The Rose and Milton Friedman Foundation for school vouchers came about at Rose’s initiative. Rose, also an economist, was no less radical than Milton in her support for free-market solutions and stressing of the importance of individual responsibility. As an intellectual powerhouse of two, however, they shared the same basic worldview. Rose’s opinion was Milton’s ultimate test. Milton listened carefully to her sometimes contrary views and in fact eagerly sought them. All along the nearly 70 years of their marriage (I knew them over the last 25 years), one would not have a serious discussion with Milton unless Rose, too, was present, ready to support or contradict his arguments. Indeed, while Milton Friedman was the smartest and quickest debater one could hope to meet, Rose was not impressed. Having spent many days with both Friedmans, I can testify that the president was right on the mark. Bush quipped that his wife Rose was the only person ever to have won an argument against her husband. When Milton Friedman received the Medal of Freedom at the White House in 2002, President George W.
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