No, They Can't
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | April 10, 2012 |
| Founder | John Stossel |
| Products | Book |
No, They Can't: Why Government Fails – But Individuals Succeed is a 2012 publication authored by John Stossel, an American consumer advocate, investigative journalist, writer, and libertarian commentator. Released on April 10, 2012, the book offers a critical analysis of government involvement in economic and social spheres.
Summary
Stossel disputes the notion that government intervention effectively addresses social issues, introducing the phrase "no, they can't" as a rebuttal to Barack Obama's 2008 campaign mantra "Yes we can." The work explores various forms of government interference including tariffs, regulations on food and pharmaceuticals, education systems, labor unions, firearm restrictions, minimum wage policies, the war on drugs, and support for universal healthcare. He emphasizes that innovation is primarily motivated by economic incentives and critiques the principles of economic equality. Numerous ideas presented in the book were also incorporated into episodes of Stossel.
Reception
Upon release, No, They Can't entered The New York Times Best Seller list at position 17 (April 29, 2012). Reviewers such as Robert VerBruggen from the National Review and The Washington Times recommended it as an excellent libertarian read suitable for receptive liberal audiences. To coincide with the book's launch, a television special was broadcast on April 15, 2012. Stossel supported the publication with a promotional tour lasting twenty days, which included filming an episode of Stossel on day eight.