By Debbie Schlussel
A great economist, proud Jew, and–most important–great American and patriot, Milton Friedman, died last night.
A scholar, prolific author and writer, and simply a brilliant man, Milton Friedman and his wife, Rose, helped the world understand that to have vibrant freedom (both economic AND political) you need vital capitalism. His landmark book, “Capitalism and Freedom,” will have its 45th anniversary, next year. Not as well known, but also must-read, is his “Free to Choose: A Personal Statement” (written with Rose Friedman).
Friedman saw that welfare, progressive taxation, and minimum wage laws hurt the economy. Even Bill Clinton, no Friedmanite, instituted welfare reforms inspired by Friedman’s genius. My friend, Jeremy Fand’s Dad, Dr. David I. Fand was one of Friedman’s few, lucky, and bright proteges. Dr. Fand always asked me, “Are you a renter or a rent seeker?”
Milton Friedman, Zichrono LiVrachah (“Blessed Be His Memory”).