Imagine a Labour canvasser talking on the doorstep to those East German families when they settle in, on freedom's side of the wall. 'You want to keep more of the money you earn? I'm afraid that's very selfish. We shall want to tax that away. You want to own shares in your firm? We can't have that. The state has to own your firm. You want to choose where to send your children to school? That's very divisive. You'll send your child where we tell you.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A caricature of state control over individual economic and personal choices.
- In plain terms
- Showing how a government might take away your money and choices.
- What can you take from it?
- Individual freedom includes keeping earnings and choosing your path.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where should the line be drawn?
- How much control is too much?
Another view
Some state oversight is needed to prevent exploitation.
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