Review of The Road to Prosperity: How to Grow Our Economy and Revive the American Dream (Hardcover)

An eloquent defense of the moral and material superiority of free market capitalism and a powerful counter-argument to the Obama adminstration's big government/nanny state agenda.Toomey begins by discussing in a philosophical manner the principles that are the foundation of economic prosperity, namely: respect for property rights, free markets, restrained government spending and taxation, and a stable currency. He then discusses these principles in context of historical events, demonstrating that adherence to these principles has generally produced positive results, while violation of these principles has created negative outcomes.On the positive side, he discusses the startling growth of Ireland's economy over the last 20 years or so. On the negative side, he shows how FDR prolonged the Depression of the 1930s by interfering in free markets and chilling investment.It's clear as day reading this section that Obama is making many of the same mistakes as FDR.Toomey then discusses taxes, government spending, free trade, and social security, providing cogent policy alternatives that are pro-growth and anti-debt.He devotes a chapter to school choice and argues that a free market approach to eduction would benefit students and ultimatly better prepare American for international economic competition.Finally, he discusses the causes behind the economic meltdown of 2008 -- most of which were government induced -- and argues that the policy response by the Bush and Obama Adminstrations has been wrong-headed and counterproductive.I enjoyed the book.It's engaging and a pleasure to read; it makes strong arguments that are connected to philophical principles and real data; and it does so without demonizing opposing views.I'm going to have my 16 year old read it to counter what he hears in high school. It's a great foundation in free market economics and a powerful statement about what we need to do to reverse the present course and re-invigorate the American economy.




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