Context for Discussions of Political Economy

Honest discussions of political economy that arise over whether
government should be responsible for solving this or that problem or
social ill, must begin with agreement as to the overall context of
the opposition between freedom and government. The context is that of
the two great ideologies—free markets and government socialism—and
the relative good each has demonstrated for humankind throughout
history.

The inspiration of socialism—that it has social value—has led to
governments that have killed tens of millions of innocent people and
have destroyed the economies of billions. On the other hand, free
markets, when allowed to operate, have produced wealth and social
good that have consistently lifted people out of poverty, disease,
ignorance, and isolation. Both ideologies have often been
misinterpreted. However, for whatever the flaws of free market
capitalism as it is applied in the real world, its sins pale in
comparison to those of the consequences imposed by socialism.

This context means that someone who advocates more government or
government as a method to solve social or economic problems must
assume the burden of proof that such a program will, in fact, operate
contrary to what history has consistently shown and contrary to the
explanations of economic theory.