[blk911]

I personally think Friedman was exactly right. A free market economy, free of government intervention would tend toward an equilibrium (Adam Smith's Invisible Hand Theory). Problem right now is a direct result of government intervention, namely liberal democrats forcing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to so loosen mortgage credit standards as to induce an abnormal and unsustainable amount of economic growth. Remember Adam Smith's Invisible Hand? Supply and demand will always spring back to an equilibrium level. When prices are more than a free market will bear, prices collapse until they are at a level to again attract demand sufficient to fuel additional supply efforts. Combine the intrusion of government with the avarice and greed of some out of control speculators on Wall Street and you have the present mess thank you very much. Even today, our government continues to introduce unwanted and unwarranted intervention that in the long run will make the current sitution look like a day at the park. If you want to scare yourself silly, just google weimer republic