

The Wages of Lawlessness and the Laws of Wages
10 snips Jan 6, 2025
Allison Schrager, a Bloomberg columnist and scholar at the Manhattan Institute, dives into the legal complexities following the January 6th riots, challenging the narrative of innocence among key participants. She critiques how we measure economic progress and the inadequacies of traditional indicators. The conversation shifts to comparing U.S. economic policies under Presidents Obama and Trump, touching on tariffs and their diplomatic implications. Schrager also highlights the current economic challenges, including inflation and housing market issues, providing a thought-provoking analysis.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Miscarriage of Justice?
- Trump often highlights "sympathetic" January 6th rioters, like grandparents, who claim ignorance.
- However, analysis of a case like Jacob Lewis, who merely walked into the Capitol, reveals a light sentence: probation, fines, and community service.
Free Speech vs. Lawlessness
- Free speech is not a "get out of jail free card."
- Engaging in free speech, like protesting, doesn't permit breaking other laws, like trespassing or sedition.
Risk, Reward, and the Safety Net
- The US economy, while robust, rewards risk-taking but doesn't necessarily punish losers severely.
- Compared to European systems, the US offers less of a safety net but potentially more mobility, according to Alison Schrager.