The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart One Big Beautiful Econ Con?
121 snips
Jul 17, 2025 
Clara Mattei, an economist and author, and James Robinson, a leading public policy scholar, join Jon Stewart for a lively discussion. They tackle how the myth of free markets often hides governmental favoritism towards corporations. The conversation critiques austerity measures that exacerbate inequality and explores possibilities for a worker-focused economy. They also reflect on misconceptions about poverty and advocate for empowering workers through democratic economic practices. Plus, a humorous nod to Elmo adds a whimsical touch to the weighty topics!
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Free Market Is a Myth
- The "free market" is a myth; markets are protected by state coercion ensuring labor is sold for wages.
- Capitalism relies on government interventions benefiting capital owners, not workers.
Capitalist Governments Favor Capital
- Government interventions favor capital owners by subsidizing investment and protecting wage labor coercion.
- Interventions for labor rights are viewed as anti-capitalist, showing capitalism's bias toward capital.
Scandinavia Also Faces Austerity
- Even Scandinavian countries experience austerity affecting workers despite idealization.
- Wage moderation versus price stability typical of capitalist compromises affecting social rights.
