Make no mistake – these developments reflect and even nourish a body of opinion, a complex of ideas, which at their root are inimical to free markets and private enterprise. They speak volumes about a void in our national economic education. In a subtle but corrosive way, they have been undermining the philosophical and institutional pillars of our free society for decades. "Ideas," Richard Weaver once said, "have consequences!"

The war of ideas being as important as it is, corporate America simply cannot afford to be a conscientious objector. Whether you live in a socialized economy or a free society matters to you – and it absolutely does, even if you choose not to think about such things – then failure to commit time and resources to help shape the climate of opinion around you is shortsighted and probably suicidal.

Many corporate executives may be quick to say, "I am involved in such things; I give money to candidates, and so do the political action committees to which my company contributes." That's important, but it's also akin to locking the proverbial door after the horse has left the barn. Politicians usually reflect opinion and seldom generate it; what they can accomplish in office is defined and circumscribed by prevailing majority opinion. If you really want to make a difference and get the maximum bang for your bucks, then you should invest in ideas. Change public opinion, and the politicians will fall into line accordingly.