And the Home of the Brave

The free market economist is far less utopian than his enemies paint him. He doesn’t claim perfection in a society run by laissez-faire. All he says is that governmental coercion is less direct and less effective as a problem-solver than the people when left to themselves.

That much is obvious, especially in the realm of nuts and bolts, insurance policies, train rides, and housing. But a society cannot perpetuate itself by gadgetry. Sooner or later it must come up with a generation of patriots and heroes to respond to enemies over the sea. The question then will be whether governmental coercion can produce bravery.

WR

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William F. Rickenbacker

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The free market economist is far less utopian than his enemies paint him. He doesn’t claim perfection in a society run by laissez-faire. All he says is that governmental coercion is less direct and less effective as a problem-solver than the people when left to themselves.

That much is obvious, especially in the realm of nuts and bolts, insurance policies, train rides, and housing. But a society cannot perpetuate itself by gadgetry. Sooner or later it must come up with a generation of patriots and heroes to respond to enemies over the sea. The question then will be whether governmental coercion can produce bravery.