The Tyranny of Control and the Welfare State: The Limits of Freedom

This text provides a profound analysis of Friedman's diagnosis of contemporary etatism, which, under the guise of welfare, restricts individual autonomy. The author explains how subtle control mechanisms, such as licensing and rationing, undermine the informative role of prices and the efficient allocation of resources. The article contrasts the bureaucratic French model with Israel's selective approach, shedding light on the evolution of the concept of equality—from opportunity to outcome. A key element of the discussion is the proposal for a systemic reform in the form of a negative income tax, intended to provide a transparent alternative to complex redistribution. This is essential reading for those seeking answers to the question of how to regain economic and personal freedom in an era of growing interventionism while avoiding the trap of bureaucratic dependence.