Sunday, December 24, 2006

Free to Choose

In 1980, PBS ran a series called "Free to Choose," a 10-part series by Milton Friedman on the benefits of free-market capitalism versus the evils of the burdensome government inteference that was strangling the American economy at that time. The program did a lot in bringing ideas (previously considered too intellectual, complex, or boring) in a simple, easy-to-grasp format to mainstream Americans, who would later turn out in droves to elect Ronald Reagan to the White House later that year.

Anyway, thanks to Google Video, you can now view all 10 parts of Free to Choose with the click of your mouse. The shows are just as inspiring now as 25 years ago, especially in the wake of the recent Democratic takeover.

But for those of us who are pressed for time and don't wish to watch all 10 episodes, I recommend at least watching the first part: "The Power of the Market," which I have posted above. Friedman traces the prosperous development of the United States and visits Hong Kong. Only 20-30 minutes long (followed by 30 minutes of debate at the University of Chicago, which isn't really relevant), it pretty much encapsulates the gist of the series, and it prevents people like Ryan from using their "I'm not smart or interested enough" excuse because it presents the ideas in a simple and concise format.

5 comments:

HANK said...

Pat, you win the award for "The Word of the Week"

encapsulates

HANK said...

I just finished watching the entire show. I think the best part is the debate held at the University of Chicago.

Milton made each man present look like a pinko comie despot. Everyone in the room made decisions based on emotions... Milton uses the voice of reason. Good stuff.

Patrick said...

The best part of this episode by far is the part about the pencil. It starts around 15:30 or so. If anything, at least watch this part.

HANK said...

I like his "voting with your feet" argument. The superiority and of the Free Market system is evident by the mass migration of citizens from big government countries to freer ones. Hundreds of Chinese risked their lives everday to enter Hong Kong.

Patrick said...

Notice how communist countries have to build walls to keep people from leaving, while capitalist countries have to build walls to keep out all the people that are trying to get in