Opinion: ‘Neoliberalism’ is more than a dirty word — it’s a morally bankrupt ideology

To the editor: The essence of neoliberalism is laissez faire, free-market economics. It is the base Republican economic philosophy that has been dominant since the Reagan presidency, even through Democratic administrations. (“I’m a neoliberal and I’m proud,” Opinion, June 4)

But there is no such thing as a free market; the government creates the market by establishing the rules of the market, creates and adjudicates contract law and is responsible for enforcement. The problem boils down to what is euphemistically called the golden rule: “He who has the gold makes the rules.”

Corporations, Wall Street and the uber- wealthy have usurped the power of the government and manipulated the rules of the market in their favor. The inequality gap has steadily increased since the Reagan administration — the wealthy have received virtually all of the reward for gains in productivity since his administration.

Neoliberalism undermines democracy and has led to an extremely unequal distribution of wealth and resources. That is the reason for the current backlash against it.

Brent Vanderwood, Mission Viejo

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To the editor: Neoliberalism is certainly not “a set of policies aimed at reducing the role of the state in the economy.” Rather, it utilizes the power of the state to achieve its aims both nationally and internationally. Neoliberals pushed for the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans Pacific Partnership, which are international policies of states, not free traders.

Kirchick’s argument that neoliberal policies are not causing unemployment is grounded on a study of manufacturing by Ball State University. Since manufacturing is only a small part of the economy, I don’t buy this argument. He should also point out that the study is largely based on manufacturing in Indiana.

Kirchick is correct in saying that the critics of neoliberalism on the left have “nothing new to offer.” The opponents of neoliberalism lack the 50 to 60 years neoliberal “think tanks” have had to develop and promote their theories. In fact, the roots of neoliberalism go back the New Deal era when capitalists started to organize against the reforms aimed at stabilizing capitalism.

Remember, the neoliberals believe we should rely on “the markets” to correct themselves after they failed in 2008. There certainly is no morality in the neoliberal camp.

Ron Amberger, San Diego

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