FEI #2

Totalitarian: individuals have no rights government has control.

Monopoly: 1. Exclusive ownership (as through command of supply) 2. A commodity controlled by one party. (The Merriam Webster Dictionary)

Part 1_

What is the meaning of “free” in the United States? The meaning of free in the United States is that all men have the freedom for enterprise, which means existing enterprise is not free from competitors except through selling a better product at even cheaper prices. (WALMART )

Part 2_ Evaluative Statement

Chapter 11 begins by discussing the role of the market. It states that the role of the market is to promote unanimity without conformity. I think this is a good idea but due to government laws and regulations have so much control over the market that this idea is easily overshadowed. All outcomes from the market must apply to laws therefore making unanimity without conformity nonexistent. Everyone conforms to the rules and regulations. I agree with the author’s idea of comparing day to day actions in a society with participants who are playing a game. We all must follow the rules of the game and have an understanding of how the game is played. All people may have their own views and interpretations of the rules but they only change unless there is a general consensus. All participants must follow the rules for the game (society) to function properly. All of these ideas are the role of government in free societies. (Page 25) I also agree that all men must have respect and regard others rights and opinions in a free society or it will become unfree. I agree that the government should have the job of regulating money. Money unfortunately makes the world go round and is vital in all economies. The rules, regulations, and responsibilities need to be in the hands of a larger government rather than a small state or local government. This creates a more fair and even trade and economy for all. I found the term “Monopoly” very interesting in this reading. It is defined as, 1. Exclusive ownership (as through command of supply) 2. A commodity controlled by one party. (The Merriam Webster Dictionary) But as I read about the railroad and the ICC, the National Parks, Highway systems, and public parks, I began to think that, overtime, monopoly has always existed in its own way. The ICC seems to have changed its focus on monopolies over time by first focusing on the railroad, and then trucking and highways. When it comes to the issue that madmen and children do not have freedom, I total agree with what this chapter is saying. We cannot trust that these madmen can follow rules in our society or become functioning members of society, nor can we trust that certain individuals supply their basic needs so we must use the government to create a place for the in society through mental facilities or Prisons. I agree with the author but I also disagree when it comes to children. I do not agree that children are the same as consumer goods. I get that he may be referring to an adults choice to create a child (consumer good) but then again some people abuse that right. Children do not have enough experiences, education, or maturity to make choices for themselves in our society. Therefore we have age limitations for voting and other societal norms for when children can begin obtaining freedom in society. Family members are responsible for the child’s decision making. If the child does not have family, the government will step in a supply care through an orphanage, foster parents, or other arrangements.

Part 3_

At the end of the chapter the author makes a note to say some activities that the government has control over be justified in a free society… and then he lists 14 topics that are mostly understandable in my mind. I want to look more into number seven: violations of our freedom of speech through radio, television, and now through social media. I believe the author means that the government violates this constitutional right by setting rules and regulations. A person cannot get on the radio and say whatever they want. They cannot get on social media and say harmful things towards governmental officials or they are flagged.