"(l)iberalism is a force truly of the spirit, a force proceeding from the deep realization that economic freedom cannot be sacrificed if political freedom is to be preserved. [an expansion of the government’s role in the business world] would cramp and cripple the mental and spiritual energies of our people. it would extinguish equality and opportunity. it would dry up the spirit of liberty and for a hundred and fifty years liberalism has found its true spirit in the american system, not in the european system."

- excerpt from president hoover's speech "rugged individualism" 1928 where he addresses a warning about how to handle the great depression.

what is the main purpose of this passage?

a) europe has less economic freedom than the united states.
b) the spread of liberal ideas will continue to hurt political freedom.
c) if the government does not provide more jobs, the political freedoms in the united states. will no longer be preserved.
d) if the government becomes involved in the business world and acts as an employer, then individual incentives will diminish.