The Market: Inviting choice, competition, and crowdsourcing
What do libertarians mean when they say, “Let the market solve that problem?” Are they suggesting that a cabal of greedy, capitalist cronies are the ideal way to solve a problem?
The answer is “No.”
The word “market” is shorthand for an approach that features choice, competition, and crowdsourcing.
The libertarian believes a competitive process with multiple innovators will be more flexible, nimble, and creative than a solitary, politicized bureaucracy can be.
Market benefits you
Multiple innovators also means that many experiments can be tried. Plus, you only pay for the ones you like.
Furthermore, markets are much more responsive than monolithic bureaucracies. The libertarian recognizes that…
- You are unique. Not everyone has the same values, tastes, or ambitions. The majority may want things one way, you may want them another. Politicians offer a “one-size-fits-all,’ shove-it-down-your-throat products or programs. Markets, on the other hand, cater to social diversity.
- Individuals have far more power as consumers than they do as voters. You might lose your fight against a malicious city hall. But you still have the option to boycott a burger joint you think gave you bad service, despite the fact that the manager both refunded your money AND gave you a replacement for the staff’s mistake.
Most people don’t understand markets because they’re confused by what they are. Markets are NOT…
- Identical to “capitalism.” Capitalism is an aspect of the market that uses savings to leverage increased production.
- “Privatization.” Privatization means the monopoly service of The State is being farmed out to a political crony.
So let’s repeat the key idea so you don’t miss it. Markets are about choice, competition, and crowdsourcing. The market is simply society itself. Now…
Which approach do you think will do a better job addressing a social problem, markets (society) or statist monopolies (politicians and bureaucrats)?
By Jim Babka & Perry Willis