Koch: End Corporate Welfare

Charles Koch thinks corporations are spending too much time courting government favors and forging political connections—yes, that Charles Koch. In an op-ed in today's Wall Street Journal, the Koch Industries CEO recalls seeing an amusing sign outside a craft store reading, "We didn't build this business—somebody else did." If you hung that sign "next to the corporate offices of some of our nation's big financial institutions or auto makers, there would be no irony in the message," he writes.

Economic freedom breaks down, Koch argues, when businesses "begin to compete with rivals in securing government largess, rather than winning customers." Government subsidies and mandates—including some that benefit Koch Industries—have gotten out of hand, propping up entire industries, creating an environment ripe for corruption. "We must end the government's ability to dole out favors and rig the market." Koch argues. "Far too many well-connected businesses are feeding at the federal trough." Click for Koch's full column. (More Charles Koch stories.)