To maximize benefits and wealth from resources in society, I'm inclined to say that entreprenuerism, free enterprise and the spirit of competition and competitive markets are what make the wheels turn on the economic engine on America. This is what built our country.
If your Dad ever embraced socialism or the PFD like you do in this piece it wasn't until at least after he turned 70.
I admit not reading that Crisis in the Commons book, but I'll pull it off my shelf and try to understand this mentality.