After several Big Tech private companies colluded to censor Alex Jones and Infowars, the left suddenly became Hayekians and Friedmanites and defended the free market and private business.
The left is right, though: private businesses can do what they want with their companies and the government should not intervene. Let’s hope they hold that same position the next time a Christian baker refuses service to a gay couple.
That said, can pro-market folks complain about private businesses?
Julie Borowski, a prominent libertarian on Twitter, made this point after someone said free marketeers can’t lambasted private entities.
Why do some people think that if you believe in free markets you’re not allowed to complain about a business? I do it daily. https://t.co/aG9bvr6Fnj
— Julie Borowski (@JulieBorowski) August 8, 2018
Moreover, it is also a reminder of legendary economist Milton Friedman, who said businesses are a threat to free markets:
“Business corporations in general are not defenders of free enterprise. On the contrary, they are one of the chief sources of danger.”
Google and Facebook have made billions satisfying consumer demand. They have innovated technology, but that doesn’t mean they are immune from criticism.
JRATT says
If I do not like what a business is doing, or the political crap they are pushing, I vote with my dollars and do not purchase their products or use their services. I have not been on FB in months.
I do not watch ABC any longer, they cancelled Roseanne and Last Man Standing. That is what is great about capitalism, you have a choice.