R.I.P. Milton Friedman

[Venkman]

One of the great economic minds of the the twentieth century. His book "Free to CHoose" had a HUGE impact on me politically. People forget that in the mid-20th century, socialism was king and people were talking as if capitalism was outmoded and on the way out. Because of guys like him and Hayek, and the power of their arguments, liberals had to become (or at least had to pretend they were) capitalists again.

[SeattleUte]

Originally Posted by Venkman

One of the great economic minds of the the twentieth century. His book "Free to CHoose" had a HUGE impact on me politically. People forget that in the mid-20th century, socialism was king and people were talking as if capitalism was outmoded and on the way out. Because of guys like him and Hayek, and the power of their arguments, liberals had to become (or at least had to pretend they were) capitalists again.

What younger folks here can't appreciate is how even in the 1980's he was regarded as a radical. Most of what he said and wrote is today taken as a verity. In the '80's when I was taking econ classes from Marxists at the U he was regarded as a nut job. Ultimately, his impact will exceed Kark Marx's.

[MikeWaters]

yes, people don't appreciate how rightward the country has gone. True liberalism isn't even discussed anymore by the democrats.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

yes, people don't appreciate how rightward the country has gone. True liberalism isn't even discussed anymore by the democrats.

UNcle MIlty transcends political sniping. His theories on Monetary Supply policy were roundly booed by the keynesian crowd but were largely adopted, at least operationally, by the Fed and have been quite successful. He was a great thinker.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Venkman

One of the great economic minds of the the twentieth century. His book "Free to CHoose" had a HUGE impact on me politically. People forget that in the mid-20th century, socialism was king and people were talking as if capitalism was outmoded and on the way out. Because of guys like him and Hayek, and the power of their arguments, liberals had to become (or at least had to pretend they were) capitalists again.

He was brilliant and he debunked the Keynsians, thank goodness.

Another of my heroes is now dead.

[Mormon Red Death]

That is a bummer to hear. He along with Ayn Rand and Alan Greenspan are people's whose ideas really have influenced me. So long Uncle Miltie

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

In the '80's when I was taking econ classes from Marxists at the U he was regarded as a nut job.

They're still there. During my "dark year" at the U, I had a finance professor who's office was in the basement of some old building next to all the econ professors. Their doors were plastered with anti-American and/or commie cartoons, bumper stickers, Workers World articles, etc.

Not sure what he did to be banished with all the radicals, but I felt sorry for him because he was a free-market guy who had to take alot of crap from the pony-tailed losers.

Anyway, just another reason to hate the U. Communists.

[SteelBlue]

Originally Posted by Venkman

His book "Free to CHoose" had a HUGE impact on me politically.

The filmstrip series of the same title that he produced for use in LDS seminary courses was also amazing. I often got to be the guy who advanced the filmstrip at the sound of the beep. I can still sing the theme song.... "I'm free to choose, to win or lose, no matter who......"

[creekster]

Althouigh detracting from the somber memorial service, Steel's post was LOL funny.