Economic and Political Rights

The principles of economic and political freedom have proven themselves time and again, from the development of the free-market economies of the West to the spectacular failure of the Soviet economic system of central planning and state
ownership of enterprises and resources.

The American understanding of freedom—based on the right of the individual to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as expressed in the Declaration of Independence—is often quite different from definitions embraced by other
countries, particularly those from a Communist, Socialist, or even Continental European tradition.

Getting the terminology of freedom right in our discourse with other nations is crucial for correcting the Socialist bias, which is derived from a different understanding of “rights” that often dominates thinking in international institutions.

For more, read the latest Economic Reform Feature Service article on economic and political rights by Helle C. Dale of the Heritage Foundation.  Its a great summary of the various definitions and views of rights.  Ultimately, as the author argues:

…it becomes apparent that many of today’s “rights” are based on nothing more than an ambiguous and indefensible notion of the “common good.” As appealing as the associated rhetoric can be, the “common good” invariably leads to coercion against the individual.

Truly defendable rights exist only when the quest for liberty is guided by the immutable nature of man.

I can think of a few people for whom this article is a must read.