Thinking “Free Markets” These Days

With the results of the U.S. Presidential election fresh in my mind, with the resulting shift in representation toward more government regulation and oversight of the U.S. economy, I have been thinking about the need to appreciation of the benefits of free market economic policies in our country. 

  A photo of K-2, the second tallest mountain in the world (www.k2baltihouse.co.uk)

Free trade, less intrusion upon economic systems from government beaurocratic regulation, moderate to lower taxation to spur economic growth, the free flow of capital to and from sectors of the U.S. economy that are either profitable or unprofitable, pro-growth policies combined with responsible government expenditures – these are all crucially important economic issues to consider when setting policies that will impact the future prosperity of the United States as well as the World economy. 

Following are just a handful of online information sources geared toward the preservation of free markets and the reasonable role of the U.S. government in the U.S. economy.  There is much to say on this in the future as the next U.S. congress and administration begin dealing with economic policy issues.  For now, I encourage you to “read up” and prepare yourselves for the coming policy struggles.

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A. The Cato Institute (http://www.cato.org/)

The mission of the Cato Institute is to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace. The Institute will use the most effective means to originate, advocate, promote, and disseminate applicable policy proposals that create free, open, and civil societies in the United States and throughout the world.

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B. The Ludwig von Mises Institute (http://mises.org/)

It is the mission of the Mises Institute to restore a high place for theory in economics and the social sciences, encourage a revival of critical historical research, and draw attention to neglected traditions in Western philosophy. In this cause, the Mises Institute works to advance the Austrian School of economics and the Misesian tradition, and, in application, defends the market economy, private property, sound money, and peaceful international relations, while opposing government intervention as economically and socially destructive.

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C. The Heritage Foundation (http://www.heritage.org/)

The Heritage Foundation is committed to building an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity and civil society flourish.  Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute – a think tank – whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.

 

Picture of Mount Rainier, in the Pacific Northwest

(symbolicly speaking, economic growth is the key issue to keep our eyes on, and which we too often lose sight of with our focus on the immediate necessities of economic life).

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There are of course a number of other free market economics and conservative political leadership / issues analysis websites that I hope to refer to in the future in discussing this issues.

So, this blog is off in yet another direction that fits the times and life circumstances and interests of the author.  This seems to be the time for free market economics adherents to be outspoken and up front in defense of free market capitalism and conservative political ideals. 

Churchlayman