Is it possible to believe in some state funded social programs,yet still consider yourself to be capitalist?

[Ms M]

Can you still believe in state funded social institutions, and still be a capitalist free-market supporter? For example, being socially left-wing doesn't mean we have to adopt Keynesian policies, as the fact we can afford free health care, for example, proves free-market is the best, right? Like, you can be Keynesian socially, yet be financially capitalist/pro-free-market, right?

[robrobiii]

Of course. Most economists believe the state has an important role in the economy, and that pretending it does not is simply ignorant.

[Neal B]

In a free market labor is considers fluid and mobile. Having a medical safety net provides for more free markets than private health care. If I am working a a company that provides health care I would be unwilling to move to a new job that doesn't. Sated funded safety nets enhance capitalism.

[tmadhava m]

yes, of course; all capitalists expect the State to pull the chestnuts out of the fire when things get too hot! USA buys up the shares of bankrupt banks - that is to say, tax payer's money is spent to stave off the distress of the capitalists who could not manage their business wisely because of their excessive greed. and when things get better, the State is expected to sell off the shares, so that the capitalists can retain the benefits.

all this is called the "mixed" economy - the mixture being exactly what the successors of Keynes prescribes for ailing capitalists.

[Daniel O]

Yes, of course you can. Just because you believe free markets are the best economic model does not mean you believe that the poor should be left to die in the street.