Both view points have merit, as in most thing it's a question of moderation...
A "free" economy will self-destruct if left totally unregulated, and it certainly will not provide equitably for all participants.
But government is inherently bad in that it cannot perform economic functions as efficiently as a smooth-running free market. Also that old adage about power and corruption applies to government...it will automatically seek to expand itself, and will become and end ubto itself if left unchecked.
The trick is to have small government which performs those critical functions which the free market cannot handle efficiently or cannot be trusted with...defense, law enforcement, trade regulation, legislation, etc.