The Reason Roundtable

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Matt Welch, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie ruminate on President Joe Biden's sudden announcement regarding federal marijuana convictions and examine the current kooky economy.

1:41: Biden's weed announcement

16:56: The weird economy watch

33:22: Weekly Listener Question:

What's the take on the classic car warranty "renewal" junk mail or life insurance upsells, often employing phrases like FINAL NOTICE? Addressed mail that attempts to fool the recipient into taking out a new service by using personal information (e.g., full legal name, vehicle details) to imply an existing commercial relationship. Bonus: These senders depend on using government data like DMV records and are typically delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Free market/free speech/consumer (?) beware, or state-enabled spear phishing that defrauds the elderly?

44:20: A masculinity crisis?

57:50: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Better Late Than Never on Weed, Kamala," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Biden's Marijuana Reforms Are Long Overdue but Will Have Just a Modest Impact," by Jacob Sullum

"Biden Is Still Seeking Potential Life Sentences for Distributing Weed, Even As He Pardons for Possession," by Billy Binion

"What Biden's Weed Plan Really Means," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Tom Cotton Says Biden's Marijuana Pardon Recipients Pleaded Down From More Serious Charges," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Kamala Harris Hopes You'll Forget Her Record as a Drug Warrior & Draconian Prosecutor," by Katherine Mangu-Ward and Justin Monticello

"Kamala Harris Got So High Smoking Weed in College She Thought She Was Listening To Snoop Dogg and Tupac," by Nick Gillespie

"All Drug Offenders Should Be Treated Like Hunter Biden: Leniently," by Nick Gillespie

"Americans Are Losing Their Work Ethic," by Matt Welch

"Star-Studded Amsterdam Is a Tedious, Terrible Warning About the Rise of Fascism," by Peter Suderman

"The Political Class Has Consistently Ignored Warnings of Fiscal Doom. Now Americans Are Paying the Price."  by Peter Suderman

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

Today's sponsors:

• Everyday Dose is the coffee alternative to start your days with. It's made from nonpsychedelic mushrooms, collagen, and nootropics that elevate mood, sharpen focus, and give an energy boost, all without the jitters and digestive issues that come with drinking traditional coffee. It tastes great too and is quick and easy to make. Try risk-free with a 60-day, money-back guarantee by going here now.
• 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 Drugs, Debt, and Masculinity appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Matt Welch, and Peter Suderman and special guest C.J. Ciaramella talk about the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and the current political discourse surrounding criminal justice reform.

2:05: Hurricane Ian's aftermath

21:38: The Jones Act is still terrible.

25:37: Weekly Listener Question:

Dearly beloved Roundtable,

When considering foreign policy issues, shouldn't libertarians worry not only about acts of commission but also acts of omission? It seems that libertarians are reflexively worried about acts of commission but seldom focus on the consequences that derive from lack of action (i.e., acts of omission). Isn't it at least possible that failure to act can lead to a less-libertarian preferred outcome? If so, how should one balance action vs. inaction?

36:20: The current discourse on criminal justice reform

47:54: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"A Reason Reading List on Hurricane-Related Public Policy," by Matt Welch

"UnFAIR," by Matt Welch

"In the Aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, the Jones Act Is Screwing Over Puerto Rico Again," by Scott Shackford

"Natural Disasters and the Case for Big Government," by John Stossel

"Let's Scrap the Jones Act," by Andrew Heaton

"Should Libertarians Root for the Abolition of Police and Prisons?" by C.J. Ciaramella

"Bill Introduced To Bring Independent Oversight to Federal Prison System," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Netflix's Athena Is a Masterpiece About Police Violence and Social Unrest," by Peter Suderman

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

Today's sponsors:

• Everyday Dose is the coffee alternative to start your days with. It's made from nonpsychedelic mushrooms, collagen, and nootropics that elevate mood, sharpen focus, and give an energy boost, all without the jitters and digestive issues that come with drinking traditional coffee. It tastes great too and is quick and easy to make. Try risk-free with a 60-day, money-back guarantee by going here now.
• It can be tough to train your brain to stay in "problem-solving mode" when faced with a challenge in life. But when you learn how to find your own solutions, there's no better feeling. A therapist can help you become a better problem solver, making it easier to accomplish your goals—no matter how big or small. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, accessible, affordable, and entirely online. Get matched with a therapist after filling out a brief survey, and switch therapists any time. When you want to be a better problem solver, 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 Storms and Reforms appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Matt Welch, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie consider the elevated risks from the conflict in Ukraine and commend the recent protests in Iran.

2:22: Russian President Vladimir Putin's mobilization push

16:09: Protests in Iran

30:19: Weekly Listener Question:

It's belated by almost a couple months, but the CIA turned 75 on July 26. Is there a libertarian argument in favor of having a Central Intelligence Agency, and if yes, how closely would a libertarian-approved CIA resemble the one we have?

40:38: New York state lawsuit against former President Donal Trump

48:39: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Abolish Nuclear Weapons? A Soho Forum Debate," by Gene Epstein

"Russians Are Fleeing the Threat of Conscription," by Eric Boehm

"Ukraine Changes the Face of War Forever," by Nick Gillespie

"Will Ruger: How Libertarians Should Think About Ukraine Invasion," by Nick Gillespie

"How the United States Can—And Cannot—Help Iranian Protesters: Podcast," by Nick Gillespie

"New York Attorney General Sues Trump for Fraud, Seeks $250 Million in Restitution," by Joe Lancaster

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

Today's sponsors:

• 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 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.
• Everyday Dose is the coffee alternative to start your days with. It's made from nonpsychedelic mushrooms, collagen, and nootropics that elevate mood, sharpen focus, and give an energy boost, all without the jitters and digestive issues that come with drinking traditional coffee. It tastes great too and is quick and easy to make. Try risk-free with a 60-day, money-back guarantee by going here now.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

The post Putin's Push and Ponytail Solidarity appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Matt Welch, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie discuss the fallout from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' political stunt that sent migrants to Martha's Vineyard and Joe Biden's interview on 60 Minutes.

1:58: Migrants at Martha's Vineyard

26:09: Weekly Listener Question:

Many institutions seem to have lost their way recently, often due to audience or donor capture. On the left, the ACLU has lost its free speech absolutism and now thinks some speech is not worth protecting. NPR has become a sad, woke, unlistenable parody of its former self. On the right, Katherine's former employer, The Weekly Standard went under when the editors and financial backers went different ways regarding Trump. Reason has been very consistent for the past 50+ years (with the possible exception of that piece by Matt Welch praising France's health care system: "Why I Prefer French Health Care"). How has the magazine of "Free Minds and Free Markets" been so consistent and done so well for so long? And more importantly, what is being done to ensure its continued success and principled commitment to libertarian ideas? P.S. I will be attending Reason's space-themed Halloween party in a "Sexy Nick Gillespie Astronaut" costume.

35:18: Joe Biden interviewed on 60 Minutes

46:52: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Spending Down $12 Million in Pandemic Relief Money on an Immigration Stunt Isn't 'Responsible Fiscal Policy'," by Fiona Harrigan

"If Ron DeSantis Hates Communism, He Shouldn't Weaponize Victims of Communism," by Fiona Harrigan

"DeSantis and Abbott Are Wrong To Treat Migrants as a Punishment," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"How Closed Borders Helped Facilitate the Holocaust," by Nick Gillespie

"U.S. Labor Demand Explains Most of the Rise in Illegal Immigration," by Alex Nowrasteh

"How Immigrants Make America Great Again (and Again and Again)," 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 sponsors:

• We're sponsored today by DonorsTrust, the tax-friendly way to simplify your charitable giving without compromising your values. Is cancel culture coming for your charitable dollars? Big banks that sponsor charitable-savings accounts, or "donor-advised funds" as they're formally called, have a history of slow-walking or altogether blocking donations to conservative and libertarian charities. Charities rejected by some of the big banks include Atlas Network, National Review Institute, the National Rifle Association Foundation, Liberty Counsel, and others. Clearly, not every donor-advised-fund provider welcomes libertarians or conservatives. Let DonorsTrust help service your charitable giving. DonorsTrust was built with our listeners in mind—people who believe limited government and constitutional rights are worth fighting for. If you already have a donor-advised fund, consider opening a rollover account. It can be done in three simple steps by calling my friends at DonorsTrust. The DonorsTrust team will work with you to protect your charitable legacy and help you achieve your charitable goals. Partner with the fund that matches your values. To learn more, download their prospectus at www.donorstrust.org/reason.
• It can be tough to train your brain to stay in "problem-solving mode" when faced with a challenge in life. But when you learn how to find your own solutions, there's no better feeling. A therapist can help you become a better problem solver, making it easier to accomplish your goals—no matter how big or small. If you're thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It's convenient, accessible, affordable, and entirely online. Get matched with a therapist after filling out a brief survey, and switch therapists any time. When you want to be a better problem solver, 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 Migrants Are People, Not Props appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Matt Welch, Peter Suderman, and Nick Gillespie discuss the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the White House's misguided principles for reforming Big Tech.

0:30: The queen is dead.

10:15: The White House's tech policy push

23:38: Weekly Listener Question:

I see the Forward Party as planting the seeds for the blossoming of a multiparty democracy. As the initial priority of achieving ranked choice voting state by state is laid out, Forward Party is essentially "the third party for third parties." As the saying goes… "may 1000 third parties bloom."

Think of an alliance for a ranked choice voting policy coalition with other third parties. Namely with the other two largest third parties: Libertarian and Green.

This opens up a very interesting dynamic of politics and particularly centrism. No longer is centrism on a binary scale of red or blue, where the center merely takes a little from the left and a little from the right. What is called: "the mushy middle."

Ultimately, should some sort of coalition of libertarians (small and large L), libertarian-adjacent, liberaltarians, and classical liberals join the Forward Party to launch it toward the future?

36:08: This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"If Monarchy Is a Must, Keep It Neutral," by Robert Jackman

"In Defense of Not Mourning Queen Elizabeth," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Maybe a Ceremonial Monarchy Can Show the Way to a Less Powerful State," by J.D. Tuccille

"Everyone Wants To Ban Certain Content Online. No One Wants To Talk Enforcement." by Bonnie Kristian

"Poll: Tech Regulation Should Focus on Privacy and Security—Not Breaking Up Big Tech Companies," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Both Democrats and Republicans Want To Break Up Big Tech. Consumers Would Pay the Price." by Veronique de Rugy

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 Queen Is Dead. Anarchy in the U.K.? appeared first on Reason.com.