Shrinking the Government and Efficiency

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This chapter examines the possibility of reducing the size of the government by 90% and the evidence supporting this notion. It discusses the efficiency of a smaller administrative system, proposes firing half of all government employees, and explores the challenges of job creation as an end in itself. The chapter also suggests privatization of government functions and reducing the powers of regulatory agencies.

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation, and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They cover the reasons why DARPA is a model for enhanced focus and efficiency in government teams, and discuss ways the US can address challenges like education and healthcare spending. They also touch on the feasibility and potential drawbacks of implementing UBI amidst concerns about political power dynamics and economic sustainability. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.

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LINKS:

Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) Deep Dive into DARPA

(03:27) The Impact of DARPA on the Economy

(06:02) The Future of DARPA and its Influence

(10:43) The Effectiveness of Term Limits

(12:19) The Autonomy and Flexibility of DARPA

(23:41) Sponsor: Shopify

(25:16) The Power and Limitations of the President

(28:47) The Potential for Government Efficiency

(32:57) Tackling Healthcare and Education Challenges

(48:10) The Impact of Regulatory Capture

(51:47) Closing Thoughts on Government Efficiency

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.