The Western World vs. Fascism
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One of the most covered topics during any world history class I have taken is the tragedy that occurred as a result of the Nazi reign in Germany and the powers in charge of their allies. The Nazi system is one of the most remembered regimes of all history, their total control of people, government, and power that lead them to be able to create chaos and evil on such a large scale is truly something incredible in awful way. A topic I see frequently brought up when talking about societies in which government has total control over its people is socialism, which again is brought to light by Hayek who discusses how many of the fascists and Nazi leaders began their rise to power or position as socialists. The system of socialism once again fails, as seen by the corrupt power it gave to the leaders of the Axis Powers and has given to numerous leaders in our world today. While many in countries such as America verbally speak against the actions of the Nazis and their system, they voice support for actions and systems that would tank their nation into a similar system that the Nazis and fascist regime ruled through. Hayek goes into great detail about the significance of protecting individual freedoms, allowing workers and consumers to have the ability to choose without fear of roadblocks or persecution, and other traits that we see often attributed to free nations such as America and other democracies.
The Power and Importance of Choice
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Their are many nations that are considered to be free, however, taking a look at America specifically, I think we see freedom truly embodied in every sense, including economically. Founded on freedom, on the opportunity to pursue your passion and make a living on it without prevention from the government, America is a nation that I believe follows the best system of government to encourage entrepreneurship while choking out traits that would lead to a potentially socialist society that could give way to Nazi-like system of control. As discussed in some of my earlier blogs, there is no true total capitalistic or socialist societies. One of the points we see Hayek discuss that made me take a step back and think about additional implications of how we choose to plan. This is an issue that I have never had to think about before, however, upon being introduced to the different ways that different plans can effect the way competition occurs, how regulation is viewed, and how power is distributed in different plans, I see the point Hayek makes in how this process can have a major effect on a nation. Hayek holds and presents the ideas that the direction that a nation chooses to go, or how they plan, can have drastic impacts on the freedom of the individuals in that nation. Hayek shows the value in individual creativity and entrepreneurship and shows support for the plans that foster a strong building and protection of these liberties.
The Necessity of the Individual
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Throughout the reading, we see a strong sense of desire to protect the individual from Hayek. Hayek's dedication to the protection of the freedom's of independent people rather than the goals of the group reaffirms his belief that prioritizing the competitive and creative nature of people to be the focus will be a stronger, safer, and more efficient method that putting the goals of the entire group first. Hayek buys into the belief that if a system were in place that placed group goals above the desires of individuals, it would eventually become less and less free. Hayek emphasizes the point that a free society should allow individuals to pursue their own passions and desires, rather than being controlled in a system to follow a plan for the group goals. I agree with Hayek on this point and would even go on to say that by solely focusing on the group goals and forgoing the passions of the individual, we create a society that is bound to fall in to totalitarian control, such as what we saw with the Axis Powers.
Conclusion
There are many beliefs to how a country should be run, and with America being one of the most free, the many opinions are very well voiced and on display for everyone to hear. Every one believes that their system is correct or that it would be the most beneficial and successful. After reading "Road to Serfdom," I think a better is question is who does each system or plan benefit and which maintains the freedom of the nation's people. I stand with Hayek in the belief that the individual's freedom should take precedence above other systems, as this is the most effective way to ensure that a nation can stay free. Taking steps to ensure a country is run in the interest of the people, in a system that lays out the power of the government clearly, is a vital part of ensuring that a nation stays free, protects its people's liberty, and doesn't fall into a corrupt, totalitarian regime.