Cato Daily Podcast

Jaimie Cavanaugh, a researcher at the Pacific Legal Foundation, dives into the shortcomings of certificate of need laws during the pandemic. She highlights how these regulations hindered healthcare facilities, resulting in higher mortality rates in affected states. Cavanaugh also discusses South Carolina's recent repeal of such laws, aimed at improving access to essential health services. Additionally, she emphasizes women's autonomy in childbirth and the barriers restrictive licensure laws pose to midwives, shedding light on the urgent need for reform in maternal care.

Jeff Singer, a Cato scholar and co-author of a pivotal paper, dives into the contentious topic of licensing for lactation consultants. He argues that while breastfeeding offers significant health benefits, government regulation may reduce access to essential support services. The discussion highlights the dubious influence of lobbying groups pushing for exclusive certifications and questions whether such measures really improve breastfeeding outcomes. Singer advocates for less governmental intervention to ensure that women have more options in lactation care.

Ed Timmons, Director of the NEE Regulatory Research Center, dives into the world of state-level occupational licensing. He reveals that a staggering one in three jobs requires a license, creating barriers to workforce mobility. Timmons questions the effectiveness of medical licensing and highlights the impact of excessive regulations on economic progress. He advocates for universal license recognition to ease transitions between states and discusses recent reforms in Ohio to improve board impartiality. The discussion underscores the need to streamline licensing to boost workforce participation.

Jason Hayes, who directs energy and environmental policy at the Mackinac Center, shares his expertise on the complexities of decarbonizing energy markets. He argues that the push for clean energy needs to seriously consider nuclear power, cautioning about the personal costs to consumers. The discussion dives into the challenges of renewable energy implementation, the importance of electricity storage, and personal energy management tools. Hayes also critiques renewable energy subsidies, advocating for a balanced energy market that embraces innovative solutions.

Paul Matzko, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, and Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the same institute, delve into the intricate powers of the FCC over speech regulation. They discuss the potential risks posed by a politically motivated FCC suppressing dissenting voices and the bipartisan concerns regarding its impact on free speech. The conversation highlights how changes to Section 230 could reshape online discourse, examining case studies where regulations have stifled political messages and drawing disturbing parallels to oppressive regimes.

Eric Gomez, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the complex and shifting landscape of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the U.S. greenlight for Ukraine to target deep into Russia, analyzing the implications of this strategic move. Gomez critiques U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine, highlighting potential changes with a new administration. He also addresses the evolving public sentiment in the U.S. about supporting Ukraine and the rising geopolitical tensions involving North Korea's presence in Europe.

Dr. Marty Makary, a renowned surgeon at Johns Hopkins and author, dives into the flaws within the medical system in this insightful discussion. He tackles how rigid beliefs and groupthink often impede progress in medicine. Makary highlights the peanut allergy epidemic as a case study in cognitive dissonance, emphasizing the need for adaptability and humility among medical professionals. Through his engaging anecdotes, he raises critical questions about the trust we place in established guidelines and the importance of evolving practices for better health outcomes.

Luke Wachob, an advocate with People United for Privacy, discusses the growing threats to donor privacy, emphasizing the politically motivated challenges facing contributors. He highlights recent legal battles, such as Arizona's Voter's Right to Know Act, that complicate nonprofit advocacy. The conversation reveals a troubling decline in small donor contributions, raising concerns for local charities. Wachob also delves into the implications of legislative ambiguities on charitable giving and the overarching risks to individual freedoms and privacy.

Brandan Buck, a research fellow at the Cato Institute and expert on U.S.-Mexico relations, discusses the perilous notion of a U.S. military invasion of Mexico to combat fentanyl trafficking. He argues that such action would exacerbate violence and complicate the socio-political landscape. Buck highlights the economic and diplomatic repercussions that could strain U.S.-Mexico relations and even push Mexico closer to China. He emphasizes that a military solution lacks practicality without local cooperation and could lead to further chaos.

Civil forfeiture is under scrutiny as the FBI's seizure of valuable safe deposit box contents raises legal and ethical questions. A class action lawsuit challenges the due process violations faced by victims. Legal tactics by law enforcement complicate the landscape, as they seek to avoid class action status. The discussion highlights the financial incentives behind these seizures and the struggles individuals face in contesting them. Advocates call for reform to simplify access to the legal system for those affected.