8/22/23: DeSantis Debate Plan, Vivek Accuses Newsmax Of Pay To Play, Wall Street Real Estate, BRICS Plan For Dedollarization, Screen Time Impact On Kids, Mr Beast Solves World Peace, Author On Corporate Tyranny
Aug 22, 2023
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Sohrab Ahmari, author of "Tyranny," joins to explore the impact of corporate power on American liberty. He discusses the chilling effects of corporate influence on free speech and democratic processes. The conversation also delves into the shifting dynamics of the Republican Party, emphasizing the need for a genuine connection to working-class issues. Additionally, topics like the effects of screen time on children and the vulture capitalism in real estate highlight the complex socio-economic landscape that shapes current political discourse.
China is pushing for the BRICS countries to challenge the dominance of the US dollar and establish themselves as an alternative economic system
Wall Street firms are capitalizing on distressed real estate by acquiring commercial properties at significantly reduced prices
China's slowing economic growth raises concerns about the country's social contract and foreign policy
The book 'Tyranny Inc.' examines the impact of private sector coercion on workers and consumers, emphasizing the need to address corporate power for the well-being of the working class
Deep dives
China pushes for BRICS to become geopolitical rival to G7
China is urging the BRICS countries to become a direct geopolitical rival to the G7, positioning itself as an alternative economic system
Wall Street raises billions to target distressed commercial real estate
Wall Street firms are raising billions of dollars to acquire distressed commercial real estate assets at a fraction of their original value
China's economic growth slows, raising questions about the future
China's economic growth is slowing, with projections indicating growth rates below 4%, significantly less than the past four decades. The slow growth raises questions about the future of China's social contract and foreign policy.
China wants to convert vacant offices to housing
Mayor Eric Adams in New York City has unveiled a plan to convert vacant offices to housing, hoping to address the city's housing crisis and provide more affordable housing options.
The impact of private power on American liberty
The book 'Tyranny Inc.' explores how private power has infringed upon American liberty. It delves into the various ways in which coercion by the private sector, such as wage precarity, scheduling instability, and commercial arbitration, affects workers and consumers. The book also highlights the negative consequences of private equity and hedge funds on the real economy. The author argues that government is not the sole source of coercion, and that addressing the obstacles posed by corporate power is essential for the flourishing of the working class.
The limitations of anti-corporate rhetoric
The summary discusses the prevalence of anti-corporate rhetoric in political discourse, particularly on the right, but emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine critiques of corporate power and the use of populist language that fails to meaningfully curb corporate influence. It references examples where anti-corporate sentiment is exploited to advance cultural and identity-based grievances rather than addressing economic concerns that impact the working class. It highlights the need for a more substantial and comprehensive approach to tackling corporate power.
The interplay of economics and culture
The summary explores the relationship between economics and culture, recognizing that how economies are structured and the class dynamics within them can influence cultural outcomes and individual well-being. It critiques the notion that cultural issues can be divorced from material conditions and emphasizes the significance of building coalitions that address economic and cultural concerns together, pointing to historical examples of successful coalition building across ideological lines. It acknowledges the role of personal values and convictions that shape one's political alignment.
Krystal and Saagar discuss Biden arriving in Hawaii after the Maui fires, DeSantis reveals debate strategy, Vivek accuses Newsmax of pay to play, vulture capitalists scoop up commercial real estate, China pushes BRICS to supplant US dollar, study shows screen time damaging young kids, Mr Beast world olympics video sparks controversy, and Sohrab Ahmari joins to discuss his new book on corporate tyrannical power.
