New Report on Economic Freedom

[skylercollins]

From my blog:

It is my belief that a free market and limited government is the most superior form of governance achievable by man. Here to make that case is a new report by the Pacific Research Institute describing "in easy-to-understand language the benefits of more economic freedom and the costs of imposing more restrictions on free enterprise and consumer choice." The report can be found here in .pdf format. The January 7th, 2009 press release:

San Francisco – The Pacific Research Institute (PRI), a free-market think tank based in California, today released The Sizzle of Economic Freedom: How Economic Freedom Helps You and Why You Should Demand More, a report that highlights the best scholarly studies measuring the benefits of economic freedom. In producing the study, the authors chose the most recent and academically rigorous peer-reviewed studies in top academic journals.

“The price of limiting economic freedom is real, but not always apparent or easily understood by citizens and voters, or especially by lawmakers,” said Lawrence J. McQuillan, Ph.D., co-author of the report and director of Business and Economic Studies at PRI. “Our report is particularly timely -- in recent months, the U.S. government has undergone a massive expansion not seen in the last 30 years. More than ever, it’s important to remind workers, taxpayers, voters, business leaders, and politicians of the importance of economic freedom to our nation’s growth and prosperity and the dangers and folly of continuing down the road to ever-larger government.”

The benefits of greater economic liberty include:

* Higher personal income

* Less unemployment

* Faster economic growth

* More macroeconomic stability

* Greater capital investment and productivity

* More business start-ups

* More entrepreneurship and innovation

* A better-educated workforce

* Less poverty and inequality

* Better health

* Greater population inflows

* A cleaner environment

* A better quality of life

* More democracy and peace

“The benefits of greater economic freedom are sweeping and substantial for individuals and societies. In the future, while many Americans might still vote for restrictions on economic freedom, this study will help them to cast educated votes,” said Dr. McQuillan.

[FunkyTown]

For those who don't know, the Pacific Resource Group as cited by SkylerCollins is an interesting organization. On the one hand, its stated goals include Environmental Protection, Quality Education for everyone and the limitation of harmful(emphasis mine) government regulation on the technology sector.

These are all noble goals.

On the other hand, its major donors include companies such as Exxon Mobil, ChevronTexaco, Microsoft and Pfizer.

Source: Sourcewatch - Pacific Research Institute - SourceWatch

[Captain_Curmudgeon]

For those who don't know, the Pacific Resource Group as cited by SkylerCollins is an interesting organization.... On the other hand, its major donors include companies such as Exxon Mobil, ChevronTexaco, Microsoft and Pfizer.

If it's good for General Bullmoose (or Motors), it's good for the country.

[Hemidakota]

That is because it is located in San Fransisco. Reminds of those who belong too that hypocritical group called Sierra Club, who want to save the redwoods while I am using paper, living in a wooded house, and love wood furniture.

[Palerider]

That is because it is located in San Fransisco. Reminds of those who belong too that hypocritical group called Sierra Club, who want to save the redwoods while I am using paper, living in a wooded house, and love wood furniture.

I think Al Gore invented that company.....:lol::eek:

[Moksha]

Isn't this economic freedom stuff great? Just ask Bernard Madoff and those who liked to indulge in options backdating. Ah, the joys of investing with those who heartily endorse free economic wheelin' and dealin'. We need those conservative think tanks to echo the refrain that government should get the heck off their backs so a buck can be made, in new and innovative ways!

[Palerider]

and the next time you attend a bailout meeting becuae you need help....take the corp jet.....

[a-train]

A true free-market economy would not allow a single bail-out. The definition of a free-market economy is one wherein all transactions are based on mutually agreeable terms. A bail-out is nothing but the government taking without consent from one group and giving to another.

-a-train