Capitalism Voluntary exchange of goods and services Capitalists cannot succeed unless they are offering something of valueLife Conception to natural deathRule of Law/consent of the governed Free, fair elections, one person, one vote. Everyone is equal under the law Free speech All points of view should be allowed to be heard. Individualism Judging people as individuals. The rights of the individual. Citizen control of government Government through legislation, not regulation. Libertarianism, conservatism Preserving the value of liberty. The government that governs least, governs the best. (attributed to Thomas Jefferson)Equality of opportunity We are not born with equal abilities and strengths but have equal right to use them Private control of resources, production Essential element of capitalism. Fair and voluntary commerce. Natural (God-given) rights Some rights are necessary to the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is not for any government to take them away. Personal responsibility The freedom to fail. Mature persons understand the relationship between their actions and consequences and are expected to respect the rights of others. Ends in accord with the means Only just actions can produce just results. Truth stems from facts There is an ultimate truth that is not subject to our passions and prejudicesWestern Civilization Our civilization is based upon the principles borne of the Athens-Rome-Jerusalem triumvirate of social, moral, and political teachings
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