Politicians Will Not Save This Economy

I have often been accused of being “idealistic” and even “Utopian” in my libertarian beliefs that an individual’s self-interest can steer our economy without the superior hand of government regulation. Humankind is inherently evil, after all, isn’t it?

Greed exists in all systems. Why then do people erroneously believe that once elected to government, politicians some how become pure “angels” with no ulterior motives but to do what is right? I believe, very un-Utopian-like, that government bureaucrats are every bit as greedy as their fellow citizens, those they propose to regulate.

This clip of Milton Friedman on the Donahue Show a few decades ago goes a long way to sum up why I believe those who question my idealism are really the one’s possessing the “Utopian” view. After all, an individual’s self interest -- or greed, as some may call it -- is self-regulated by fear and and the task of managing risk. Beyond that, there are already laws to throw those who commit fraud or theft into jail, and therefore, no need for further regulation that does not directly address protecting the individual rights of others.



As for those who propose more government over site, imperialistic regulation, and czar-like central planning as a way of "stopping" greed, “where in the world do you find these “angels” who are going to organize society for us?” I am sorry to report, but these uber-human beings (who are somehow excluded from the common mortal’s desires and process no greed or self-interest) do not exist. It is indeed, Utopian to believe one person can understand, much less fairly regulate, another person’s desires.