Rob Larson

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.

Join economics professor Rob Larson, author of "Bit Tyrants" and "Mastering the Universe," as he delves into the alarming concentration of wealth in the U.S. He critiques the ruling class’s transformation of democracy into oligarchy and debates solutions like expropriation and worker control. Larson examines the implications of pandemic policies and the rising disconnect between the elite and working-class realities. The conversation even ventures into the quirky intersection of astrology with economics, offering a light-hearted twist on serious topics.