[oldmancoyote]

A free market is an example of a non-linear dynamical system. Chaotic fluctuation is the most common expression of such a system. In my lifetime I have seen the the U.S. economy fluctuate wildly. I have seen lives and enterprises destroyed and families suffer great hardship and broken dreams, and in contrast I have seen equivalent periods of wonderful prosperity.

How can you say that policies regarding a huge complex system like the economy are "good" or "bad". Some situations are favored some are harmed. Even comparisons between policies are suspect.

There is no way to rationally sum up the net effect. Those who try are expressing a political preference couched in terms of pseudo-economics.

A thoughtfully administrated mixed economy offers some hope of dealing with these issues. There are no magic bullets.