By ORENDT, John, Dist. 30 State House Candidate.
The great economist Adam Smith wrote that a free society operates as if "an invisible hand" directs people's actions — in such a way as to serve the interest of the whole society.
That invisible hand is a gentle one. A free market is a gentle market. A free society is a gentle society. A cooperative, compassionate, and generous society. An abundant and tolerant society.
The marketplace has a civilizing, humanizing effect. If honesty didn't exist, the marketplace would invent it, because it's the most successful way to do business. In the free market we see, not a survival of the fittest, but a survival of the kindest. Survival of the most cooperative. Survival of the friendliest. A gentle Darwinism, if you will.
In a free society, the most considerate prosper. As Thomas Sowell says, "Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back." A smile has currency.
In the marketplace, people tend to be well mannered — even if they hate you. The profit motive can even overcome racism, sexism, and other prejudices. Even the most racist businessman eventually realizes on some level that "I might hate the color of their skin, but I love the color of their money."
Economist Walter Williams likes to talk about how Texas cattlemen work long hours to make sure that New Yorkers have all the steak they can eat. The ranchers don't do this because they love New Yorkers.
Again, the invisible hand at work, creating cooperation.
In any business situation, success is more likely for the people or companies who treat their customers with respect, kindness, courtesy, and friendliness.
Free trade also discourages war and makes friends instead. "When goods don't cross borders, soldiers will."
A free society is also a generous society.
In a free society, those in need would be better cared for. No better weapon against poverty, disease, illiteracy, and tyranny has yet been found . . . Capitalism's compassion for the material needs of humankind has not in history, yet, had a peer.
We don't need the income tax to force us to help the poor. Before the income tax "privately financed schools and colleges multiplied. Foreign missionary activity exploded. Non-profit, private hospitals and orphanages, sprang up like weed. Almost every charitable organization, from the YMCA to the Salvation Army, dates from that period."
"If you came in to lots of money — say you won the lottery — and you wanted to help the poor. Would you give your money to the Department of Health and Human Services, or to your favorite charity?" You can almost see the light bulb come on in someone's head. No one ever proposes to donate a windfall to the government.
A free society is one of abundance.
A place where people can work themselves out of poverty.
Can it be done? Can we achieve a free society? I believe we can.
Separation of economy and state — to the extent that it's been done — has produced flourishing economies with prosperity beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
The privatization revolution has produced savings of 50% or more and amazing efficiency. There have been absolutely amazing reductions in the cost of phone calls, and air travel largely due to less interference from the government.
The next separation, I believe, will be that of school and state. I think the Separation of School and State will achieve success soon. Tax credits for parents who separate their children from state schools will improve education all around.
I envision a gentle society of kindness and cooperation. A safer, non-violent society. A generous and giving society, where poverty is unusual and temporary, and where those who are in need are taken care of with dignity and respect.
I envision an abundant society. Where all can keep the fruits of their labor. A nation of millionaires. Where buying power continues to multiply. Where technology continues to bring about breathtaking improvements in lifestyles.
I envision an peaceful society. Where there are no wars, on drugs, on people, or on foreign soil.
I envision a libertarian society. Once Hawaii and America are free, the benefits of freedom will overflow our borders. We will be a shining beacon to the whole world. More and more people will demand the same from their own societies and will begin to emulate us. I envision a free world.
We should all want to play a vital role in this wonderful revolution, because someday people will talk about us. Granddads will say to their grandchildren, "Once upon a time, there was an income tax. And did you know that the government once told people what they could eat and drink? Or that children were forced to go to government schools?
There were libertarians who were courageous and ahead of their time. Libertarians who acted out of principle, out of self-preservation, out of love and compassion. The libertarians organized a society where people lived together harmoniously. Free market capitalism and the invisible hand of liberty define, the foundation of this free, and harmonious life we all enjoy.
Your grandchildren will say you took a courageous stand for humanity. You shared the vision of a cooperative, kind, safe, abundant, tolerant world. And YOU made it happen.
John Orendt is a candidate for District 30, Upper Kalihi State Representative.
He is the Vice Chair, of the Libertarian Party
of Hawaii. You may have seen him at the Hawaii State Capital lobbying for
freedom and prosperity. His philosophical
influences include Aristotle, Ludwig von Mises, John Adams, and Ayn Rand.
http://www.hugetiger.com/ElectOrendt2002/