Free Markets vs Corporations


Radley Balko makes a better case for free markets.
A few days ago, a friend and I were discussing free markets vs. government programs. She thought that I was advocating government by corporation. I wasn't, I am for a free market and choice.

In this post at TheAgitator, Radley Balko makes a better case for free markets than I did.

"There's a difference, of course, though opponents of both fail to recognize it. Free markets, peaceful commerce and capitalism consist of voluntary, mutually beneficial exchange. They create wealth. They enable people to live, to live better, and to live more comfortably.

"Corporations, on the other hand, are government-created entities that act in their own interest. As such, they often use government to better their advantage, most always to the detriment of free enterprise. When I defend markets and the machinery of markets, I'm not defending corporations."

Personally I think Mr. Balko overlooks the biggest advantage of corporations, the raising and pooling of capital while protecting the assets of the investors. But he does have a point, corporations do try to influence the government to limit competition and reduce choice.

Given that a monopoly can't exist without government permission, I'd say it's a good idea to keep an eye on large companies. I'm just not convinced that a government can be trusted to do that.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Tue - May 10, 2005 at 06:11 AM  Tag


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