Capitalism better way

It was gratifying to see David Sixbey’s response to my last letter about the dangers of utopianism under its various guises, as it is good to know someone not only read it, but thought about it. Yes, I had to stop due to the constraints of space after noting that schemes based on perfecting society through the coercive power of the state lead to poverty, enslavement and death.

Sixbey thinks that this principle should also be applied to religion and capitalism. I disagree. I believe only one major religion in the world preaches the use of coercive force to spread its malign influence. Others preach only moral persuasion, which the hearer can accept or reject. Examples of Christianity, for instance, being used as an excuse for oppression is just another example of the coercive power of the state being used, not as Jesus Christ prescribed, but as an excuse for the advancement of particular interests.

Capitalism is another story, and Sixbey offers no reason why Adam Smith would be appalled at the Koch brothers, whose mention appears to be a gratuitous Democrat talking point without foundation. If he is sincere in his concern for the environment, as I do not doubt he is, he should study the differences in environmental degradation between countries which have labored decades under the yoke of socialism compared with the situation in mostly free, mostly capitalist countries such as ours. There is no comparison in the filth and damage to ecosystems done under late and current communist governments.

Capitalism not only makes each of us more free and more prosperous, but provides all of us with incentives to protect our environment. The government picking winners and losers in the market is not capitalism, does not bring prosperity or freedom, and ultimately does not protect the environment. KARL T. KIMBALL

Little Rock