Today has been set as Milton Friedman Day — and as such, there are celebrations of the life of the 
famous Nobel prize winning economist taking place all around the world. Friedman was one of the foremost advocates for freedom and for free markets. Friedman is credited with shaping much of modern political thought about libertarianism and the idea of how the engine of human enjinuity, unshackled from the arbitratrary and capricious regulation of government, is the strongest force for positive achievement ever created.
Today we honor Dr. Friedman at the FlashReport by giving one of his essays, specifically one with his ideas about how to address our national challenges on the healthcare issue, with the Golden Pen award.
Here’s a great paragraph that I excerpted from the piece:
Most changes made in the final decade of the twentieth century were in the wrong direction. Despite rejection of the sweeping socialization of medicine proposed by Hillary Clinton, subsequent incremental changes have expanded the role of government, increased regulation of medical practice, and further constrained the terms of medical insurance, thereby raising its cost and increasing the fraction of individuals who choose or are forced to go without insurance.
Governor Schwarzenegger had a relationship with Friedman going back decades, long before pursuing a career in politics. Ironically, were he alive now, there is no doubt that Friedman would have been amongst the most strident opponents of the Governor’s recent proposal to massively increase the role of government in healthcare. Nevertheless, the Governor did recently issue a proclamation naming today Milton Friedman Day.
For those interested, we feature a classic Milton Friedman economics lesson below — The Four Ways To Spend Money. Oh yes, don’t miss the PBS Special tonight on the life of Milton Friedman – set to air at 7 p.m. PST.