Two days before Christmas, the Albuquerque Tribune published my monthly column, In it, I deplored the free market, arguing that our nation benefits when the powerful economic engine of capitalism is fettered by, for example, government regulation and taxes. (The column is posted above, if you care.)
The Monday after Christmas came a reply from J.D. Bullington, a regular Tribune columnist (ABQ Biz) and an officer of the Association of Commerce and Industry.
Mr. Bullington opened by hinting – not quite charging - that I was in the business of "capitalism-bashing." Not nice, I thought.
After noting, with approval, my description of American capitalism as "the best economic system ever and producer of most the wealth and jobs…" he recapped a few of my supporting arguments. Interestingly, he made no attempt to refute them. Nor, for that matter, did he argue with the burden of my piece.
Instead he went on to deplore what he sees as a great problem – young people who "sidestep the opportunities and successes afforded by capitalism and create a counterculture of values and norms that lead to dead ends."
I think that means he likes market values.
On Jan. 6, the Tribune published a lengthy comment on my views and Bullington’s by Anne Kass, a retired judge.
Judge Kass said she agreed with most of my argument, except for the favorable description of American capitalism that Bullington liked. She then wrote a hearty condemnation of our system and clobbered Bullington for his rosy view of it.
Two days later, a Tribune reader, one Richard Hahn of Sandia Park, wrote a letter to the Editor agreeing with Bullington in part, but largely with my premise.
So why am I telling you all this?
First, because I am delighted to have started an argument. I write, after all, to stimulate thought. (Well, OK – also to convert the world to my point of view.)
Secondly, because I really enjoyed being attacked from the left. Thank you, Judge Kass.
Thirdly, because Bullington’s column suggests that he is not beyond reach, that we might be able to talk. No, I do not like that "capitalism-bashing" line; it smacks of Linda Chavez or John Dendahl. Nor do I agree with what seems to be his belief, that you can base a healthy society on materialism Still, I have the sense he wants to understand and to help kids.
Neither is trivial. In fact, neither is common these days.
Finally, I am delighted because (as Judge Kass notes) the flaws of our economic system rarely get noticed, no less debated, except in small magazines.
Which reminds me - the Tribune deserves great credit for its vital "marketplace of ideas."