Freedomain Radio

I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend and he alleged that a free society would result in corportations "taking over" and that we need government organizations to protect us.  I tried my best to explain to him why the market serves to satisfy the needs of the consumer not swindle him.  Despite the points I made, he largely rejected this due to some irrational fear he has of capitalism.  I wanted to approach this subject with him again via email (where my arguments might have more structure and clarity).

Before I get into how a free market actually protects the consumer, I wanted to try the argument from morality to cut to the chase.I was wondering if someone could help elucidate this argument for me with an application for government consumer protection.

Thanks

jpleezy19:

I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend and he alleged that a free society would result in corportations "taking over" and that we need government organizations to protect us.  I tried my best to explain to him why the market serves to satisfy the needs of the consumer not swindle him.  Despite the points I made, he largely rejected this due to some irrational fear he has of capitalism.  I wanted to approach this subject with him again via email (where my arguments might have more structure and clarity).

Before I get into how a free market actually protects the consumer, I wanted to try the argument from morality to cut to the chase.I was wondering if someone could help elucidate this argument for me with an application for government consumer protection.

Have you had an opportunity to read Stef's new book, Practical Anarchy yet? The reason I ask is, in addition to it being an absolutely beautiful piece of work outlining how a stateless society could function, it also almost inexhaustibly addresses any concerns about corporate takeovers, monopolies, governments arising from DROs, etc.

Check it out, send the links to your friend!

Yes, I can't recommend the books enough (Everyday Anarchy and Practical Anarchy).  They are an extremely efficient way of getting the common questions answered. I mean, it could take you months of emailing back and forth by hand, whereas the books could cover 99% of the questions in one afternoon.

That is not to say that personally explaining and debating should be shunned.  To fully be versed in the topic, one-on-one debating is pretty important.  Teaching something makes you learn it much better than passive listening.

But the books have saved me a lot of personal debating time, and they rock.

Thank you so much for your very kind words Dave -- they really brought a smile to my face!