Support the Free Market
Health care along with oil and gas prices continue to rise. There are arguments that health insurance companies make billions in profits only to limit what services their customers can use. The oil and gas industry here in America takes precious fossil fuels and sells them in open, free markets globally as gas prices continue to rise. Those people would say that if the government would take over these industries, the problems would be solved.
As a Libertarian, I believe in small government and the free market. I do not believe that capitalism is a bad thing or that small business should be ashamed of making a profit. I do believe that today’s society has turned away from personal responsibility which has allowed the free market to become the scapegoat.
The free market system has done more for people worldwide than any other economic system. Those who have become wealthy from the free market have given back for the betterment of the human race. Are human beings flawed and become greedy when complacency sets in, Yes. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “A man is usually more careful of his money than he is of his principles.” Politicians and large corporations seem to prove that statement on a weekly basis.
Capitalism and the free market is a system of relationships based on human interaction. When a system like capitalism is developed, it is important that morals are established to hold people to a certain standard, ensuring longevity in the business world. We are flawed, and no political or economic system guarantees moral behavior. Former presidential candidate Rick Santorium wrote, “Success in the free market is dependent on both abiding by our nation’s laws and a strict moral code. I see this as living by the natural rights given by God and respecting the rights of others.
In a free market, we have a right to choose a path of self-determination. I am a believer that government should be small and play a limited role in its citizens lives providing court systems, a police force, and military to protect its citizens allowing us the opportunity to pursue happiness. I define the pursuit of happiness as the ability to live up to one’s potential.
Many have used their wealth to further causes in arts, education, and health. The majority of this wealth has come from business rather than long established family wealth. These businesses have developed from a free market economy and in turn used their success to give back. Individuals or small businesses can also contribute to the betterment of society. This is where moral obligations come in. Capitalism or charitable contributions do not make a person morally superior. It is up to the person or group of people to make the conscious effort to promote virtues and human freedom.
How can one succeed in business with moral character? I believe the answer is the common sense approach. It is always giving your customers the best product possible, be honest in your dealings, remain true to yourself by not implementing shortcuts just because your competition is doing it and always hire people that are willing to conduct business with the same values. As human beings, we make mistakes, but we also correct those mistakes just as quickly. Our moral character can never be corrupted if we treat each other fairly and equally. It is up to the individual to save our economy, not the government.
