Here are five myths about free enterprise.

Myth number one, free enterprise hurts the poor.

Since 1970, the percentage of the world's population living on the equivalent of less than

a dollar a day has fallen by more than 80%.

This was not the result of foreign aid or UN development projects.

It was the spread of free enterprise that achieved this miracle.

In China alone, free trade and foreign investment, investment not aid, lifted 400 million Chinese

out of abject poverty in just the 20 years between 1981 and 2001.

There has never been a force for helping the poor that has come close to free enterprise.

Myth number two, free enterprise is driven by greed.

If entrepreneurs were all about money, they'd be far better off getting a secure job in civil

service.

According to a recent survey by careerbuilder.com, small business owners made 19% less money

per year than government managers.

Business owners are driven by a fierce desire to control their own destiny.

They strive for something I call earned success.

For some people, earned success means business success.

For others, means raising good kids, building a nonprofit or making beautiful art.

Whatever allows people to create value in their lives and in the lives of others.

Only free enterprise gives them the personal freedom to do that.

Myth number three, free enterprise breeds envy.

Since 1973, the General Social Survey has asked Americans whether they believe good luck

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