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SamuelRSmith on 17 May 2012
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Rath said:

Well I exist on the completely opposite side of the economic spectrum from you.

I believe in a strong public sector and a regulated market.

In fact I really don't get the "Free market or serfdom" thing - a truly free market is what leads to essential serfdom. In a completely free market workers do not have rights. While skilled workers will still be treated well the unskilled and semi-skilled workers would be paid well below living wages, have to work extremely long hours and have no recourse in terms of working conditions

In terms of supply and demand, unskilled and semi-skilled workers have a high supply and their 'price' is being kept artificially high by the government. It is only through government intervention and through the intervention of unions (which are protected by the government) that workers rights exist.

"Free markets" doesn't mean "business-oriented markets". The principles of a free market is very much based on the rights of the individuals. In a free market, individuals have the right to assembly, and so the right to unionize. This right would be protected by the Government. Unions, however, cannot force themselves upon an individual. In many states, you can not legally enter a job without becoming a member of a union, this is an infringement of rights.

I don't understand this notion that businesses will be sticking their workers in the meat grinder if the Government/unions weren't there to protect them. Historically speaking, the USA has had the lowest union participation rate, and the lowest amount of Government intervention. Also, historically speaking, the USA has enjoyed the highest level of worker incomes and other compensations.