Milton Friedman, RIP
Many a young conservative cut his teeth on Free To Choose
UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: The Wall Street Journal has tons of coverage, but it’s subscription only (note to self: pick up tomorrow’s copy); however, I did find this nice statement from Gordon St. Angelo, President and CEO of the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation:
America has lost a true visionary and advocate for human freedom. And I have lost a great friend.
Milton’s passion for freedom and liberty has influenced more lives than he ever could possibly know. His writings and ideas have transformed the minds of U.S. Presidents, world leaders, entrepreneurs and freshmen economic majors alike. The loss of his passion, incisive mind and dedication to freedom are all national treasures that we mourn for today.
Milton never chose to slow down; even at 94 he kept fighting to bring educational equality to all of America’s children. And it’s this vision, this drive for educational liberty that the Friedman Foundation will continue to bring to families throughout America.
His impact on my life over the last 33 years was significant. His impact on the world was momentous. Without a doubt, few people have done more to advance civil and economic liberties throughout the world during their lifetime than Dr. Milton Friedman.
And that’s the truth…
Of course, Samuelson was the required text in my undergraduate macro and micro economics courses. Lucky for me, Mr. Kramer, my economics teacher, was educated at the Chicago School and not only fond of Milton Friedman but fully embraced his ideas. Thus it is that I came to know of Mr. Friedman and to embrace his ideas. I’ve been a follower ever since.
A full, productive, and successful life was his. RIP, indeed.
I wasn’t so lucky Steves. My econ prof was a Keynsian guy. So I had to read Friedman and Hayek on the sly. Thank God I did. And thank God for giving us people like Milton Friedman.