Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2013

12 | Cedarville Magazine I’m an economist. I have a Ph.D. in facts, figures, and data, which means it’s hard for me to talk about morality beyond dollars and cents. But three years ago, I had an epiphany. I’m from Seattle, Washington, one of the most politically progressive cities in the country. Everyone in my extended family is politically liberal. When I discovered I was not a political liberal, Thanksgiving dinner became extra fun for me. About three years ago, my family and I were home for the holiday. Although we love each other a lot, dinner conversation can be rather contentious when talk around the table turns to politics. “You know the problem with America today?” it began. “The rich are getting richer at the expense of the poor. If rich people would pay their fair share of the taxes, we would have a just economy and finally start making some progress in this country.” Then it was my turn to “defend” capitalism, and everyone knew what was coming. “The problem is not too much free enterprise,” I said. “It’s not enough free enterprise. What we have in this country is a huge government, crony capitalism, and corruption — that’s not free enterprise. What we need is lower taxes, fewer regulations, and to get out of the way of the entrepreneurs.” Although it’s widely accepted that free enterprise is the best way to organize a prosperous economy, it’s harder to convince Americans that free enterprise is just. by Arthur C. Brooks