China backlash shows how capitalism can work when consumers assert themselves

Published October 8, 2019 6:04pm ET



That individuals, not an oligarchy or oppressive majority, have all power in a free market makes it both the most moral economic system in human history, as well as the most efficient one.

We, as separate consumers, issue far more rapid and precise price signals to suppliers than can technocrats, bureaucrats, or even a majority vote. And capitalism remains the one system under which all transactions are voluntary. But lost in the bounty of the fruits of capitalism is an odd collective amnesia where we’ve somehow forgotten that we’re active consumers, not pawns to be controlled.

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