

No Debt Goes Forever Unpaid ft. Dr. Bill Federer
5 snips May 26, 2025
Bill Federer, a historian and author known for his insights on American history, joins the discussion to unpack the relationship between tariffs and America's rise. He delves into how debt has historically led to the fall of empires, drawing parallels with today’s financial practices. The conversation spans China's strategic mindset and its implications for global dominance, as well as the vital role of fiscal responsibility in maintaining national strength. Federer also advocates for the involvement of spiritual values in governance, emphasizing the importance of moral leadership.
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Tariffs Powered Early America
- Tariffs funded the U.S. government for its first century and a half before income tax existed.
- This fiscal policy fueled the Industrial Revolution and rapid economic growth in America.
Shift From Tariffs to Income Tax
- Income tax replaced tariffs gradually after legal challenges and the 16th Amendment in 1913.
- This shift facilitated government expansion and global outsourcing of manufacturing.
China's Strategic Economic Vision
- China follows a centuries-old top-down strategy with long-term planning symbolized by the game Go.
- Their economic tactics aim to weaken rivals and regain global dominance, not enrich trade partners.