Opinion

Modern capitalism is turning 250, too. We need to remind Americans why it’s important

Republicans missed a chance to celebrate free-market ideals as socialists grow in power

By Frank Miniter Fox News

Published August 23, 2026 8:00am EDT

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Adam Smith’s "The Wealth of Nations" is turning 250 this year. It is, perhaps, not completely coincidental that this original capitalist tome was first published in 1776 — the same year the Declaration of Independence was written and signed to free this nation from British subjugation of the people’s rights, including their right to commerce.

One of the grievances listed against King George III in the Declaration of Independence was: "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world." And many of the taxes, restrictions on trade and more from the British at the time — things that led to the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution — were government actions and restrictions "The Wealth of Nations" argued against.

For these reasons, it is an oversight of Republican Party leadership that this telling anniversary was not mentioned in the 250th celebrations of the signing of the Declaration.

DEMOCRATS' SOCIALIST SURGE PROVES AMERICA'S 250-YEAR FIGHT FOR FREEDOM ISN'T OVER

We are, after all, now in a moment of history when many of the youth in our elite universities, along with their professors, are openly flirting with socialism.

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, during an interview on "The Circuit........

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