The late Dr. Milton Friedman, 1976 Nobel Laureate in Economics and host of Free To Choose, urges alertness to the difference between false and real problems concerning government in PRC Forum: Milton Friedman. The problem is not budget deficits, trade deficits, or federal debt. The problem is government spending relative to income, protectionist policies, and unfunded debt resulting from entitlements. It was recorded in 1987.
Tag: Free Trade
Episode 85 – Milton Friedman Speaks – “Who Protects the Worker?” (Podcast)
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, “Who Protects the Worker?” Unions offer protection to workers in some situations, but union membership represents only one-fifth of the American labor force. And while some unions do benefit their members, it is generally at the expense of competing workers and frequently at the expense of the consumer. Government? Government provides some protection, but its efforts are minor. Some workers with only one possible employer—or with no possible employer— enjoy very …
Episode 84 – Milton Friedman Speaks – “Who Protects the Consumer?” (Podcast)
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, “Who Protects the Consumer?” Consumer legislation doesn’t protect the consumer in the end. Rather, it benefits the consumer advocates, including reformers, special interest groups, and regulatory agencies. What does protect the consumer? Alternative sources of supply at variable prices are the inevitable result of international competition-free trade. Milton does not mince words when it comes to his perception of the matter, “These agencies, these regulations, these bureaucrats have not only picked …
Episode 82 – Milton Friedman Speaks – “Equality and Freedom in the Free Enterprise System” (Podcast)
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Free To Choose, we are sharing some of Milton Friedman’s most compelling talks. In this original recording, Friedman explores equality and freedom in the free enterprise system. If the government has the power and responsibility to promote equality of income, then how do we define the concept of equality? Jefferson, in his Declaration of Independence, meant equality before the law, a concept necessary precisely because people are not equal in tastes, values, or capacities. Later, equality came to mean equality of opportunity—the chance to run a fair race. Within a free-market system, both definitions …
Dead Wrong® with Johan Norberg – Why Securing Supplies Creates Insecurity (VIDEO)
Dead Wrong® with Johan Norberg – The Coronavirus and Globalization (VIDEO)
Dead Wrong® with Johan Norberg – What Liberals Really Care About (VIDEO)
Dead Wrong® with Johan Norberg – Protecting from China’s Pirates? (VIDEO)
Dead Wrong® with Johan Norberg – Mexican Immigrants (VIDEO)
Episode 43 – Self-Interest (Podcast)
Individuals act on self-interest. No, that doesn’t mean that people are only motivated by selfish materialism. It comes down to an understanding that actions made today will have consequences tomorrow. Those decisions drive our economy. They are based on the best choices someone can make today, which will provide the best future for themselves and their loved ones. So where do charity and altruism fit into that economic worldview? Nobel laureate Dr. Gary Becker says they play into each other more than people think, but an important distinction should be made, “Even a bunch of selfish individuals, under appropriate circumstances, …