The further divorce of conservatism and free markets

The Financial Times has good coverage of the increasing rift between American conservatism and free-market capitalism. President Donald Trump is both a result of that rift and a furtherance of it.

Many of the deep thinkers behind conservative politicians have long favored the rift. Russell Kirk, Irving Kristol, Robert Bork — who represent differing versions of conservatism — were outspoken about their opposition to free markets.

Similarly Friedrich Hayek, Ayn Rand, and Milton Friedman — who represent differing versions of free-market capitalism — were clear about their opposition to conservatism. A set of quotations from both sides is here:

“Conservatives against Free-market Capitalism.”

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