The point about money in a free economy is that it confers freedom on the owner: he can use it how he likes, when he likes.

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The U.S. is, according to the Economic Freedom of the World index, the nation with the 18th freest economy in the world.

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So why isn't economic freedom the "default setting" for our economy?

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While companies may enjoy the financial freedom of cash, economists fear that a lack of corporate investment and spending may help push the economy into a recession.

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It would hasten the reorientation of China's economy from exports to consumer spending, give its central bank more freedom to fight inflation, and divert demand to depressed Europe and America, catalysing an essential rebalancing of the global economy.

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In the economy, as in matters of opinion, individual freedom must also prevail.

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In another uncomfortable moment, Romney enumerated five items to restore the imperiled economy, including expanding trade, nurturing skilled workers and restoring economic freedom.

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America became the world's most dynamic and powerful economy by opening our doors to all those seeking freedom and opportunity.

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That dominance may not be what competitors want, but freedom for successful innovators to compete is far better than antitrust regulation for the future of our innovation economy.

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In the new economy, workers would wear whatever clothing best got their creative juices flowing, without unduly restricting freedom of movement while playing table football and engaging in other activities de rigueur in the modern cutting-edge working environment.

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