Modern political trends have generated much confusion regarding political labels. The
liberal-conservative dichotomy is, in our opinion, an incomplete and misleading paradigm
that fails to adequately describe the progressive trends at work in Michigan, our nation,
and, indeed, our world. The following is a brief explanation of the Mackinac Center's
approach to public policy, the principles which guide our work, and why the term
"free-market" best describes our institute.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy focuses its research on economic policy, broadly
defined (see note below). It does not address issues that are primarily questions of
social ethics such as abortion, censorship, and gambling. While these are important
issues, the Mackinac Center has adopted an inclusive strategy. By gaining the support of
all who recognize the importance of sound economic policy--despite their disagreement over
social issues--we are able to more effectively accomplish our key objective: to establish
a more sophisticated level of political and economic understanding among Michigan citizens
and decision makers.
Modern economic experience demonstrates overwhelmingly that the free-market is a
powerful engine of economic prosperity, and nations the world over are clamoring to shed
the chains of central planning and unleash the creative energy of free men and women. The
principles of the American Revolution--individual liberty, limited government, the free
market, and the rule of law--have become the dominant paradigm of enlightened society.
We see, therefore, a transformation taking place in American politics. The
black-and-white division between contemporary liberals (desiring little government
intervention in personal affairs but extensive government involvement in the economy) and
conservatives (desiring little government involvement in the economy while seeking
government restraint on personal affairs) no longer works, if it ever did.
The new economic reality is creating a growing population in the classical liberal
tradition: socially tolerant, economically sophisticated, desiring little government
intervention in either their personal or economic affairs. Focusing as it does on
economics, the work of the Mackinac Center draws support from these classical liberals,
conservatives and even moderates. The Mackinac Center staff, directors, and scholars
reflect this diversity of viewpoints. It is therefore inaccurate to call the Mackinac
Center for Public Policy "conservative."
Today no one calls an American political research institute a "democratic"
institute because it has embraced democracy over monarchy. That battle was fought long
ago, and democracy is the deserving winner. We believe that the verdict is also in
concerning economic systems, and the free market has won. To play on Churchill's famous
quote, the free market system is the worst type of economy, except for all the others. The
Mackinac Center works to advance solutions that meet human needs while preserving the
benefits of sound economic policy.
We look forward to the day when the myths and fears of free-market capitalism are
dispelled, along with the misplaced faith in a benevolent, omnipotent state. By focusing
on the actual problems and understanding the proper role of public and private
institutions, we can give all Michigan citizens the greatest opportunity for peace,
prosperity, and freedom.
(Note: It is important to understand that economics is not the study
of dollars and cents; it is the study of human behavior. Economics deals with how we use
scarce resources to meet the needs of people in a complex society. Broadly defined,
economics includes the incentives and systems used to deliver not just commodities, but
also education, social assistance, and other services. It also encompasses the vital
political prerequisites of a free-market economy such as respect for private property,
freedom of contract, and the rule of law.)
