American Freedoms, Free Markets & the Constitution

By Paul Lechner, Esq., CPA — Lechner Law Office, P.C.

We use mental models to impose order and meaning on what we observe in the world. These models can be like prisms — each giving the holder a different view. When it comes to politics, serious consideration should be given to long-term outcomes: raising an army, advancing education, healing the sick, and raising our children.

History confirms that the great threat to freedom is concentrating power in political hands. Free men do not ask what the government can do for them — they ask what can be done to protect their freedoms. As President Reagan said simply: “When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on Paul’s vote.”

Two Principles in Our Constitution

First, the scope of government must be limited — to protect our freedoms from enemies, preserve law and order, enforce private contracts, and foster competitive markets. Second, government power must be dispersed. The concentration of power to do good also carries the risk of the power to do harm.

The Friedman–Donahue Exchange (1979)

Phil Donahue: When you see around the globe the maldistribution of wealth, the desperate plight of millions — so few “haves” and so many “have-nots” — did you ever have a moment of doubt about capitalism and whether greed is a good idea to run on?

Milton Friedman: Well, first of all, tell me — is there some society you know that doesn’t run on greed? The world runs on individuals pursuing their separate interests. The great achievements of civilization have not come from government bureaus. In the only cases in which the masses have escaped from grinding poverty — the only cases in recorded history — are where they have had capitalism and largely free trade. There is no alternative way so far discovered of improving the lot of ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities unleashed by a free enterprise system.

Phil Donahue: But it seems to reward not virtue as much as the ability to manipulate the system.

Milton Friedman: And what does reward virtue? You think the Communist commissar rewarded virtue? Is it really true that political self-interest is nobler than economic self-interest? Just tell me where in the world you find these angels who are going to organize society for us.

Protecting your business and personal wealth within our free market system starts with sound legal and financial planning. Learn more about our business and corporate law services.