One of the world’s great commercial innovators died yesterday.

The same day, as it happened, that the Australian Prime Minister announced a new government policy to make more than $6 billion in federal grants contingent on Australian companies being given a “fair” chance to participate in the work.

The disconnect is striking. On the same day that millions of people celebrated the icon of creative entrepreneurialism, Australia added another leg to the shaky table of artificial industry support.

Of course we all want a vibrant manufacturing industry. We want to “make things”.

But shouldn’t they be things, such as iPods and iPads, that people want to buy out of free choice?

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You asked for it. And we supported the manufacturing industry and made them — your authentic Andrew Bolt for Freedom greeting cards, as immortalised by First Dog on the Moon. Purchase the whole set via RedBubble. All proceeds will be donated to Eric Beecher.