Letter to the Editor: Politicians Should Be Required to Read "Capitalism and Freedom" by Milton Friedman

 

The SoCal News Group republished an editorial urging readers to remember free market economist Milton Friedman.

I became a free enterprise conservative after reading his work!

From his advocacy for low tax rates, drastic spending cuts, and broad elimination of federal bureaucracies, California needs to adopt his principles and adapt to freedom.

Few know about him because of our failing education system. Teachers’ unions and contractors run California schools, rejecting free enterprise while demanding government command-and-control of the economy.

Sure, California voters want a voucher system.  School choice is one way for the next generation to break free of ignorance about (and hostility to) free markets, free enterprise, and free people. However, California voters have repeatedly rejected these proposals due to misleading ballot statements and political machinations.

What’s worse, voters on both sides of the spectrum are expressing doubts about free-market capitalism, convinced that only populist government intervention will solve their economic ills.

Now more than ever, everyone, especially politicians, should learn about Milton Friedman. I would support requiring elected officials to read “Capitalism and Freedom” before taking office! Most importantly, though, voters need to listen to pundits, advocate for policies, and elect politicians in line with Friedman’s freedom agenda.