Emma Tyler, Chapter 8, Question #7

In Chapter 8 of Naked Economics I truly learned about the power of organized groups. I learned that small organized groups will generally be more successful in getting what they want as opposed to larger groups whose benefits would me more widespread. These small organized groups (like Ethanol or Mohair farmers) can be more influential in our society than I imagined. At one point in the chapter Wheelan starts to expand on their power and he mentions that these organized groups are capable of preventing something called "creative destruction." At first I was confused as to what the term creative destruction meant because it sounds like it is a bad thing for the economy but once explained through the scenario of the Pony Express being destroyed by the invention of the telegraph, I realized that "creative destruction" is a necessity for the economy and society if it wishes it grow and become more advanced. However, these small organized groups can "stop...creative destruction in the first place." (185) If the small group "chain themselves to their congressman's office door seeking protection," it might be more effective than the creative destruction taking place in which case the economic benefits that come with such competition would be widespread, which as was mentioned before is not preferable for having a successful organized group.