Columnist Thomas "It Is So Important That the Republicans Lose [1]" Friedman's takes on free-market "fools" in his Friday column, "Make History, Arnold! [2],"which dealswith his newest pet obsession of energy conservation.
"By combining renewable-energy targets and a $4 billion fund to consistently support the start-up of companies to reach those targets in a free-market way, California would set a compelling example for other states - and maybe even for Washington.
"The reason that Mr. Bush's call a year ago to end our oil addiction has been a total flop has to do with a struggle in his administration between foolish market worshipers led by Dick Cheney - who insist markets will take care of everything - and wiser, nuanced policy makers who understand that government's job is to set broad goals and standards, and then let the market reach them."