The Relevance of the Index of Economic freedom for Higher Education | Kevin Roberts

Silvana Quispetupa  | 13 de septiembre de 2022  | Vistas: 33

Today’s interview is given by Kevin Roberts, who in his speech highlights UFM's commitment to freedom and truth as a core part of student life. Kevin, then, shares his experience at Wyoming Catholic College and emphasizes the importance of preserving human freedom, dignity, and rights to build a better society.

Roberts continues his speech by stating that he acknowledges the prevailing trend of socialism, statism, and cultural elitism in the region, referred to as the "pink tide". And, while acknowledging that liberty is currently unpopular among elites, Kevin asserts that classical liberal principles are historically opposed by those who seek centralized and exploitative power. Kevin underscores the importance of preserving principles such as private property, voluntary exchange, constitutionalism, equal opportunity, and freedom of expression despite the opposition they face from entrenched elites.

Then, Roberts questions the populist appeal of socialism by pointing to historical examples of socialist leaders amassing wealth while their people suffered. He uses the stark contrast between North and South Korea as an illustration of the differences between capitalism and socialism. And comments on how the core debate between these economic systems is whether opportunities and freedoms are available to all or restricted to the elite.

The difference between capitalism and socialism is whether everyone gets to spend their time and money as they please, or just the elites.” – Kevin Roberts

Roberts continues his speech by contending that individuals, not the state or elites, are the authors of their own life stories and that the purpose of government, as understood by the Guatemalan constitution, is to safeguard this individual autonomy. Later, he stresses the historical success of granting citizens control over their political and economic destinies, which has led to significant economic growth and individual freedom since the founding of the United States.

Afterwards, Kevin mentions the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, which assesses how well nations protect their citizens' rights to strive and prosper. He comments that this index evaluates metrics like property rights, the rule of law, political integrity, fiscal health, business, and trade freedom, among others. And that countries with higher economic freedom tend to have growing economies, better healthcare, education, cleaner environments, and more accountable governments.

Roberts then indicates how socialists often criticize economic inequality in capitalist systems, but countries with more economic freedom have median incomes three to seven times higher than less free ones. And that repressive regimes, which stifle economic freedom, are typically also socially, politically, and religiously oppressive. Also, he adds that capitalism, when combined with a moral civil society and economic freedom, fosters charities, churches, hospitals, and schools. Kevin contrasts the exponential growth in the number of universities with the cooperative competition within market economies, emphasizing the power of capitalism in driving progress and prosperity.

Human beings born with free will tend to move toward freedom”. – Kevin Roberts

Roberts questions why the "Pink Tide", which promotes collectivism, still rises despite the historical success of economic freedom and its potential descent into oppression and poverty. And he suggests that unfettered economic freedom may not have been fully realized and should be a goal for institutions like UFM and the Heritage Foundation. Later, he mentions two key reasons for the persistence of collectivism, which are highlighted.

First, the problem with socialism is that it can lead to wealth corrupting the government, causing voters to reject freedom. To prevent this, humble and principled leadership, grounded in history and human nature, is essential. Second, socialism's utopian promises of expertly directed equality continue to entice young minds, despite the lessons of history regarding socialism's incompetence, injustice, and inhumanity.

Inspire your peers across the world to revitalize their own societies with freedom, the common good and truth”. – Kevin Roberts

Roberts finishes his speech by explaining that capitalism is praised for embracing human nature and harnessing its incentives to promote the common good, and it encourages individuals to serve and give to everyone, creating a sense of hope and the opportunity to build a better future. He also emphasizes that ordinary people have proven time and again that they can achieve extraordinary feats, and capitalism leverages their potential to devise solutions that benefit society at large. He, then, encourages students to keep the freedom to hope in their hearts, as it will be the driving force behind building a better Guatemala for all its citizens.