The 2006 Index of Economic Freedom is out, illustrating once again what economists have understood for decades but what Democrats still can't understand: socialism causes poverty.
The Index ranks countries on a range of measures around tax rates, regulation, and property rights. Those countries with lower taxes, less burdensome regulation, and respect for property rights have significantly higher standards of living.
Excel monkeys, get the raw data here.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, take a look at this one:
When Democrats moan about "tax cuts for the rich," those tax cuts do not just benefit the already rich but create an economic environment that allows everyone to become richer. Don't like it? Move to France. They've got a stagnant economy and huge unemployment, but hey, at least the welfare checks are pretty good!
1 comment:
What about Belize and South Africa?
Interesting point, though. Is it the English culture that started laissez-faire governments wherever they colonized?
Is it the Protestant work ethic?
Or is it that the US set the example and the idea of economic freedom spread more easily to fellow English-speaking countries?
A bit of all three, I would guess.
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