Brian Wesbury (@wesbury), Chief Economist at First Trust, covers a range of topics from the state of the stock market to central bank meetings, inflation, Bitcoin and government policies. As the economic toll of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, he explores the long-term consequences of massive monetary and fiscal stimulus. He weighs in on the issue of interest rates and their manipulation by central banks, raising questions about the sustainability of low rates and points out the potential risks associated with such policies. The discussion touches upon the concept of a national bank and digital currency. He explores the political landscape and the challenges facing fiscal conservatism in today's society, highlighting the importance of free speech, free markets, and personal responsibility, including recent labor strikes, their impact on economic data, and their potential to disrupt various industries, including the automotive sector. He provides a nuanced perspective on economic growth, inflation, and the uncertain role of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The conversation also delves into Bitcoin and the possibility of government regulation, noting the government's willingness to let cryptocurrencies flourish, as long as they can collect tax revenue. The discussion takes an interesting turn as the hosts explore the potential resurgence of barter systems in the economy, reflecting the public's growing distrust of government and taxation.