Economics is almost like magic, in how little the public knows or thinks critically about the subject; we accept a lot of things as "truths" when they are, in fact,
theories. Ironically, the same folk who won't listen to the
theory of evolution accept the
theories that make up our economic system.
Here's how to see through the doublespeak, and free a few minds from the Matrix.
I am a recovering libertarian, of the type that Kos is writing his book about: I realized, at some point, that the greater threat to my liberty comes from the corporations, rather than the government by itself.
How I freed myself was by asking questions, questions I hope you can use to confront economic libertarians and conservatives:
The first essential is that Economics is not a science, strictly speaking; nor more than Political Science is a science. In the end, it is not thoroughly predictive. It is theory in the purest sense of the word: observed patterns, which others then attempt to dissect and discuss. Economics is not science and is not so "provable" as hard science is. It is based solely on Psychology and Mathematic theory. But Psychology is the important part: Economics doesn't work, if you don't believe in it.
If you don't believe in the dollar, it is worth nothing. If you don't believe in a contract, it is void. If a stock trader believes a particular thing, true or not, it is reflected in how they buy or sell stocks-- which is how, a few years ago, a teenager did the impossible-- manipulated the markets-- simply by going to message boards and making traders believe in a company that did not deserve attention. He made millions. It is also the problem behind Enron: they made stockholders believe in profits that did not exist.
If it's all belief, isn't it in the interest of the Wizard to keep you thinking it's all for real?
For instance, Minimum wage: the argument that is widely accepted is that if one raises the minimum wage, inflation will occur. That, or fewer people will be hired. This is treated as "natural." Ask yourself this: WHO CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN? Most treat it as the invisible "they" but the truth is the choices of corporations, their leadership who pay themselves so well, cause this.
Second essential: The Markets are not a ecological system. Market analysist, economists, treat the markets as if it had no controls whatsoever, as if it all were like a Hurricane that no human can touch-- some vast Invisible Hand moves it all. That only works, if you believe it. Corporations are using this to their advantage, coming off as "innocent" in a vast debate over responsibility for jobs and benefits. They act as if they "have to" cut benefits, that they "have to" kill jobs and "have to" over-pay themselves-- it's just the nature of the ecological system! Don't believe that. There are actors here, and as conglomorates rise like fiefdoms, it is increasingly easy to know who they are.
Third: the Corporation is a construct of government. It cannot hold debt, yet is treated as a legal person. Many are subsidized. They hide behind tax shelters. Without government, they would not exist-- and this is IMPORTANT for dealing with libertarians, to point out that what they think of as "business" or "private sector" are constructs of the government they'd like to kill. Those that lead these corporations are not owners-- they may own stock, but these entities are not the beloved creations of a small business owner. They are shelters from resposibility. How can a middle class person defend a powerful entity, which has more rights than they do, does not force debt on its leadership, and whose state purpose is nothing but itself?
How can someone think that a corporation has "rights?" That, when a corporation is supposed to be selfish, one should sacrifice anything to it, going against one's own self interest? It isn't a person!!! It deserves no loyalty! No consideration! People have rights: government constructs get priveledges.
It's all about belief. Once you look, once you point out the inconsistencies, it becomes easier and easier to stop believing.
Next time someone treats the economics as if it were like the laws of gravity, remind yourself it isn't. Next time someone says what will happen in response to one economic policy or another, ask yourself: Who Causes This?
Next time someone tries to treat a corporation as if it deserves anything, remember: you owe them nothing. If you think you do, you negociate from a position of weakness.