By Capitalism.com
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The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.
The current political season in the United States has shown us an alarming rise in the number of people, especially in the younger generations it seems, who are attracted to a socialist ideology. The level of success attained by Bernie Sanders demonstrates it undeniably. My guest today, Lew Rockwell, believes that most of the reason such a surge in socialist ideology has swept across the American landscape is pure ignorance. He believes most people don’t understand the basics of how economies work and why socialism is an impossible model. You’ll get to hear Lew’s perspective on this episode.
Why is socialism an impossible system?Those who believe that a socialist society would be a better society simply don’t know history and don’t understand economics. There has never been a socialist government that has actually worked and more importantly, there has never been a socialist country whose citizens were better off because of socialism. As I chatted with Lew Rockwell on this episode of The Capitalism Podcast I was once again impressed with his grasp of how basic economics informs the way governments can and can’t operate and how the American public needs to be educated on these fundamental principles of a healthy economy. Lew makes many recommendations as to how you can begin educating yourself during this conversation, so I encourage you to listen and learn.
The United States is not socialist as much as it is semi-fascist.That’s a statement my guest, Lew Rockwell made on this episode of the Capitalism Podcast that might cause you a bit of concern. But when you hear Lew describe what he means by it everything comes into clear focus. The structures that have been baked into our current governmental system make it such that it supports the power structures and oligarchy that already exist and suppress the small business people and entrepreneurs who challenge that system. For the full explanation you need to hear Lew’s description for yourself, so take the time to listen to this episode. If you do, you'll understand what’s happened to our government and what you can do to help make needed changes.
Why minimum wage laws actually discourage work.My guest today, Lew Rockwell is a very outspoken opponent of any minimum wage laws. He believes that they actually discourage work and promote an entitlement mentality that is unhealthy for individuals and damaging to the country. In this conversation, Lew and I spend a good deal of time talking about the history behind minimum wage laws and how they’ve not achieved the things they were created to do. It’s a very counter-cultural conversation that I encourage you to hear if you want to learn how to think about the political, social, and economic issues that are going on around you all the time.
What is socialism? An understanding of basic economics would tell you.One of the many great points my guest, Lew Rockwell makes on this episode of The Capitalism Podcast is that much of the confusion and wrong-headed thinking that takes place in every election cycle would be eliminated if every citizen had a basic understanding of how economics works. That knowledge alone would be enough to show why socialism is a bad idea and encourage creative thinking that would fuel better and more stable economic and political systems. Lew makes many recommendations of books and resources you can use to educate yourself about these important issues, so be sure you listen.
Outline of This EpisodeNobody will deny that there are certain things that government does very well. But those things were intended by the founders of the United States to be relatively few and enacted in ways that preserve the freedoms and rights of citizens. Anyone looking around can see that’s not what we have today. The government has grown larger and larger, asserting its power in a wide variety of areas that, in spite of all the political rhetoric, actually kill the economy and the opportunities of the average citizen. On this episode of the podcast Thomas E. Woods joins me to talk about the ways government has come to stifle opportunity and make it harder for the little guy. You’ll want to hear this one.
The rising interest in socialism is the ultimate example of naivete.Recent surveys show that among younger generations - particularly those who have come of voting age within the past few years - socialism is more and more appealing. My guest today, Thomas Woods says that if the socialism they are being sold really existed, everyone WOULD want it. The problem is that they’re not being told the whole story of what socialism really does in the world. If they were, its appeal wouldn’t be nearly as strong. You can hear the true story behind the track record of socialist governments historically and why it’s still a bad idea today, in this episode.
As countries prosper people tend to forget what made them prosper.The United States has been blessed with prosperity and freedom like no other nation in history. The capitalism upon which its economy has been built is so successful in fact that its prosperity affords many the people opportunity to become professional intellectuals, academics who study, think, and analyze the very thing that has given them the luxury to do so. It’s typically these individuals who become ultra critical of the capitalist system that birthed them - and their influence throughout education and government begins to destroy the very thing that gives them the livelihood they enjoy. It’s a strange oxymoron that you’ll learn more about on this episode with Thomas E. Woods.
Why the minimum wage does not create more jobs.Many times the cry of the left is that in order to address poverty issues within the United States the minimum wage needs to be raised. The problem is that when a governmental regulation like minimum wage legislation comes into play, it doesn’t create more jobs - as it is purported to do - it removes jobs from the economy because employers can’t afford to pay the wage required. So they do without, cut back, and produce less. When companies don’t make a profit, less money is funneled into the economy, fewer people have the opportunity to make their own living, and everyone suffers as a result. On this episode, you can hear more of the reasons why minimum wage legislation of any kind is a bad idea from my guest, Thomas E. Woods.
Why the student loan scam is like digging an early grave.The motivation behind student loans is a noble one. Somebody, someplace in the not-so-distant past wanted to provide an education to anyone who wanted one. But student loans were simply a bad idea for making that happen. Student loans place a burden of debt on a portion of the population that can least afford to pay it, making them beholden to the government and saddled with an obligation that will hinder their professional growth for years into the future. It’s like digging an early grave via the vehicle of debt. And the governmental regulation behind student loans caused it to happen. Find out more about why student loans are a bad idea, in this episode.
Outline of This EpisodeThere’s no doubt about it. Self-driving cars are taking center stage in the public eye at the moment but they are just one of the applications of A.I. that has people talking. We already have machines that truly learn, and at a pace that outshines human capabilities in short order. Today’s guest, Calum Chace is the author of a book, “Surviving A.I” that explores many of the scenarios that the development of actual learning machines could produce - including a fundamental change to the structures that undergird capitalism. This is a thought-provoking conversation that will have you wondering about your future.
So far automation has created MORE jobs. Is there anything to worry about?On today’s episode, I point out to Chace that so far most advances in technology and automation to date have served to create more jobs overall. I wondered, is there a reason to expect that will change as A.I. comes into its own? He’s got some interesting perspectives on that question that go into the possibilities of how artificial intelligence could impact the social and economic structures of the future. It sounds promising and scary all at the same time.
Will A.I. bring eutopia?Chace points out that as artificial intelligence technology expands into more and more sectors of the economy there will undoubtedly be some jobs that are either enhanced to the degree that current workers in those areas don’t need to work as much, or that those positions are eliminated altogether. What will happen if myriads of jobs are no longer needed? Will people be better able to pursue creativity, invention, and personal interests? Or will those who own and control the A.I. be the only ones who benefit from a life of ease?
True or false: Artificial Intelligence could create a welfare state.Imagine a time when machines are doing the work that people used to do. When those who own and control A.I. are the ones who produce the things that are valuable in the economy and therefore are the ones who make the most money. Could A.I. foster a government state where the rich are taxed to feed and clothe the poor? Could it become a time of unrest because of the seeming unfairness that exists in the society? Chace talks about these possibilities and more on this episode of the Capitalism podcast.
What are the right questions to be asking about A.I.?It’s too late to ask if we should pursue artificial intelligence. It’s already being done with great success. Now that it’s upon us, what are the vital questions we need to ask in order to ensure that humanity is safeguarded from both abuses and unintended and unforeseen consequences of our own creativity and technological advancement? On this episode of the podcast, my guest unpacks the theories he’s come up with regarding the future impact of A.I., based on the study that went into his new book, “Surviving A.I.” I hope you’ll listen intently to what he has to say. It’s our responsibility to think through issues like this while we still can.
Outline of This EpisodeWebsite: http://capitalism.com/
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Whether you realize it or not almost every single thing that you value or purchase in the United States of America is touched by Wall Street. The financial backbone of our economy runs in a healthy way because of the Investments and capital that companies and individuals trade on the stock exchange. on this episode of the Capitalism.com podcast, you are going to hear from author William D. Cohan who has spent many years on Wall Street in a variety of roles. His view is not that we need to come down on Wall Street or demonize the companies that make it up, but that we need to get proper, smart regulations in place the truly hold people and companies accountable for their actions. You can hear his recommendations on this episode.
The importance of a stock market in a capitalist economyThe stock market is what enables companies to receive the influx of capital that they need in order to grow and produce more and better products. Without it, there would be very little in the way of innovation or economic growth in the United States. William D. Cohan shares his insights into how Wall Street impacts the everyday budget and income of average Americans on this episode of the podcast. His recommendations for what we do to keep Wall Street and check that only makes sense, they are practical As well.
What’s wrong with current banking and investment regulations?During the economic crisis that occurred in the past 10 years, many regulations were put in place to keep Banks and investment firms in check. The problem is that most of these regulations are 20 or more pages long, very convoluted, and cause more confusion than clarity.What is needed to keep Wall Street accountable is simpler regulations that truly have teeth to bite those who are guilty of misusing or abusing the system. William D. Cohan is Jason's guest on this episode of Capitalism.com podcast.
The cost of compliance on banks and individuals.The average American company that deals in the financial industry is burdened by regulation that costs more than it saves. For every four people who worked on Wall Street, there is one person who has the job of watching those for people who are doing the work. It's bureaucracy and regulation that doesn't work and cost much more than it is worth. On this episode of the podcast, William D. Cohan shares his perspective on what can be done to modify and amend the regulations that are applied to Wall Street and clarifies why the right approach is not to demonize Wall Street but to reform it.
What needs to be done about Wall Street?William D. Cohan points to the latest financial crisis that occurred in the United States as an example of how Wall Street regulations need to be changed. In that scenario, hardly anyone was truly held accountable in ways that deterred them from doing the same things again. Regulation that is effective is regulation that is possible and personally painful to those who are guilty of infractions to the laws that are in place. He suggests that those who are guilty have their homes, businesses, cars, bank accounts, and much more confiscated as penalties for the abuses they have done. You can hear his perspective and get some insight into why he has come to those conclusions on this episode of the Capitalism.com podcast.
Outline of This EpisodeWebsite: http://capitalism.com/
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Our guest today is John G. Taft, the former CEO of RBC Wealth Management – U.S., one of the leading full-service retail brokerage firms in the U.S. with almost 1,900 advisors and $280 billion in assets under administration. Under his leadership, RBC earned two JD Power investor satisfaction awards and a reputation for responsible stewardship in managing clients’ wealth. John’s background coupled with his enthusiasm for capitalism has led him to write a compelling new book, “A Force For Good: How Enlightened Finance Can Restore Faith in Capitalism.” On this episode you’ll hear how John came to write the book and why he believes that innovative, responsible capitalism is the best solution for the economic ills of the country and the world.
On this inaugural episode of the Capitalism.com podcast you’re going to hear from the site’s founder, Ryan Daniel Moran. Ryan’s journey to the place in his life where he is willing to speak up in favor of a stronger capitalism in the United States and the world in general is one that didn’t come easily. Through building his own business and seeing the way that big government not only steps on the toes of entrepreneurs but also makes it harder for them to succeed, Ryan came to see that in order for individuals to be free to pursue their dreams and build a better life for themselves, the government needs to get out of the way. This episode reveals both Ryan’s journey and his passion for promoting and establishing a stronger capitalism.
The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.