76-18-A6
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World Research[edit]
Transcript[edit]Quite some time ago on one of these programs, I quoted from a small book called The Incredible Bread Machine. It was published by the Campus Studies Division of World Research, Inc. in San Diego, California. The Incredible Bread Machine was about as good and concise a job as could possibly be done in summing up what our free market system is all about. The Campus Studies Division of World Research is dedicated to providing educators and students with material to counter the economic fairy tales that abound in our schools and on our campuses today. And, bless them, the people at Campus Studies have shed some pretty bright light in some very dark educational corners. But no one is more aware than they are of how much more light is needed. Recently, they released the results of a nationwide poll taken among college students and instructors from high school level to university professors. The poll makes it plain that education itself is helping to promote economic illiteracy. Less than 9% of students and faculty have a clear understanding of terms such as "free market", "mixed economic system" and "collectivism". Only one out of five really believes in the principles of a free market system and there is an unfavorable, if not hostile, attitude among instructors toward the free market. Among the students, 67% do not believe in strictly limiting government's power and 37% see no danger to freedom in increasing government's power. More than three- fourths of them don't think government should outlaw actions which do not threaten the life, liberty or property of others which is reassuring until you discover that about two-thirds of them at the same time are willing to let government legislate what it thinks is for our own good. To sum up, less than half think the free market can do as well as government in delivering gas and electric power, and more than half would nationalize the oil companies. With such a survey in hand, the Campus Studies group is readying a follow-up to The Incredible Bread Machine. And, that's a hard act to follow. They have come up with a movie script (a large part of their success is in making the truth pleasant to absorb) . The intention is, as they put it, to stimulate thought and provoke discussion with a film that is entertaining and informative -- suitable for both classroom and television. It will promote the idea that a free economy is neither unjust nor inhumane; that it is instead highly moral and fair when compared to a planned economy and bureaucratic controls in the market place. I'll buy that. And, incidentally, that's what these bright, young people are hoping a lot of us -- particularly the business community will do -- help buy that. You see, World Research, Inc. is a non-profit organization maintained by tax deductible contributions. And that's how this film will have to be funded, just as the film version of The Incredible Bread Machine was produced. The business and industrial community and, for that matter, all who believe in the free market should give a hand to this undertaking. On its record, the Campus Studies Division of World Research, Inc., San Diego, California deserves our support. They stand in contrast to the National Education Association which has promoted a publication which declares that profit-making should be replaced by government action. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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