Many Americans assert that government rules and regulations interfere with our free-market economic system, thus inhibiting its proper functioning and reducing the prosperity of our nation. Others counter that our current system is far from a free-market system and claim that many government rules actually contribute to the growing inequality of income and wealth among Americans. Johnston’s book Free Lunch gives abundant evidence that many government rules do indeed tilt the system in favor of the wealthy and, in the process, create a less efficient economy. He also argues that many so-called free-market advocates misquote Adam Smith and ignore biblical principles.
This book, published shortly before the financial crisis of 2008, covers a wide range of examples in which wealthy people have managed to gain the cooperation of federal and state governments in their efforts to amass vast fortunes. Some of the illustrations are easy to understand but many are subtle. For example, have you ever thought about all the public money spent responding to burglar alarms purchased from private companies? Strikingly, Johnston warns that our loose banking laws could cause widespread economic disaster. He also portrays our current health-care system as structured to create profits for a few rather than health care for the many.
Johnston is careful to point out that not all wealthy people fall into the temptation of manipulating our government to create an uneven playing field. And, I am not sure I agree with all of Johnston’s skepticism of existing laws. Still, this book raises my awareness of corruption in our government and helps me understand why inequality is growing in our nation. It also puts into perspective the cries against “wealth-redistribution” programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Let us continue to pray and work for an economy that upholds stewardship and solidarity, a system in which greed is not allowed to deny others a good job and economic security.
Review of Free Lunch—How the Wealthiest American’s Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill), by David Cay Johnston (2007). BY MARY JOHNSON—Chair, Holland Bread Team.
Johnston is careful to point out that not all wealthy people fall into the temptation of manipulating our government to create an uneven playing field. And, I am not sure I agree with all of Johnston’s skepticism of existing laws. Still, this book raises my awareness of corruption in our government and helps me understand why inequality is growing in our nation. It also puts into perspective the cries against “wealth-redistribution” programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Let us continue to pray and work for an economy that upholds stewardship and solidarity, a system in which greed is not allowed to deny others a good job and economic security.
Review of Free Lunch—How the Wealthiest American’s Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill), by David Cay Johnston (2007). BY MARY JOHNSON—Chair, Holland Bread Team.