Phil Gramm, former U.S. Senator and economist, teams up with Jonah Goldberg to delve into his new book on economic myths. They highlight the Industrial Revolution's impact on modern capitalism and dissect misconceptions about income inequality. The discussion critiques protectionist policies and emphasizes the importance of free trade, drawing parallels to Reagan's views. Gramm also addresses the evolving landscape of the Republican Party post-Trump, urging a reassessment of tariffs and the role of Congress in trade authority.
01:03:38
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Industrial Revolution Benefited Workers
The Industrial Revolution led to a massive burst in productive capacity, massively improving income, education, and health outcomes for workers.
Despite anecdotes of exploitation, the workers experienced a significant revolution in freedom and well-being.
insights INSIGHT
Industrial Revolution as Worker Freedom
The Industrial Revolution was freedom from rural feudal control, despite urban squalor and hardship.
People willingly moved to cities seeking opportunity, even if conditions were tough at first.
insights INSIGHT
Historical Costs of Protectionism
Protectionism historically harmed America economically and politically, benefiting a few privileged producers at consumers' expense.
Even President McKinley shifted from tariffs to promoting free trade and market opening.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism
Phil Gramm
Donald Boudreaux
Phil Gramm and Donald J. Boudreaux examine seven pivotal events in American history, arguing that government intervention, rather than capitalism, poses the greatest threat to economic freedom. They challenge conventional wisdom by presenting a factual, non-partisan analysis of these events, including the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Great Recession.
Little House on the Prairie
Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Little House on the Prairie series consists of nine novels that follow the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder from her childhood in the Big Woods of Wisconsin to her adulthood in the Dakota Territory. The books chronicle the Ingalls family's experiences, including their moves to various parts of the American frontier, their struggles with disease and natural disasters, and their daily life as pioneers. The series includes titles such as 'Little House in the Big Woods,' 'Little House on the Prairie,' 'On the Banks of Plum Creek,' 'By the Shores of Silver Lake,' 'The Long Winter,' 'Little Town on the Prairie,' 'These Happy Golden Years,' and 'Farmer Boy,' which is about Almanzo Wilder, Laura's future husband.
The Jungle
Upton Sinclair
Published in 1906, 'The Jungle' follows the life of Lithuanian immigrant Jurgis Rudkus and his family as they navigate the brutal realities of working-class life in Chicago's meatpacking district, known as Packingtown. The novel highlights issues such as public health hazards, extreme poverty, and the cruel treatment of workers and animals. Despite Sinclair's intention to expose labor abuses, the public reaction primarily focused on the sanitation issues in the meatpacking industry, leading to significant legislative changes, including the passage of the U.S. Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.
Former Sen. Phil Gramm joins Jonah Goldberg to discuss his new book, The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism. Phil and Jonah reminisce on the triumphs of the Industrial Revolution, better days in Congress, and Ronald Reagan’s disdain for protectionism.
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.
The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg 
