Matt Taibbi: Does The Rise Of Socialism Risk The End Of Western Civilization?

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Dec 23, 2025

Independent journalist Matt Taibbi, known for his work on the 2008 financial crisis and the Twitter Files, discusses pressing societal issues. He critiques inadequate reforms since the financial crash and the casino-like atmosphere of post-COVID trading. Taibbi links the rise of socialism among youth to economic disillusionment and cultural shifts. He warns of the dangers of cancel culture and emphasizes the need to defend free speech and historical context to prevent authoritarianism. His insights shed light on the interplay between economics, culture, and civil liberties.

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INSIGHT

Lessons From The GFC Were Largely Ignored

Matt Taibbi sees little constructive learning from the GFC and notices recurring bubble-like behavior in new financial products and AI investment.
He warns markets feel unreal due to loose post-COVID liquidity and short-term, casino-like trading.

INSIGHT

Populism Stems From Real Economic Pain

Rising left- and right-wing populism both reflect broad economic dislocation and people feeling left behind.
Young, educated people especially feel they cannot afford homes or families, driving support for systemic change.

ANECDOTE

Conversations With Young Protestors In The US

Taibbi recounts asking protestors waving hammer-and-sickle flags what they knew of Soviet history and finding blankness about gulags and massacres.
He saw Soviet-era textbooks misrepresenting events like Kronstadt and early Bolshevik violence.

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Today we're going to start with our usual financial fare, but then branch out into other important topics impacting society today, like the state of free speech, media bais and the role of government.I'm taking the license to do so because of our good fortune to be joined today by Matt Taibbi, one of the few remaining truly great independent journalists -- a rare breed these days.Many of you know Matt from his work at Rolling Stone where, among other great scoops, he chronicled the unfolding of the Great Financial Crisis, as well as the abuses that caused it, in a plain-language manner that the general public could finally understand.Or you may know him from his pioneering work on the Twitter Files, exposing the government-driven censorshop and narrative planting that had metastasized across the social media ecoystem during the COVID era.Or you may know him from his ongoing work on Substack at his Racket News channel, or from the many books he has authored.We are very lucky to have him join us today. #freespeech #socialism #westerncivilization _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It’s important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer’s unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security’s or a firm’s past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.