Cato Daily Podcast

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into how liberals, conservatives, and libertarians view government roles as framed by the Constitution. It highlights the libertarian stance on individual rights and the critical importance of the 9th and 10th Amendments. The conversation then navigates the difference between negative and positive rights, stressing the right to pursue happiness. Finally, it critiques varying reactions to government power, advocating for a balanced respect for civil liberties amid the complexities of national security.

Gene Healy, Vice President at the Cato Institute and author of The Cult of the Presidency, dives into the original conception of the American presidency. He discusses the founders' concerns over national leadership and demagoguery, revealing how the role has shifted from resisting public pressure to catering to it. Healy also examines the evolution of presidential communication, from Jefferson's written messages to today's constant public address, and how this transformation has shaped public perception and the expectations of presidential power.

Susan Eisenhower, an expert on international security and granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the enduring effects of the military-industrial complex. She reflects on her grandfather's warning against unchecked military spending and its impact on democracy. The conversation also critiques the diminishing influence of veterans in Congress and the challenges leaders face in military decision-making. Eisenhower reminds us to align military funding with national priorities, reshaping our understanding of national security.

David Ritgers, a legal policy analyst at the Cato Institute and author of the paper advocating for the abolition of the Department of Homeland Security, shares compelling insights. He critiques the Department's structure post-9/11, highlighting inefficiencies and a misallocation of resources. Ritgers also reassesses the constitutional implications of privatizing aviation security, raising questions about its effectiveness in counterterrorism. Through his analysis, he challenges the necessity of DHS, suggesting it may hinder local governance.

Caleb O. Brown hosted the Cato Daily Podcast for nearly 18 years, producing well over 4000 episodes. He has gone on to head Kentucky’s Bluegrass Institute. This is one among the best episodes produced in his tenure, selected by the host and listeners.Don’t talk to the police, even if you want to help them solve a crime. James Duane says that’s the advice police and lawyers give their own children. He explains why in his new book, You Have the Right to Remain Innocent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rand Paul, a Junior U.S. Senator from Kentucky, advocates for free markets and limited government. He discusses the troubling shift of trade authority from Congress to the White House, warning about the risks of executive overreach. Rand emphasizes the moral imperative of free trade and addresses how tariffs negatively impact consumers and industries. He proposes legislation to restore congressional control over trade policies while examining the implications of increasing U.S. debt and providing a bipartisan blueprint for fiscal responsibility.

In this insightful discussion, Anthony Comegna, Assistant Editor for Intellectual History at Libertarianism.org, explores the important yet often overlooked roles of women in the fight for liberty. He argues against a limited understanding of women's contributions, challenging the notion that their significance is confined to political engagement. Highlighting historical examples from 19th century America, Comegna illustrates how women's influence extended beyond the ballot, showcasing their agency in shaping societal change.

Caleb O. Brown hosted the Cato Daily Podcast for nearly 18 years, producing well over 4000 episodes. He has gone on to head Kentucky’s Bluegrass Institute. This is one among the best episodes produced in his tenure, selected by the host and listeners.Why have five or more children? Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth by Catherine Pakaluk details the stories and reasoning of dozens of women who have gone well beyond replacement-level fertility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Douglas Irwin, author of "Peddling Protectionism, Smoot Hawley, and the Great Depression," dives deep into the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, discussing its disastrous effects on the economy and international trade relations during the Great Depression. He emphasizes the act's role as a cautionary tale against protectionism, linking it to current political dialogues about tariffs. Irwin warns of the potential resurgence of nationalist trade policies and advocates for a more thoughtful approach to global trade, drawing crucial parallels to today’s political climate.

Dive into the concept of liberty and the importance of individual conscience in resisting authority. Explore courage through the lens of Socrates, highlighting the need for open dialogue. Discover the legacy of intellectual independence through 17th-century activism and the importance of challenging norms. Learn about the transformative power of saying 'no' in affirming personal freedom and moral agency. Finally, be inspired to take action in defending freedom for future generations against today's threats.