Friedman - Capitalism and Freedom

Friedman's article on Liberalism makes many good points, although there is quite a lot of information to digest. During the second half of the piece he talks of the role of the government in the free society. He says, "...the fact that the final outcome generally must be a law applicapable to all groups, rather than legislative enactments for each 'party' represented" Even though unanimity would be the "ideal" outcome in any vote or situation, the way to get to that point is usually impossible.

But if in an ideal world that did happen, the dynamics of society could become twisted very easily, causing no one to speak up if they feel different about the decision. It reminds me of how people were brainwashed during the holocaust to think that killing people was okay, that it was good to be a nazi, and how no one was able to question authority. Society is very malleable, as well as the people that inhabit it. Friedman relates games to soceity, mentioning, "most of the general conditions are the unintended outcome of custom, accepted unthinkingly." We tend to accept regulations without hestiation. Also he said, "In both games and society also, no set of rules can prevail unless most participants most of the time conform to them without external sanctions; unless, that is, there is a broad unlerlying social consensus." Even with a large number of being agreeing to something, there is still opportunity for corruption.

Instead of unanimity, Friedman states that it is easier to "accept something less" which is the prospect of majority rules. Although with our government, majority can be questioned if the percentage of the majority over the minority is very slim.

"Absolute freedom is impossible...it is not feasible in a world of imperfect men." Very true, and our government (but instilling a government) definitely adheres to that statement.