 2:04:03 AM PDT by Nephi (Like the failed promise of Fascism masquerading as Capitalism? You're gonna love Marxism.)
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