Free Market Revolution: How Ayn Rand’s Ideas Can End Big Government

Authors, Yaron Brook and Don Watkins Economics, 221 pages. ISBN 978-1-137-27838-8

A great introduction and collection of Ayn Rand’s most powerful arguments in support of free market capitalism and small government: this book should be distributed to those with limited time but open minds. For those well read in these matters, there will be little new material, but this book has compiled the most powerful excerpts into one modest volume.

With supporting arguments from notables from various schools of economics, the founding fathers and prominent objectivist thinkers it makes the moral case for capitalism. Also included are the errors of past supporters that facilitated the inroads of the statists. The thrust of the book is the failure of utilitarian argument persuasion of the masses. For too long the arguments have been focused on lack of superior alternatives, practicality, greater good, general welfare and a multitude of platitudes and half measures designed to placate the mixed market crowd which was a recipe for slow demise. These arguments have largely fallen on deaf ears and been ineffective. The moral argument must be made. The altruists have made an effective emotional argument and not been well countered. It is time to force the issue… to make the moral case and point out the lack of morality in the redistributive policies of the big government statists, as well as the harm and failures.

Politically, the majority of self proclaimed supposed proponents of capitalism have been weak. There is little difference between them and their opponents. It has only been lip service or matters of degree. They have been facilitators acquiescing and folding under the altruist’s arguments and political pressure. The outcome has been predictable. The State has gained power and the individual has lost sovereignty, rights and liberty.

“To visualize the predicament of America, imagine passengers riding on a train which, they have been told, is taking them to a distant utopia. At first it seems well, but as the train moves closer to its destination, the scene outside the windows becomes ominously bleak. Finally, the passengers catch sight of the destination in the distance. Instead of utopia, they see hungry children, chain gangs, and, in the far distance, the barbed wire and sentry posts of a concentration camp. Frightened, angry, they attempt to negate their forward motion by running back inside the train. The attempt, of course, is hopeless; to save themselves, the passengers must get off the train altogether.” Harry Binswanger

The moral case: One’s need is not a license to steal or legitimate claim to the property or wealth of others. Forced redistribution is theft.

“…misfortune is not a claim to slave labor; there is no such thing as a right to consume, control, and destroy those without whom one would be unable to survive.” Ayn Rand “Does that sound harsh? Consider your own case: Would you regard your hardships as a claim on your neighbor’s paycheck? Would you march into his house waving your need around like a gun and helping yourself to his food or his medicine cabinet? Would you think very much of a neighbor who did that to you?” pg. 189

The prescription:
“. The ultimate abolition of all entitlement programs including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and public education
. The abolition of all government controls on business
. The privatization of all property, including public lands, utilities, and roads
. The repeal of all business subsidies and other forms of corporate welfare
. The resurrection of private money (i.e,, a gold standard), the abolishment of the Federal Reserve, and the establishment of free banking
. A restoration of freedom of trade and sanctity of contract

In short, our goal must be the total separation of state and economics.” Pg. 217

A little socialism is like a little untreated cancer.

Some of the arguments did give me pause to reconsider my dedication to particular predilections. Some were reinforced while others have taken a lower place in my hierarchy. The compact, concentrated arguments in this volume can be persuasive.

Definitely a handy book worthy of a place in your library and one worthy of offering to those open minds looking for arguments and options to a failed system.

Happy reading!
O.A.