The Tyranny of the Status Quo

Free to Choose was an international best-seller in 1980. Its forceful message influenced a number of world leaders -- among them Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. The Friedmans explained how free markets enable people to make the best use of their talents. In Tyranny of the Status Quo Milton and Rose Friedman describe a remarkable political phenomenon: the uniform tendency in government to reverse the declared policies of leaders whether left or right. In the first six to nine months following their election Reagan, Thatcher, and Mitterand, too, initiated big changes. Soon each was frustrated by the "Iron Triangle" which preserves the status quo. In the triangle's corners are the direct beneficiaries of laws, the bureaucrats who thrive on them, the politicians who seek votes. Would Ronald Reagan be reelected? In successive chapters the Friedmans considered the public perception of Reagan's progress or lack of it, in respect of government spending and deficits, taxation, defense, inflation, unemployment, domestic security, and education. Margaret Thatcher won another six to nine months. Would Reagan also have a second chance? This is an important book for all Americans, left, middle, right. The Friedmans stress that there are only two ways that the general interests -- as opposed to the parochial special interests that dominate the Iron Triangle -- can be effective. One is by actions of the President and Vice-President, who are the only officials elected by all voters; the second is through Constitutional Amendments. Once again, the Friedmans document the many ways that interfering with the free market reduces the opportunities of all the people.