Kevin Williamson and Kent Lassman discuss Adam Smith, free trade, and the SCOTUS verdict on Moore v. U.S. They decode tax law, debate law-making authorities, and highlight the importance of investing in economic growth. Lively discussion on American innovation and the impact of open economies.
Adam Smith's theories on self-interest and empathy influence modern ideas.
Debate over agency-led legislation vs. congressional lawmaking highlights importance of legal procedures.
Deep dives
Swimming the English Channel and Reflecting on Literature
Swimming the English Channel was a recent athletic feat accomplished, sparking admiration and raised eyebrows, with reflecting on family and literature during the long swim, with thoughts meandering towards literary works and authors encountered in Britain.
Importance of Adam Smith's Contributions
Discussion on Adam Smith's impactful intellectual contributions, emphasizing his theories on self-interest, empathy, and political economy, highlighting the relevance of his works like 'Wealth of Nations' and 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' in shaping modern ideas.
The Role of Investment in Economic Growth
Exploration of investment's critical role in economic growth and innovation, emphasizing the impact of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and incentivizing capital investment, recognizing the organic development of industries like automobile manufacturing and the transformative power of investments.
Government Regulation and Taxation Issues
Debate on the government's regulatory power, taxation policies, and legal oversight, raising concerns about agency-led legislation versus congressional lawmaking, emphasizing the importance of legal procedures, taxpayer protections, and the balance between government authority and individual liberties.
Jonah abdicates his duties and conscripts Dispatch national correspondent Kevin D. Williamson to pick up the slack. Kevin is joined by Kent Lassman, the president and CEO of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, to discuss Adam Smith, free trade, and the recent SCOTUS verdict on Moore v. U.S. Kevin and Lassman shoulder the Sisyphean burden of decoding tax law, discuss the miracle of American innovation, and debate the hot question of punditlandia: Who should make law?
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