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In talking about Friedman, the obits I have read seem to underscore his brilliance as an academician. The pervasive world-wide effects of his "belt-tightening" theories that were translated into policies have been less discussed.
Friedman's theories might have helped fuel the post-soviet decline in Russia and the eastern bloc. Latin America may have Friedman to thank for some of its woes as well.
While the consequeces (good or ill) of specific policies may well be subject to academic debate, I think it wise for Salon to take a position on the subject, and then praise (or vilify) the recently deceased. There is no reason academics should get off the hook for their actions, any more than politicians.
