The pretty lie in the sanctuary of ugly truths

That reminds me of another... well, I'm not sure how to best-categorize this gripe, it might be less of a pretty-lie and more like two contradictory hypotheticals marching under one banner, but:

1. "According to economics, the Free Market™ will be optimally-efficient. (Because of perfect-information about all the prices and deals other people are making.)"

2. "According to economics, the Free Market™ naturally resists cartels. (Because defectors are tempted to secret side-deals with hidden prices.)"