To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Free To Choose, we are sharing some of Milton Friedman’s most compelling talks. In this original recording from 1978, the question asked is what is wrong with the welfare state? The welfare state is an attempt to “do good” with someone else’s money. The aim may be worthy, but the means are faulty. The problem is that you do not spend someone else’s money as carefully as your own. More to the point, it’s impossible to “do good” with someone else’s money without first taking it away from someone else. That implies coercion—the use …
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Free To Choose, we are sharing some of Milton Friedman’s most compelling talks. In this original recording from 1978, the question is what is the role of government in a free society? If we are to define the role of government in a free society, we must first specify the needs a government is expected to provide. Defense from foreign enemies and protection of property, including the enforcement of private contracts, are clearly legitimate functions of government. But when we come to two other functions of government—providing a substitute for voluntary cooperation when it …
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Free To Choose, we are sharing some of Milton Friedman’s most compelling talks. In this original recording from 1978, the question asked is, “Is capitalism humane?” According to Milton Friedman, the question is irrelevant. Capitalism per se is not humane or inhumane; nor is socialism. If we compare the two in terms of results, it is clear that only capitalism fosters equality and works toward social justice. The one is based on the principle of voluntary cooperation and free exchange, the other on force of position and power. In a free economy, it is …
Critics of the free market system often point out that it is an unfair system due to it leaving some with wealth at the expense of oppressing others. What those critics often ignore is that exchanges in this economic structure are voluntary. Each side comes out of the interaction with their desired result. Since the seller is amassing wealth by helping others get the goods and services they need, isn’t that more moral than proposed socialist solutions? When it comes to the relationship between morals and economics, Dr. Walter Williams has this to say, “Unless you believe that there’s a …
40 years ago, the U.S was in an economic recession, an Asian country was beginning to dominate world manufacturing, and the era of big government and socialism surely looked like it would emerge as the winner through the Soviet Union.
In less than 10 years, we beat back the tide and ushered in a new era of freedom and prosperity based on good old U.S. capitalism. Thank you, Milton Friedman.
Today we launch a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the original Free To Choose – a television series that literally changed the world. This program remains one of the most profound and accessible conduits to the ideas of personal and economic freedom and serves as a touchstone to anyone seeking to recreate the recipe for peace and prosperity.
Our nonprofit organization, Free To Choose® Network, was born of this series. Bob Chitester created the concept for the original project with Milton Friedman, and our team has since spent decades telling stories that emphasize these basic principles for the benefit of a free society.
Now, more than ever, we could use a great communicator to re-introduce a new generation to these ideas. Why not use the best that ever was? Milton Friedman himself. I’m inviting you to follow us online over the next 10 weeks while we release clips, animated shorts, behind the scenes stories, and some new twists that will answer the age-old question, “What would Milton Say?”
It will be all Milton and it’s our pleasure to share and celebrate his timeless ideas.
Watch, ENJOY, and please share – especially with the next generation.
Rob Chatfield
President & CEO
