Earth Day & Lenin's Birthday, Too
What better day to celebrate capitalism? An editorial in today’s Investor’s Business Daily points out that all the hoopla over Earth Day today will “ignore the real truth,” which is the Earth is cleaner today because of capitalism.
First,the IBD editorial shows that today’s environment is cleaner, as documented in the Index of Leading Environmental Indicators (available here). They conclude the editorial writing:
“We won't discount the (environmental) movement's contribution. Four decades ago, it helped show the world the value of global stewardship. But that movement is no longer interested in a cleaner world.
“Filled with extremists and anti-capitalist crusaders, its primary goals have changed. Topping the agenda of today's environmentalist groups is the pulling down of market economies, the raising up of central planning for egalitarian goals, forced lifestyle changes and the vilification — in hopes of the elimination — of signs of wealth.
“None of these advance the planet's environmental health. But capitalism has. Through wealth generated by the free market, we have enough resources to move beyond the subsistence economies that damage the environment, enough disposable income to fund clean-up programs, enough wealth to scrub and polish industry.
“Only in advanced economies can the technology needed to recycle hazardous waste or to replace dirty coal-fired power plants with cleaner gas or nuclear plants be developed. That technology cannot be produced in centrally planned economies where the profit motive is squelched and lives are marshalled by the state.
“There's nothing wrong with setting aside a day to honor the Earth. In fairness, though, it should be complemented by Capitalism Day. It's important that the world be reminded of what has driven the environmental improvements since Earth Day began in 1970.”
At Cafe Hayek, Don Boudreaux has an essay describing what Earth Day means to him. He begins by writing:
“Earth Day, to me, means an opportunity to express thanks for all the ways that capitalism makes our lives and environment cleaner and healthier.”
Rush Limbaugh also provided a special Earth Day salute to capitalists today, including such pioneers as the first coal miners and Charles and Frank Duryea, who constructed and tested the first gasoline powered automobile. Thank you all!