Cato Daily Podcast

California wildfires are not yet fully contained, and the policy choices that led to the death and destruction deserve examination. Cato's Ryan Bourne and Steve Slivinski break down how California can improve as it rebuilds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join legal experts Tommy Berry, director at the Cato Institute's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, and Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow tackling constitutional issues. They dive into the looming TikTok ban, exploring the First Amendment implications and data privacy concerns. The discussion highlights how potential restrictions could affect free speech and access to global content. With a deadline approaching, they also ponder on what Supreme Court intervention might mean for users and the legal landscape surrounding tech and foreign partnerships.

As state legislatures get back to work, where are the best opportunities for getting government out of the way of civil society? Steve Slivinski has a rundown.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Wachob from People United for Privacy, an advocate for donor privacy and free speech, dives into the contentious world of 'dark money' in elections. He discusses how upcoming reforms may hinge on politicians' perceptions of threats posed by undisclosed funding. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics between financial backing for candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Wachob also addresses the delicate balance between political donor disclosure and free speech, revealing the potential consequences of privacy intrusions on dissenting voices.

Your lack of wealth shouldn't limit your investment options, but the SEC has for decades actively prevented lower-wealth Americans from making certain investments. Nick Morgan of the Investor Choice Advocates Network and Cato's Jennifer Schulp explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Hamilton, Director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center, dives into the pressing housing crisis in America. She argues for reduced government intervention in zoning and building codes, citing how these regulations inflate construction costs. Hamilton contrasts housing dynamics in Texas and California, discussing the challenge of increasing density amid local opposition. She emphasizes the importance of transparent land use regulations and advocates for legislative strategies that address high housing costs while balancing health, safety, and neighborhood character.

Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute, delves into the ramifications of Trump's potential influence over federal law enforcement. He discusses Trump's threats to prosecute rivals and what that means for the future of the Justice Department. Neily emphasizes the need for reform in federal prosecution, accountability for prosecutors, and the judiciary's impact on justice. He raises concerns about the weaponization of the criminal justice system in this politically charged environment, underscoring vital issues in law and governance.

Dive into the controversial Corporate Transparency Act, which mandates businesses to disclose ownership details. The discussion unveils serious privacy concerns and potential government overreach. Legal challenges surface as a Texas case halts enforcement, with Alabama's ruling raising constitutional alarms. Explore the implications for nonprofits, where donor anonymity may be jeopardized, stirring First Amendment debates. Get ready for a thought-provoking look at accountability versus privacy rights and the future of personal freedoms!

Paul Meany, an expert on Friedrich Hayek's 'The Constitution of Liberty,' delves into the book's relevance for today's liberalism. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, bridging sociology with economic thought. Meany discusses how moral traditions and collective historical contributions shape a free society. He highlights the role of ideas in understanding societal dynamics and advocates for a multicultural perspective on liberalism, drawing lessons from Eleanor Ostrom's insights on self-governance.

John Hasnas, an author and Georgetown University professor, dives into the merits of common law over legislative law. He emphasizes how common law emerges from case resolution, enhancing societal harmony without legislative interference. Hasnas discusses the evolution of legal norms through dispute resolution, connecting it to Friedrich Hayek's ideas. He advocates for common law's adaptability in shaping public policy, showcasing its effectiveness in addressing modern challenges and supporting a framework for minimal government intervention.