That's not what a free market is about. A free market is allowing you to do anything you want, right up the the point when your actions would harm another person.
That's why Bill Gates and I can coexist in peace - we are both doing what we want, and neither is harming the other (unless you count Microsoft Bob, which was an affront on humanity!)
Seriously though, BillG can do whatever he wants. Once he does something that harms me, I will push back.
Likewise, democracy is about the free exchange of ideas, limited only by when you harm another person.
Falls apart in practice all the time. From advertising to children, to loss-leaders, to student debt, etc.; individuals have found many ways to influence others via the markets.
The idea that every transaction is strictly rational and voluntary is a fantasy.
That's why Bill Gates and I can coexist in peace - we are both doing what we want, and neither is harming the other (unless you count Microsoft Bob, which was an affront on humanity!)
Seriously though, BillG can do whatever he wants. Once he does something that harms me, I will push back.
Likewise, democracy is about the free exchange of ideas, limited only by when you harm another person.