Rob Larson

Rob Larson, an economics professor and commentator on wealth and big tech, joins the conversation. They explore how media elevates billionaires to expert status across diverse topics, often sidelining genuine experts. Larson critiques the intertwining of wealth with moral authority, pointing out how philanthropy influences public policy and media narratives. The discussion addresses the fallacies of treating economic power as expertise, the hypocrisy in billionaire philanthropy, and the implications for democracy as oligarchs shape public discourse.

Rob Larson, author of "Mastering the Universe" and an economics professor, dives into Google's recent designation as a monopolist. He reflects on antitrust challenges, drawing parallels with Microsoft's past struggles. The conversation also highlights how billionaire philanthropy shapes public perception and the need for tech regulation, potentially treating major firms as public utilities. Larson emphasizes the importance of robust antitrust laws to ensure fair market dynamics and discusses the urgency of addressing power concentration in the tech industry.

Rob Larson, a professor of economics and author of Mastering the Universe, joins Chris Hedges to dissect the staggering wealth inequality in the U.S. He highlights that the top 1% owns 35% of the nation's wealth, while the bottom half holds a mere 1.5%. Larson also explores how the ultra-wealthy are emotionally and politically alienated from the rest of society, wielding disproportionate influence over policies. Their isolation and lifestyle privileges lead to a lack of empathy, exacerbating social divides and fueling resentment against the elite.