In a sense, it would seem that the Egyptian government is following in the footsteps of their forefathers. Enter the law 76/1973 which mandates that all females and males graduating from colleges and higher institutes must “apply” for public service and serve for one year. Emphasis on “must”. The ridiculously and bombastically named Ministry of Social Solidarity is there to enforce this “law”. For “the greater good”, you know?
Now, let’s pause and think this through.
Is Egypt one of the most bureaucratic countries on the planet?
Is Egypt broke?
Are “social services” in Egypt out of control?
Is the Egyptian government out of control?
Will this “initiative” make any positive difference for people receiving these “services”?
Will this “initiative” make any negative difference for people providing these “services”?
Will this initiative slow down even more Egyptian economic progress?
Is this initiative bonkers?
Absolutely!
Look, this is not difficult. In Egypt primary, secondary and universitary education is “free” (as in paid with taxes, borrowed and printed money). Egypt can’t afford this. Yet, on top of that all these graduates must work as a temporary work force (paid) for a bureaucracy that is already over bloated beyond control… which Egypt can’t afford either.
So, strictly from a utilitarian point of view it makes no sense whatsoever. So much for “socialism”.
However, there is a deeper problem here. People are free to use their time as they see fit. If the government of Egypt is stupid enough to offer free education, this education comes with no strings attached. If there would be strings, there would be specific contracts so stating.
But what about the 76/1973 law?
This only works if:
- Egyptian politicians truly represent the will of the people (this is a clear impossibility)
- Egyptian politicians act according to the will of the people (again, a clear impossibility)
- Egyptian government is based on an internally-consistent and widely accepted social contract (again, an impossibility)
- Egyptian people are aware and agree with 76/1973 (what are the chances?)
Basically, it does not work. It is ridiculous. Just like any other law anywhere in the planet. What this law amounts to is slavery plain and simple. Sure, it is modern slavery (just like military conscription) but it is slavery nevertheless.
Why is this important?
Because this is how governments take our liberties away. One at the time. Slowly. Imperceptibly. Wrapped in different excuses. Propped-up by so-called “social justice”.
Again, this is not difficult. Does the Egyptian government truly wish the best for Egyptians? Simple. Get rid of the bureaucracy. Free markets (and we mean to make them truly free). Kill the Central Bank. Presto! Instant economic revival.
If the Egyptian government would to do so, then the entire population of Egypt would benefit. Their standards of living would rise hence preventing the need for this type of slavery in the first place!
In these types of articles we end up in the same place time and time again, but this is no coincidence. This is simply because governments exist. Remove governments and most problems solve themselves.
Again, this is exceedingly simple.
Do you want progress and economic wellbeing?
Free markets.
Unleash the boundless ingenuity of entrepreneurs.
Yes, those people who do not work for governments.
Slavery or the limitation of our freedoms accomplishes the exact opposite. We are all worse off. We have less freedom and our standards of living suffer. There is no need for this whatsoever. We know this much because we do read history books and you should too.
This is, unless you believe that restricting freedoms and restricting entrepreneurship and restricting markets and restricting finances and restricting lives is the way to go to unleash creativity. Fair enough. Thank you. We already know what to give you for Christmas. BTW, what is you size in strait jackets?... just a question.
Note: please see the Glossary if you are unfamiliar with certain words.
