Is Ocasio-Cortez and her plan to tax the “rich” at almost 70% make her sound more like an activist than a serious policymaker? Is there any research on how high tax rates affect how people choose their careers? Do “Democratic-Socialists look at people as just revenue agents for the state? Will 2019 be a year of slower growth? CNBC contributor and columnist at AEI, Jim Pethokoukis joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

WIND: Things Looking Up In 2019?

"He who seeks to improve conditions must propagate a new mentality, not merely a new institution." — Ludwig von Mises

Our aim at Upstream Ideas is to do just as Mises suggested by turning the dial on how you look at the political and policy issues facing Illinois, Chicago and our nation. We present new ideas that inform salient policy decisions, start new conversations and move beyond partisan politics all while challenging the status quo.

Dan Proft along with distinguished guests and contributors lay out in-depth issues in a digestible way to better understand why conditions are what they are and how they could be improved. We produce content in a variety of formats including long-form interviews, multiple segment radio shows and mini-monologues. We arm you with new information and fresh perspectives with the goal of making Illinois and the United States of America a bit more free, a bit more just and a bit more civilized.

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How can New York and Illinois bring people back? Lower their taxes. Why are “pro-business groups” in Chicago advocating for more taxes? Where are the “adults” in the room telling Democrats the catastrophic effects of eliminating all fossil fuels? Chief Economist for CNN, Steve Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

WIND: No Adults Allowed

What is the Democrats’ message heading into 2020? Is the field of candidates who aren’t parents show how out of touch they are with reality? Is Trump willing to shut down government again to move forward with border security talks? Senior Contributor at American Greatness, Julie Kelly joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

WIND: Out Of Touch

Could you give up the big five? Which one of the social networks would you miss most? Would you feel disconnected from your friends and family? Does it actually change the way you interact with your spouse or children? Is there the beginnings of a backlash against the internet? Journalist at Gizmodo, Kashmir Hill joins Dan and Amy to discuss her experience in giving up the big five social networking platforms.

WIND: My Facebook Fast

What has been the impact of Illinois’ economic death spiral on churches? Does the clergy have an obligation to educate their parishioners on what the political ruling class is doing or would they rather throw in with them? Senior pastor at Christ Church, Mike Woodruff joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

WIND: Big Government As A Moral Issue

Is the SOTU the political equivalent of the Oscars? Was Trump wise to not get as heated as he does in his rally speeches? Should we be optimistic about another meeting with Kim Jong Un? Is infanticide no longer a fringe topic amongst mainstream Democrats? Can Biden resist a presidential run? Weekend editor at Hotair.com, Jazz Shaw joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

WIND: Things Looking Up In 2019?

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