Zimbabwe and political and economic freedom

If this case does not convince you of the evils of repressive political, economic, and other policies, I have no clue what will.

Mugabe blames Zimbabwe's troubles on Britain, whites, foes

"HARARE, Zimbabwe - President Robert Mugabe devoted his first major speech since the unresolved election three weeks ago to denouncing whites and former colonial ruler Britain, an attempt to convince Zimbabweans their political and economic troubles stem from abroad.

The scene at the official 28th Independence Day celebration Friday had all the pomp of old, with air force jets sweeping overhead and Mugabe, bedecked in sash and medals, striding past soldiers at attention.

But any private observances by ordinary Zimbabweans were likely muted — prices for food, gasoline and drinks have more than doubled just in the past week amid an economic meltdown that has emptied store shelves and idled four of every five workers.

"There are black people who are putting prices up, but they are being used by the whites," Mugabe said, promising to tighten laws that set prices and to crack down on — and possibly take over — businesses that break the rules."

This is not only a country with serious and deadly shortages of food and other basic needs, it is a country that, as of yesterday, had an inflation rate of 165,000%, the highest recorded rate since Weimar Germany, by many credible estimates I have seen.

Zimbabwe's unemployment rate is at 85%. And food and basic need shortages are at intolerable levels.

There is a reason why the most recognized poverty and famine economist in the world, Amartya Sen, favors free trade and free economies.

And this situation in Zimbabwe reflects that reason better than any other case in the world, perhaps, right now.

May we find the wisdom and the courage to listen to reason.