Strangely, I came into this thread expecting to debate the merits of Keynesian vs. Supply economics, alongside many other theories. Then again, learning the basic first is probably better.

As you've stated yourself, It's common to be between the two. The laissez-faire guy is just calling for monopolies and oligarchic business domination; the central-planning guy is just either an "equality" idealist, a megalomaniac, or just plain control freak with absolute distrust of business. >.>

Not very wise either way, I'd say. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and absolute freedom allows, ironically, absolute power, as well...