A New Podcast Explains Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Aug 18, 2023
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Eric Boehm, occasional guest appearances on the Roundtable pod and written work at Reason, hosts a new podcast called Why We Can't Have Nice Things. Each episode explores a rule or law hindering the free market. This episode focuses on the Jones Act, a 100-year-old shipping law that worsens traffic on American highways. It delves into the history, consequences, and potential solutions for the Jones Act, exposing the flaws of protectionist policies.
The Jones Act, a 100-year-old shipping law, has led to increased traffic congestion, higher shipping costs, and hindered various industries.
The high costs of US shipbuilding compared to other countries, caused by the Jones Act, result in lack of competitiveness and increased expenses for consumers and businesses.
Deep dives
The Jones Act and its Impact on Traffic and Shipping Costs
The podcast episode discusses the Jones Act, a 100-year-old shipping law that has caused various problems. The law, originally intended to protect the US shipbuilding industry, has actually led to increased traffic congestion and higher shipping costs. The episode highlights the negative effects of the Jones Act on truck traffic, infrastructure, and the environment. It also explores the reasons why the law still exists and why it is difficult to repeal. The podcast presents alternative solutions, such as loosening the Jones Act to allow foreign-built ships to operate between US ports, or completely scrapping the law.
The High Costs of US Shipbuilding
The podcast delves into the high costs associated with US shipbuilding compared to other countries. It points out that American-built ships are significantly more expensive, with steel-plated vessels in the US costing around $330 million, while similar ships in Korea cost around $45-50 million. The episode highlights the lack of competitiveness in the US shipbuilding industry and the implications this has for the maritime and shipping sectors. It also discusses the role of the Jones Act in protecting American shipbuilders but limiting options and increasing costs for consumers and businesses.
The Negative Impacts of the Jones Act
The podcast explores the detrimental effects of the Jones Act on various industries and consumers. It highlights how the law hinders lumber producers, cattle farmers in Hawaii, the US steel industry, the US oil industry, and wind turbine projects. The Jones Act puts these industries at a disadvantage by imposing higher costs and limiting competition. The episode also touches on how the law affects the transportation of liquefied natural gas and restricts cruise ship routes between US ports. Overall, the podcast argues that the Jones Act causes unnecessary hurdles, raises prices, and stifles innovation and economic growth.
Hey, Reason Roundtable listeners, we've got a special bonus for your Friday afternoon this week!
You might already know Eric Boehm from his occasional guest appearances on the Roundtable pod and from his written work at Reason over the past several years. But he's also the host of a brand-new, limited-run podcast that's going to be right up your alley if you're a fan of free minds and free markets—and we know that you are.
It's called Why We Can't Have Nice Things, and each week the show focuses on a different rule, regulation, or law that prevents the free market from working the way it should. These are stories about how protectionist policies get made and why they can be so difficult to undo.
Like, for example, a 100-year-old shipping law that makes traffic worse on American highways: The Jones Act. It's a law described as "a very classic case of everything wrong with Washington." That's the focus of this week's episode, the third in the six-part series.
You can listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds—and please don't forget to leave us a review.