What “Social Justice” Did to Venezuela

When “social justice” guides political action, the inevitable result is totalitarianism. Venezuela is a prime example of this warning uttered by Austrian economist and political scientist Friedrich von Hayek. In the past, concepts similar to social justice, such as the general interest, the common good, and the social role of private property have served as excuses for state intervention, redistribution of wealth, and confiscation of the means of production. As the states expands its scope of action, individuals have fewer rights and liberties. During the last 16 years, Venezuelans have witnessed the government’s intense and arbitrary interference in our daily lives. In recent times, the Chavistas scaled it up, something many deemed impossible. More…