As demand for oil plummets during the coronavirus pandemic, President Trump is reportedly considering a bailout for the oil industry. While it’s important to note that the oil and natural gas industry employs more than 9 million people, the government shouldn’t be picking winners and losers, even in a time of crisis.

Proponents of capitalism fight a near-constant uphill battle when it comes to defending the good name of the free market. People are all too eager to blame capitalism for the challenges we face as a nation. In reality, the economic challenges we face today are not due to capitalism but due to an unprecedented pandemic. Still, this disruption in the market is no excuse for cronyism.