FEI #1

Part 1_

What are the logical links between economic and political freedom? (page 12)

  In a liberal point of view, the author speaks about how freedom to and individual in a society is based upon ethical problems. Two important ethical issues are relations among people and exercising that freedom. There are two very important links between economic and political freedom: Voluntary cooperation of individuals in a marketplace because all people are involved in providing an income for one another through purchasing goods and services. The other is central direction involving the use of coercion. (13) Another important link between economic and political freedom is that it permits wide diversity. From the reading, It is a system of proportional representation. (15)

Part 2_ 

 As I read through the first three to four pages, I was very confused by this reading. I had to look up words and phrases to get a better idea of what I was reading. Once I got to page five or six I was able to gain more understanding of what the author was talking about. Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman begins by discussing the relationship and ideas between politics and economics. Liberalism seems to be more connected to economic matter than in political due to the nineteenth century liberalist who favored political decentralization. Things changed when in the twentieth century the liberals favored centralized government. Since the liberal view changed so much over time they have now become known as libertarian-conservative, covering a large area of different views.

The author states that a socialist economy cannot be democratic when guaranteeing individual freedom.  There is an important role in economic arrangements for persons to hold economic freedom. On page 8, the author writes, “Economic freedom is also an indispensable means toward the achievement of political freedom.” The chapter then gives examples of situations over time that economic freedom was not granted to citizens.

Hard working men and women in the United States, by law have to put 10% towards their retirement each pay check does not have freedom due to federal regulation. Religious freedom is effected by federal regulation of taxes, therefore breaking person beliefs by government selling a person belongings. Freedom to choose a occupation is also not free unless a person pays for school to obtain a certificate. Once in major debt that person is still not promised a job in that area. A person cannot sell another’s product for less than the manufacturer says due to Fair Trade laws. By doing so one can end up in jail. Economic arrangements are extremely important in obtaining total freedom. Organizations within the economy, like capitalism, helps people obtain political freedom by separating and counteracting one another.

The relationship between political and economic freedom is difficult and always has been. In the nineteenth century radicals found that government restrictions were effecting everyone’s economic freedom, giving way to political reform. People began voting for laissez faire, therefore making major changes in well-being and economic arrangements.

A major part of economic freedom in a free market are co-operation. Government decides the “rules” for the free market. Individuals/Producers have many choices as well as consumers. Free Market gives people what they want rather than what a group thinks they ought to have. A free market  gives way to diversity and everyone has a say. When a person buys a product, they do not know whether an African American, a Jewish man, or any other race/religion/origin it originally came from. The market separates all discrimination.

Part 3_

What does the author mean when he says, "Because we live in free society, we tend to forget how limited the span of time and the part of the globe for which there has ever been anything like political freedom: the typical state of mind is tyranny, servitude, and misery." (page 4)

I have two different views on what the author may mean by the above statement. First, I think that he may be saying that Americans have had so much freedom in choice and decision making in the market and society that they take their freedom for granted. Compared to other societies and places all over the world, Americans do have choices and freedom in many things. On the other hand, I can see another side to this statement.  I can see this statement being another way of saying due to so much government restriction and political control in our country, Americans actually have little freedom. The government and politics control income, international travel, occupations, gas prices, security, healthcare, and more. All of the laws, rules, and regulations therefore hinder the idea of freedom in everything we do.