VitalAccurateThinking

Trade = Freedom

Why trade is important to freedom:

"If merchants 'were [ever] considered' no better than thieves, I say, consider who's doing the considering. The possibility of gains from trade in the hands of 'merchants' was and is the key driver for social and economic mobility and the political instability that comes with it. Feudal lords had much to fear and loathe at the possibility that by trading among themselves serfs might drag themselves out of hunger and ignorance. And so too the Church. Trade is possible only when people assert property rights. Assertion and exploitation of property rights by political subordinates is the beginning of the end of a social order based on birthright and violence."

This cannot be said enough. Trade is the only defense against serfdom.

posted by Jim VAT @ 12:40 PM