Price fixes

Andrew Coyne effectively outlines the roots of modern conservatism in his essay (“Back to Basics,” May). But he also articulates a naive belief in market-oriented solutions to social and environmental ills. History shows that unfettered capitalism crushes labour unions, exploits resources and workers, and pollutes the environment. Just as there must be social restraints imposed on individuals, there must be stringent economic, environmental, and social restraints imposed on corporations in their pursuit of wealth.

Devan Munn

Guelph, ON

Coyne’s simplistic vision of what could be called “capitalism for newborns ”completely ignores the impact of derivatives, packaged debt, and day trading. It also fails to acknowledge that competition is not between producers for the benefit of consumers, but between stockholders seeking to maximize profit—whatever the cost to everyone else.

N.G. Spencer

Montreal, QC According to Coyne, the market ensures that it’s the “independent” and “interdependent” choices of individuals, rather than some invisible (and thus suspicious) “planner” who meddles, that govern our society. But surely, Coyne and I do not have the same power to influence society—nor do a minimum-wage worker and a company CEO— even though we may be interdependent. For such a level playing field to exist, we would need a basic income guarantee. Then perhaps we could talk about individuals’ independent choices. Saumava Mitra

Ottawa, ON