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What's the difference? How can people be so inconsistent? Why is it that free immigration was a good thing before 1914 and free immigration is a bad thing today? Well, there is a sense in which that answer is right. There's a sense in which free immigration, in the same sense as we had it before 1914 is not possible today. Why not?
Milton Friedman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote questions the inconsistency in views on immigration over time, suggesting that what was once acceptable may no longer be feasible.

Milton Friedman critiques the inconsistent attitudes toward immigration, highlighting how societal, economic, and political contexts alter the perception and viability of free immigration. He argues that while free immigration was beneficial before 1914, the complexities of today's world render that approach impractical, calling for a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary factors influencing immigration policies.

Themes

ImmigrationInconsistencyHistoryPolicyChange

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a debate about current immigration laws to highlight historical perspectives.

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The strongest argument for free enterprise is that it prevents anybody from having too much power. Whether that person is a government official, a trade union official, or a business executive. If forces them to put up or shut up. They either have to deliver the goods, produce something that people are willing to pay for, are willing to buy, or else they have to go into a different business.
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