The Reason Roundtable

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Zach Weissmueller consider President Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine and the developing list of 2024 Republican presidential candidates.

0:23: Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine

17:51: Nikki Haley and the developing 2024 presidential race

34:43: Weekly Listener Question

46:28: Debt, inflation, and entitlements

55:06: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"During Surprise Trip to Kyiv, Biden Promises Endless Support for Ukraine War," by Christian Britschgi

"Should America Keep Funding Ukraine? Live With Emma Ashford, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Russia's War in Ukraine Threatens Starvation for the World's Poor," by J.D. Tuccille

"Nikki Haley's Presidential Bid Is an Unappealing Mix of MAGA and RINO," by Eric Boehm

"Despite His Record, Donald Trump Plans To Run as an Anti-War Republican," by Joe Lancaster

"Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Bat: Ron DeSantis Is on Deck," by Eric Boehm from the April 2023 issue, which is available to subscribers.

"How Should Libertarians Think About Intellectual Property?" by Nick Gillespie

"Why Copyright Law Is so Mickey Mouse—And How To Fix It: Q&A With Jerry Brito," by Joshua Swain and Nick Gillespie

"Don't Let Disney Monopolize A.I.-Generated Art," by Jon Stokes

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network (AMCN) membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters, and their specially-trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight only when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon e-gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Did Biden Just Commit America to Another Forever War in Ukraine? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman delve into Congress' perpetual lack of interest in meaningful reforms to entitlements and discuss new data on the student exodus from public schools.

0:26: Joe Biden and entitlement spending

32:08: Weekly Listener Question

38:16: New data on school kids exiting public schools

47:54: Super Bowl lightning round

55:03: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The State of Our Union Sucks," by Matt Welch

"Biden Promises To Let Social Security's Ship Keep Sinking," by Eric Boehm

"Joe Biden, Travel Agent in Chief," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Biden and Journalists Agree: Republicans Would Deliberately 'Crash' the Economy," by Matt Welch

"The 19 Percent Solution," by Nick Gillespie and Veronique de Rugy

"Robert Pondiscio: Why Our Kids Can't Read," by Nick Gillespie

"Winsome Earle-Sears: School Choice 'Is New Brown v. Board' Fight," by Nick Gillespie

"How Do Democrats Want To Pay for Free College, Paid Leave, Expanding Social Security?" by Zach Weissmueller and Alexis Garcia

"Social Security, Snoopy Snoopy Poop Dogg, & Alan Simpson: Ultimate Remix," by Austin Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"Actually, Magic Mike's Last Dance Is About the Awfulness of Urban Zoning Regulations," by Peter Suderman

"Ben Affleck for a Day," by Matt Welch

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Under No Circumstances Did Joe Biden Save Social Security appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Elizabeth Nolan Brown examine Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' latest proposals intended to combat various cultural grievances and a listener question concerning private power grids.

0:22: Gov. Ron DeSantis and the power of the state

27:02: President Joe Biden's upcoming State of the Union address

36:09: Weekly Listener Question

47:21: Super Bowl myths

52:44: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Ron DeSantis Wants $12 Million To Transport Migrants 'From Any Point' in the U.S.," by Fiona Harrigan

"Did Ron DeSantis Really Just Change the AP African American Studies Curriculum?" by Bonnie Kristian

"For Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Political Stunts Are More Important Than Substance," by Peter Suderman

"The Latest DeSantis Higher Ed Reform Proposals," by Keith E. Whittington

"University of Florida Suppresses Speech Ron DeSantis Might Not Like, Report Alleges," by Joe Lancaster

"The Problem With DeSantis' 'Stop WOKE' Act," by Zach Weissmueller and Danielle Thompson

"If Ron DeSantis Is So Bad, Why Is Living in Florida So Good?" by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Biden's Spending Spree Is Unprecedented," by Jonathan Bydlak

"New York Times Blames 'Deregulation' for Regulated Electric Costs," by Josiah Neeley

"The 2021 Texas Power Crisis: What Happened and What Can Be Done to Avoid Another One?" by Michael Giberson

"Super Bowl Sex Trafficking Myth Gives Good Cover for Federal Security Theater," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads… These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight only when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon electronic gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Ron DeSantis' Misguided War on Woke appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and special guest Eric Boehm delve into policing and violence in the wake of the video release showing Memphis police killing Tyre Nichols.

0:30: Tyre Nichols killed by Memphis police

23:37: The ongoing debt limit drama

36:31: Weekly Listener Question

44:55: Sending tanks to Ukraine

49:25: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"The Most Popular Police Reforms Can't Stop the Next Tyre Nichols From Being Killed. Here's What Might." by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"New Video Shows Memphis Police Fatally Beating, Tasing, Pepper-Spraying Tyre Nichols," by Christian Britschgi

"Is a War on Policing Increasing Crime? Q&A With Rafael Mangual," by Nick Gillespie

Mapping Police Violence, by Samuel Sinyangwe

"If Republicans Want To Cut Spending, They Should Start With the Pentagon," by Eric Boehm

"Social Security Is on the Brink of Collapse. The GOP Won't Touch It." by Veronique de Rugy

"Generational Warfare," by Nick Gillespie and Veronique de Rugy

"The Failure To Enact Marijuana Banking and Crack Sentencing Reforms Is a Window on Congressional Dysfunction," by Jacob Sullum

"Should America Keep Funding Ukraine? Live With Emma Ashford, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"What We Owe the Future Is Liberalism," by Ronald Bailey

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Are We Making Any Progress on Police Brutality? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie discuss the Facebook Files, which revealed the considerable influence the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wielded in regard to what users were allowed to say on Meta platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

0:55: The CDC silenced COVID-19 dissent on Facebook.

27:25: Weekly Listener Question

36:53: National School Choice Week

55:09: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"How the CDC Became the Speech Police," by Robby Soave

"Inside the Facebook Files: Emails Reveal the CDC's Role in Silencing COVID-19 Dissent," by Robby Soave

"Emails Show CDC Policed COVID Speech on Facebook. Live with Robby Soave, Nick Gillespie, and Zach Weissmueller," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Inside the CDC's Campaign To Police COVID Speech," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"The Biggest Education Innovation Is Growing Use of School Choice," by J.D. Tuccille

"Kentucky's Governor Wants School Choice for His Kids, But Not Yours," by J.D. Tuccille

"School Choice Is a Noble Cause," by John Stossel

"Does School Choice Help Students Learn? All Signs Point To Yes," by Nick Gillespie

"N.Y. Can't Teach Kids To Read on $30,000 a Year," by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor

"Watch Elizabeth Warren Lie About Her Son's Private School Education," by Nick Gillespie and John Osterhoudt

"It Can Happen Here," by Arnold Kling, David R. Henderson, and Maurice McTigue

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Self-reliance…planning ahead…using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon electronic gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Where Does Big Tech End and Government Start? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie consider the revelation that, like former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden also had a stash of classified documents in his private office and residence.

0:23: President Biden also had classified materials in his house

10:35: House GOP introduces the Curriculum Review of Teachings, or CRT, Transparency Act

31:33: Weekly Listener Question:

I have long held what I consider to be a libertarian position on college admissions and affirmative action: that private colleges ought to be able to control their own admissions policies and that those who don't like those policies can seek admission elsewhere. I am somewhat surprised that I do not find any libertarians making this argument. It seems to me that if the Supreme Court makes a determination that affirmative action is illegal, as well as other types of arguably discriminatory admissions policies such as preferences for alumni and attempts to achieve geographic diversity in the student body, then we are in for a tsunami of lawsuits in which every damn college applicant in the country who is turned down by her top college pick will argue that she was the victim of discrimination. Where does it end? I'm an alumnus of Wesleyan University. I always accepted that racial diversity is a laudable goal in assembling a student body, as is geographical diversity (although I read recently that a desire for geographic diversity is just a scheme to keep out Jews; I didn't know I was antisemitic), or a distribution of interests in the arts versus the sciences, or a wide variety of extracurricular activities. So it touched my heart when today's New York Times ran a headline, "If Affirmative Action Ends, College Admissions May Be Changed Forever," with a picture of my dear old alma mater, Wesleyan. What does the panel think? By what logic are the details of private college admissions policies a matter for the courts? How does the Constitution say that the courts need to make these decisions? How did we get here? And again, where will it all end?

47:21: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"With Classified Documents, the Real Divide Is Between the Powerful and the Rest of Us," by J.D. Tuccille

"Biden Looks Careless, Shady, and Hypocritical After the Revelations About His Handling of Classified Material," by Jacob Sullum

"Like Trump, Biden Had a Private Stash of Secret Documents, but It Was Much Less Impressive," by Jacob Sullum

"The Redacted Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant Affidavit Sheds Light on the FBI's Concerns and Trump's Defense," by Jacob Sullum

"Corey DeAngelis: How COVID Has Changed the Face of Education Forever," by Nick Gillespie

"Florida All in for Assault on Academic Freedom," by Keith E. Whittington

"Chris Rufo's Battle To 'Stop Woke'," by Zack Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Time To End Affirmative Action? Live With David Bernstein and Kenny Xu," by Zach Weissmueller and Nick Gillespie

"Want To Stop School Book Battles? Give Parents Real Choice in Education," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Yet Another Shady, Hypocritical Document Hoarder appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie look back on the House speaker battle and discuss President Joe Biden's trip to the southern border.

1:33: Kevin McCarthy is finally selected as speaker of the House.

26:44: Weekly Listener Question:

In the last episode, you all discussed the (at least at the time of this message) ongoing process for electing a new speaker of the House. You discussed the demand/request of the 19 or so Republicans who don't back McCarthy that he return to more normal House proceedings like the introduction of amendments, debate on the floor, etc. One of their demands, the introduction of the FairTax Bill, was unaddressed in the last podcast. What do the panel members think of the FairTax (both within the speaker vote context but also more broadly)? I'd be interested in a libertarian take on the FairTax. Assuming that abolishing taxation is unlikely, does the FairTax represent a much better alternative to our current system?

35:35: President Biden visits the southern border to Mexico.

45:57: George Santos and other political fabulists

57:44: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Finally Approved as House Speaker, McCarthy Aims To Cut IRS Funding," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Cameras Should Stay in Place After the House Picks a Speaker," by Joe Lancaster

"Fixing Congress' Broken Appropriations Process Is Worth This Mess," by Eric Boehm

"Ignoring the Anti-McCarthy Faction's Avowed Goals, The New York Times Sees Only 'Chaos and Confusion'," by Jacob Sullum

"Justin Amash: Kevin McCarthy Is a 'Compulsive Liar' Who 'Cares Only About Power'," by Matt Welch

"Biden's Immigration Plan Lays Out a Tougher Border, New Legal Pathway for Some Migrants," by Fiona Harrigan

"Real Man of Genius: Joe Biden," by Nick Gillespie, Dan Hayes, and Matt Welch

"The for Cameras in the Supreme Court" by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

"5 Other Fake Indians Besides Elizabeth Warren," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed, or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.
• Self-reliance… planning ahead… using our heads. These are just a few of the things we believe in here at The Reason Roundtable. That's why we'd like to tell you about AirMedCare Network membership and how it can take a financial worry off your plate. AirMedCare Network is America's largest emergency air ambulance membership network. AirMedCare Network providers operate state-of-the-art helicopters. And their specially trained medical personnel provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations. Even with insurance, these flights can be VERY expensive. But when you're an AirMedCare Network member, you won't see a bill for your flight when flown by one of their providers. This is a financial safety net you should have. Membership is amazingly affordable: only $99 per year and just $79 for seniors. And your entire household is covered. Right now, our listeners get up to an $80 Mastercard or Amazon electronic gift card when they join AMCN and use offer code: REASON. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Did the House Rebellion Against Kevin McCarthy Have an Upside? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie discuss the government's censorship-by-proxy of social media companies and Kevin McCarthy's ongoing showdown for the speakership in the House of Representatives.

3:00: The government's censorship-by-proxy of social media companies for alleged COVID "misinformation."

30:45: Weekly Listener Question:

Hello Friends, I just finished listening to the Freakonomics Radio three-part series about Adam Smith. The main thesis of the series is that Adam Smith's views were more nuanced than we generally think of him; most people tend to cherry-pick favorite ideas from The Wealth of Nations while completely forgetting about his first work, Theory of Moral Sentiments. So, I'm curious. How have Adam Smith's ideas shaped your own? Have any of you read Adam Smith's works completely? And maybe most importantly, do you think Adam Smith would be a libertarian if he was alive today?

39:39: Kevin McCarthy battles for speaker of the House.

52:11: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Under Government Pressure, Twitter Suppressed Truthful Speech About COVID-19," by Jacob Sullum

"Twitter Files Reveal Politicians, Officials Evading the Constitution's Restrictions," by J.D. Tuccille

"Elon Musk Should Take a Clear Stand Against Censorship by Proxy," by Jacob Sullum

"Bari Weiss Twitter Files Reveal Systematic 'Blacklisting' of Disfavored Content," by Robby Soave

"How Government Officials Bully Social Media Companies Into Censorship," by Liz Wolfe

"Biden's Sneaky Censors," by Jacob Sullum

"These Emails Show How the Biden Administration's Crusade Against 'Misinformation' Imposes Censorship by Proxy," by Jacob Sullum

"AOC: Facebook's 'Disinformation' Has 'Sabotaged' Pandemic Response," by Matt Welch

"RIP, 'Pandemic of the Unvaccinated'," by Matt Welch

"Republicans Control the House But Can't Compromise on Someone To Lead It," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Now Anybody Can Write a Sherlock Holmes Story," by Joe Lancaster

"Sifting Through the Twitter Files: Live with Nick Gillespie & Zach Weissmueller," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Russ Roberts: Adam Smith's Surprising Guide To Happiness," by Nick Gillespie

"The Satire Is as Rich as the Clientele in HBO's The White Lotus" by Glenn Garvin

Nick's "I'm Not Lazy" T-shirt

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• When you're at your best, you can do great things. But sometimes life gets you bogged down, and you may feel overwhelmed or like you're not showing up in the way that you want to. Working with a therapist can help you get closer to the best version of you. Because when you feel empowered, you're more prepared to take on everything life throws at you. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, flexible, affordable, and entirely online. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists any time for no additional charge. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post A Surly Showdown for Speaker appeared first on Reason.com.

In this special end-of-year episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie have some final thoughts on the biggest stories from 2022 and make some predictions about what might unfold in 2023. Have a Happy New Year!

1:32: The biggest stories of the year

40:44: Predictions for 2023

55:29: The most impactful cultural recommendations of the year

Mentioned in this podcast:

Click here for all of the roundtable's media recommendations from the past year and beyond.

"Sifting Through the Twitter Files: Live With Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller

"Biden's Loan Forgiveness Plan Ultimately Means Higher Costs for Higher Ed," by Peter Suderman

"New Research Highlights the Limits of Abortion Bans," by Jacob Sullum

"The U.S. Is Entangled in Ukraine for the Long Haul," by Bonnie Kristian

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Our Biggest Stories of 2022 (and What We Predict for 2023) appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie discuss the depressing end-of-year omnibus government spending deal.

0:21: A massive year-end spending bill

20:10: The $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act

33:59: Notable legislative areas NOT being addressed this week

49:17: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Biden Is Set To Sign $858 Billion Pentagon Budget—One of the Biggest Ever," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Here's Why Biden Is Wrong About the Deficit," by Veronique de Rugy

"November's $249 Billion Federal Budget Deficit Set a Record. Now, Congress Is Preparing To Spend Even More." by Eric Boehm

"Chuck Schumer Scrambles To Save the Marijuana Banking Bill He Blocked Last Year," by Jacob Sullum

"Rand Paul Goes Hawkish, Proposes Massive Defense Increases, Becomes Less Interesting," by Nick Gillespie

"Hot August Fright: The Month Republicans Lost Their Minds Over Immigration," by Matt Welch

"James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water Is a Can-You-Believe-It Spectacle That Looks to the Future," by Peter Suderman

"Bernie Sanders Abandons Plan To Force Vote on Yemen War," by Fiona Harrigan

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• We all want to make sure our family is protected in a medical emergency. What many of us don't realize is that health insurance won't always cover the full amount of an emergency medical flight. Even with comprehensive coverage, you could get hit with high deductibles and co-pays. That's why an AirMedCare Network (AMCN) membership is so important. As a member, if an emergency arises, you won't see a bill for air medical transport when flown by an AMCN provider. Best of all, a membership covers your entire household for as little as $85 a year. AMCN providers are called upon to transport more than 100,000 patients a year. This is coverage no family should be without. Now, as a listener of our show, you'll get up to a $50 Visa or Amazon gift card with a new membership. Simply visit AirMedCareNetwork.com/reason and use offer code REASON.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post The Annual, Depressing 'Do Your Job Week' in Congress appeared first on Reason.com.