In less than a month, voters in hundreds of elections will face a binary choice. Whether free enterprise or “free” stuff is the best way to address their primary concern: the affordability crisis.
On Nov. 3, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members are running in more than 200 local and statewide elections throughout the nation, offering “free” stuff like healthcare, housing, childcare, and more as the ultimate solution to the very real cost-of-living crisis.
Unfortunately, the free stuff “solution” seems to be gaining popularity, especially among America’s youth. According to a late 2025 Heartland/Rasmussen Reports poll, 58% of likely voters aged 18-39 support government-run grocery stores in every town in America, and 62% support more subsidized government housing.
Even worse, socialism’s free stuff message in general is gaining traction among Americans on both the left and right.
On the other hand, Americans’ views of free enterprise are going in the other direction.
The free stuff canard has gained momentum over the past decade, despite its inherent illogic, because the long march through the institutions has succeeded. “Highly educated” people are much more prone to fall for the socialist free stuff fable, not because they are so smart, but simply because they have been brainwashed.
They view society as a zero-sum game. Winners and losers. Oppressed and oppressor. If an individual acquires great wealth, they must have done so unfairly. Blah, blah, blah.
This is a very rudimentary worldview.
The free enterprise society that America pioneered was specifically designed to override the zero-sum societies that lacked private property rights, rule of law, limited government, and the freedom to choose one’s path in life.
The record over the past two centuries clearly shows that free enterprise has dwarfed socialism in producing higher living standards for all of society.
In terms of the current affordability problems facing Americans, a return to free enterprise principles could unlock all sorts of innovative solutions.
In healthcare, if free enterprise were unleashed, the system would be patient-centered, allowing Americans a menu of healthcare plans based on their individual circumstances.
Decouple healthcare insurance from employment, a relic from World War II domestic price controls. Loosen regulations so that people have ample choices, not a few one-size-fits-all plans. Reduce government intervention, which severely distorts price signals and undermines the laws of supply and demand.
An intrusion of free enterprise principles would likewise do wonders for the moribund housing and energy markets.
Reducing arbitrary and capricious zoning laws would substantially increase supply. Lowering property taxes would boost demand. Eliminating rent control would incentivize more housing.
Read the rest at The Washington Examiner.
Chris Talgo is the Editorial Director for The Heartland Institute and a fellow for Heartland’s Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center.
