Let’s add to my series making the case for capitalism (previous versions available here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) with this excellent video featuring John Stossel and Don Boudreaux.

This video is more than 30 minutes, which is longer than I usually prefer, but it’s worth your time because it covers so much ground.

Everything from the benefits of global trade to causes of the Great Depression. From the role of creative destruction to the harm of housing intervention.

And so much more.

But if you don’t have time to watch the entire video, here are two charts that summarize the case for capitalism.

The first chart shows the link between economic freedom and per-capita economic performance.

The second chart shows something equally impressive, which is the link between economic liberty and poverty.

Simply stated, if you want poor people to climb out of poverty, limit the size and scope of government.

I think this is overwhelming evidence for free markets, though I also think my Anti-Convergence Club is slam-dunk proof that good policy is the way to get good results.

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Image credit: Jacob Bøtter | CC BY 2.0.