Selling the Free Market: The Rhetoric of Economic Correctness

Rating:
Summary: Filling an important void
Review: Aune's book is an important and timely addition to the debates concerning American public philosophy, specifically regarding the appropriate role of government and markets in the coming global world. The work helps explain (and certainly question) the recent glorifications of markets as social cure-alls, as well as the conservative turn to the scapegoating of government after the boogey-man of communism fell away. Turning conservatism upon itself, Aune ably exposes the contradictions between and within the libertarian and cultural wings of conservatism through a focus on the writings of philosophers such as Rand, Nozick, and Murray as well as politicians such as Reagan, Buchanan, and Gingrich. I feel that through his exposition of the subtle rhetorical strategies of "economic correctness," Aune succeeded in his goal of providing his readers with the necessary equipment to counter the arguments of the free marketers. The book should clearly be read by scholars and advocates interested in rhetoric, economics, and contemporary political philosophy. In addition, due to Aune's readable style and his use of humor, the book is also accessible and worthwhile to broader audiences interested in such issues. Here is at least one reader who hopes that Aune's term "economic correctness" receives broad use in American political discourse.

Rating:
Summary: A Provocative Assessment of Free Market Rhetoric
Review: The reviews that accuse Aune of being a Marxist omit the fact that he "has learned as much from. . . traditionalist conservative critics of market rhetoric as I have from those on the left."

Mostly this is a book of rhetorical criticism and analysis pointed enough so that there are those who wouldn't want you to read it.

Rating:
Summary: Libertarians have thin skins!
Review: Who would have thought that the noble libertarian, whatever their school or stance, would have such thin skins and tin ears? Any way, this book is a critical analysis of the so-called 'free market,' its salespeople, and the reality behind the rhetoric. It is highly recommended.