Dr. Jonathan Newman discusses Robert Reich's economic myths videos with flawed assumptions. They dissect misconceptions, highlight free market incentives, and debunk labor theory of value. The podcast challenges ideas on wealth accumulation, fairness in income distribution, and corporate donations in politics.
Wealth is not solely determined by effort but by the value one brings to the market.
Corporate political donations can influence politicians' actions, reflecting a deeper issue of power dynamics in politics.
Deep dives
Wealth and Income Dependence on Setting Rules of the Game
CEOs and Wall Street traders control income and wealth through stock options, buybacks, and market timing. They may have inside information, create monopolies, or leverage political influence. Inheritance plays a significant role in predicting future income and wealth with 60% of all wealth inherited.
Misconception of Wealth Tied to Effort
Contrary to the misconception that wealth equals harder work, economists clarify that income is tied to the value one brings to the market. Skilled individuals provide more valuable services, leading to higher pay, not solely based on effort but on the perceived value of their contributions.
Critique on Corporate Political Donations
Corporate political donations are likened to legalized bribery by Robert Reich. He highlights the role of money in political campaigns influencing politicians' actions aligned with corporate interests. Despite advocating for limits on corporate spending in campaigns, Reich's solution overlooks the broader influence of government power in such scenarios.
Implications of Corporate Political Influence
Reich's focus on corporate influence underscores the need to address the root cause of power dynamics in politics. The concept of bribery through campaign contributions reveals a deeper issue concerning how governmental power interacts with corporate entities, shaping policies and regulations to favor certain interests.
Are wealthy people getting wealthier because they work harder? Dr. Jonathan Newman is back on the show to discuss Robert Reich's latest videos about debunking economic myths.
Robert Reich incorrectly blames the free market when businesses act on incentives provided by the government. He condenses this information into short, impactful videos for his audience. However, most of what Reich talks about isn't really economics. And when he does discuss economics, he relies on flawed assumptions that have been meticulously refuted over the past century. Bob and Dr. Newman dissect the misconceptions and provide some insights.
Robert Reich's "Debunking Economic Myths" Episode 3: Mises.org/HAP455a
Robert Reich's "Debunking Economic Myths" Episode 4: Mises.org/HAP455b
Join us in October for a weekend of celebration at the 2024 Mises Institute Supporters Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Registration is open for Mises Members at Mises.org/SS24
The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Murray Rothbard's, What Has Government Done to Our Money? Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode