Cato Podcast

Analyzing the recent hack of the SEC's Twitter account and its impact on the agency's regulatory role, questions of credibility, approval of Bitcoin ETFs and its implications, the need for objective criteria in SEC approvals for crypto ETFs, security concerns surrounding the SEC's data collection and the Consolidated Audit Trail

Exploring a new federal law imposing fines and jail time for failure to report cryptocurrency transactions. Recent amendment to the Internal Revenue Code mandates reporting of transactions of $10,000 or more. Debate surrounding provisions aimed at increasing tax revenue and restrictions on cryptocurrency usage. Opposition to the law due to privacy concerns and constitutional issues. Implications of new punitive crypto rules on financial privacy and concerns about unlimited government surveillance.

This podcast explores the negative impacts of farm subsidies and crop insurance on American agriculture, including monoculture farming, limited farmer flexibility, and a less adaptable food system. The importance of independent decision-making and the benefits of separating from subsidies are highlighted through real-life examples.

Exploring the state of tech regulation in 2024, this podcast examines efforts to control big tech, challenges faced by lawmakers in writing regulations, state-level attempts to implement regulatory structures, legal challenges faced by tech platforms, and the potential negative effects of state-level regulations on free speech and smaller innovators.

The podcast explores the emergence of nitazenes, a highly potent synthetic opioid, and the rise in nitazene overdoses. It discusses the need for a shift in drug policy towards legalization and harm reduction, as well as the consequences of drug prohibition and the need for state intervention in overdose prevention.

Exploring President Maláy's recent deregulation measures in Argentina and the need for approval from Congress. Discussion on the president's decree and the misconception of it being authoritarian. The elimination of a state-owned airline and the controversial privatization agenda. Exploration of the key components of economic deregulation and concerns for future governments.

Herbert Spencer, a sociologist ahead of his time in dealing with modern political economy issues, is discussed. Topics covered include his influences, family background, dissenting tradition in England, evolution, encounters with radical libertarian thinkers, social Darwinism, international recognition, decline, specialization of science, shifting evolutionary theories, decline of liberalism, and his emphasis on clarity in writing.

Exploring the forgotten role of Herbert Spencer in sociology, his philosophy on rules, government, human interaction, and evolution, his departure from Adam Smith's ideas, and his influential works and impact on sociology and anthropology.

Exploring the impact of certificate of need laws in healthcare, including their effect on competition, alternative care options, and innovation. Also discussing the failure of government attempts to reduce healthcare expenses through supply restrictions, and examining the irony of needing government permission for a safer option like a birthing center compared to home births.

Explore the worrying decline in human freedom worldwide, focusing on economic, personal, and civil freedoms. Examining the impact of the financial crisis, rise of populism, and the pandemic. Highlighting the deterioration of economic freedom in the United States. Discussing Argentina's decline in human freedom with low economic freedom but relatively higher levels of personal freedom. Exploring the connection between personal freedom and economic freedom, and the concerning decline of personal freedoms in Venezuela.