Free to Choose Documentary

Free to Choose

Free to choose is a documentary series broadcasted in the 80s by Milton Friedman. It exposes the values of freedom, in the personal, political and economic, with topics such as the economic crisis of the 30s, social welfare programs and inflation.

Who protects the consumer?

The "invisible hand" indicates that personal egoism, such as the search for personal property, leads to the collective good. However, this selfishness can lead to scams and malicious acts like the free market generating externalities.

This indicates that the market should be accompanied by measures to protect consumers and all potential adverse effects of market transactions. We have to examine whether policies have actually been taken to counteract the negative effects of free market or on the contrary have created greater problems.

Friedman focuses his study on the U.S. and compares those industries that have been taken over by the government, supposedly to protect the consumer, with those who have remained with few controls. Analyzes the case of the railroad, which has lots of rules imposed by the state to prevent abuse in the collection of passages, with poorly controlled industries such as motor racing. In the first case, there is an inefficient industry whose technological advances are almost null and where the consumer has to pay more for a lousy service, while cars every day are cheaper, more comfortable and safer.

Who protects the worker?

Friedman acknowledges the improvements in the situation of workers in the last two centuries but notes that, despite what many say, the role of unions has been almost void in achieving this improvement as only a small percentage of the population are or were affiliated with unions. Similarly to the appearance of the New Deal the government's role was very limited. Therefore it was concluded that the free market failed to improve the worker's position.

Friedman suggests that trade unions that protect workers allegedly...