Cato Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Chris Kemmitt, the Deputy Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, tackles the controversial topic of qualified immunity for school administrators. He highlights a troubling case where a 14-year-old student faced an unjustified strip search, raising serious concerns about student rights and privacy. The conversation delves into the legal implications of the Fourth Amendment in schools and argues for increased accountability for public officials who violate students' rights, advocating for the need to challenge this legal doctrine.

Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and a passionate advocate for ending cannabis prohibition, discusses a pragmatic approach to legalization. He emphasizes the importance of the 2018 Farm Bill in transforming the cannabis landscape, particularly for CBD products. The conversation dives into strategies for raising the THC cap on hemp, aiming to streamline legalization efforts while addressing safety in the cannabis supply chain. Higdon also highlights the historical divide between hemp and marijuana advocates and how changes in regulations could unify their efforts.

Dive into landmark Supreme Court cases that redefined governmental power, affecting individual freedoms. Discuss the ramifications of rulings like Wickard v. Filburn and McConnell v. FEC, and the pressing need to reassess these legal decisions. Unpack the American Trucking case to uncover how agency discretion can undermine constitutional limits and personal liberties. This conversation highlights the crucial balance between government authority and individual rights, advocating for a protective judicial approach.

John Samples, Vice President at the Cato Institute and expert on campaign finance, discusses Mitch McConnell’s notable influence on political speech in the U.S. Senate. Samples highlights McConnell's role in reducing campaign finance regulations and promoting free speech, even amid political risks. The conversation also delves into the legacy of Citizens United and its impact on corporate political spending, as well as McConnell's significant shaping of Supreme Court decisions like Roe v. Wade, revealing the long-term implications for the Republican Party.

Charles Murray, author of 'By the People: Rebuilding Liberty without Permission,' argues for civil disobedience as a remedy against oppressive federal regulations. He discusses the historical context of liberty and critiques the erosion of constitutional intent. Murray advocates for private defense funds to support those facing government scrutiny and highlights surprising victories against regulatory agencies. The conversation touches on America's cultural diversity, revealing a unifying desire across political lines to reclaim personal freedoms from bureaucratic control.

Join Russell Roberts, a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and host of the EconTalk podcast, as he dives into the nuances of economic communication during crises. He distinguishes between financial and economic crises, emphasizing the significance of understanding their differences. Roberts advocates for empathy in economic literature, using character-driven dialogue to present diverse perspectives. He also calls for honest dialogue within the libertarian community, stressing the need to balance critiques of market dynamics with an appreciation for the government's role.

Todd Zawicki, a professor of law at George Mason University, dives deep into the implications of the 17th Amendment on U.S. Senate elections. He discusses whether repealing it could restore state representation and analyze federalism's evolution. Zawicki critiques modern election methods, celebrating the historical diversity of senator appointments. He argues that returning to state legislature selections may enhance state authority and realign the balance with federal power. This thought-provoking conversation challenges listeners to reconsider current governance structures.

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.