When All Else Fails Blame "Free Markets"
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It's rather amazing how people blame "free markets" for things that are 180 degrees removed from "free markets".
For example, and in response to Political Greenwashing: US Exports Coal Pollution to Europe; What About China? reader Over Exposed writes "Excellent example of a complete and utter failure of the free market to deal with pollution".
I see and hear this every day. I would have hoped that people would have learned by now what a "free market" is and isn't.
- Chinese State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are not "free markets"
- Chinese growth targets at any cost are not "free markets"
- Interest rate manipulation in the US have nothing to do with "free markets"
- Chinese and Swiss National Bank currency manipulations have nothing to do with "free markets"
- Ben Bernanke's and Janet Yellen's 2% inflation target - horrendously applied - and ignoring asset bubbles are as far removed from "free markets" as you can get.
Complete fools blame the "free market" for problems 100% caused precisely because we do not have "free markets".
Popular Myths
Contrary to popular myth, free market libertarians do not support slavery, anarchy, or pollution. Rather, we strongly believe in property rights and human rights. No one can own anyone else.
No one can kill you, steal your goods, or damage your property. Laws and regulations that protect property rights and prevent fraud are welcome.
It is amazing how people clamor for more regulation to cure problems caused by regulation and excessive interference in free markets.
Can We Please Try "Free Markets"?
We've tried everything else, and it did not work. Can we please try "free markets" with the minimum number of regulations and laws needed to preserve property rights, preserved human rights, and prevent fraud?
Sadly, I suspect the answer is no. Neither vested interests nor jackasses who have no idea what is really going on, want "free markets".
It's a powerful combination, and we all lose because of it.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
