Diana B. Henriques, journalist and author, discusses her book on FDR's fight to regulate American capitalism. The podcast explores the similarities between the Roaring Twenties and the current economic situation, the link between democracy and economic fairness, the parallels between private power companies and technology giants, and the importance of financial regulations in maintaining a balance between democracy and capitalism.
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Quick takeaways
The current economic and political environment shows striking parallels with the Roaring 20s, highlighting arguments against regulation and income disparity reminiscent of that era.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's approach to financial regulation during the New Deal era emphasized the importance of well-regulated markets to ensure fair opportunities for average Americans, underscoring the need for modernizing the regulatory system to address current challenges.
Deep dives
Parallels between the Roaring 20s and Today
The podcast discusses the striking parallels between the current economic and political environment and the Roaring 20s. It highlights the resurfacing of arguments against regulation that were prevalent in the 1920s, along with the concentration of wealth and income disparity similar to that era. The podcast also mentions the disruptive impact of technology on major industries, drawing a parallel with the changes in manufacturing during the 1920s. These similarities serve as a reminder that the economy and market are cyclical and subject to constant change.
FDR's Fight for Financial Regulation
The podcast focuses on Franklin D. Roosevelt's approach to financial regulation during the New Deal era. It highlights Roosevelt's belief that a healthy democracy required well-regulated markets to ensure fair opportunities for average Americans. The creation of regulatory bodies like the SEC and the FDIC was instrumental in providing oversight and stability to the economy. The podcast emphasizes the importance of modernizing the regulatory system to address current challenges, such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
Regulating Private Power Companies and Today's Equivalents
The podcast examines the regulation of private power companies during the 1920s and draws a parallel to today's technology giants, particularly those controlling artificial intelligence. It highlights the concentration of power and the need for government oversight to ensure fair and equitable outcomes. The podcast advocates for a top-to-bottom overhaul of the regulatory system to address the influence of money in politics and to modernize regulations for the current technological landscape.
Journalist and author Diana B. Henriques discusses her book Taming the Street: The Old Guard, the New Deal, and FDR’s Fight to Regulate American Capitalism. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.