Um… do capitalists want this endorsement?
Heba Saleh reports in the Financial Times that Libya’s Muammer Khaddaffi Kaddafi Qadhafi Gaddafi has now decided that apitalism is cool: Colonel Muammer Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, pledged to introduce free-market measures by the beginning of next year in an unprecedented speech extolling the virtues of capitalism. “After four months, everything will be in your hands,” ...
Heba Saleh reports in the Financial Times that Libya's Muammer Khaddaffi Kaddafi Qadhafi Gaddafi has now decided that apitalism is cool: Colonel Muammer Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, pledged to introduce free-market measures by the beginning of next year in an unprecedented speech extolling the virtues of capitalism. “After four months, everything will be in your hands,” he told Libyans. “Do not be scared ... begin discussing this issue and prepare yourself ... because this is a crucial and inescapable matter.” The leader, who on Monday celebrated the 39th anniversary of the coup which brought him to power, has presided for almost all these years over an economy controlled by the state, allowing only a small private sector which often came under pressure to limit its growth.... Mr Gaddafi appears to be preparing his country’s people for a smaller state role in the provision of services such as health and education. “The money that we put in the education budget, I say let the Libyan people take it,” he said. “Put it in your pockets and teach your kids as you wish, you take responsibility.” He also said consumers would be able to demand better services from the private companies which will now provide telephone and electricity services. Speaking on behalf of all capitalist lackeys: it's real swell and everything that Khaddafi wants to join the club, but given his past track record on... well.... everything, I'd like to make sure the Mont Pelerin society refrains from inviting him to their next shindig.
Heba Saleh reports in the Financial Times that Libya’s Muammer Khaddaffi Kaddafi Qadhafi Gaddafi has now decided that apitalism is cool:
Colonel Muammer Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, pledged to introduce free-market measures by the beginning of next year in an unprecedented speech extolling the virtues of capitalism. “After four months, everything will be in your hands,” he told Libyans. “Do not be scared … begin discussing this issue and prepare yourself … because this is a crucial and inescapable matter.” The leader, who on Monday celebrated the 39th anniversary of the coup which brought him to power, has presided for almost all these years over an economy controlled by the state, allowing only a small private sector which often came under pressure to limit its growth…. Mr Gaddafi appears to be preparing his country’s people for a smaller state role in the provision of services such as health and education. “The money that we put in the education budget, I say let the Libyan people take it,” he said. “Put it in your pockets and teach your kids as you wish, you take responsibility.” He also said consumers would be able to demand better services from the private companies which will now provide telephone and electricity services.
Speaking on behalf of all capitalist lackeys: it’s real swell and everything that Khaddafi wants to join the club, but given his past track record on… well…. everything, I’d like to make sure the Mont Pelerin society refrains from inviting him to their next shindig.
Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner
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