Cronyism: where government becomes the first customer

“why isn’t economic freedom the “default setting” for our economy? What upsets this productive state of affairs? Trouble begins whenever businesses take their eyes off the needs and wants of consumers—and instead cast longing glances on government and the favors it can bestow. When currying favor with Washington is seen as a much easier way to make money, businesses inevitably begin to compete with rivals in securing government largess, rather than in winning customers. “

Charles G. Koch: Corporate Cronyism Harms America. When businesses feed at the federal trough, they threaten public support for business and free markets.

“The effects on government are equally distorting—and corrupting. Instead of protecting our liberty and property, government officials are determining where to send resources based on the political influence of their cronies. In the process, government gains even more power and the ranks of bureaucrats continue to swell. “

The same temptation flavors major science as can be seen recently in climate science.