Cato Podcast

Rand Paul, Republican U.S. Senator from Kentucky, critiques the Trump administration's tariff policies, warning they could spell disaster for U.S. businesses, particularly in the auto and bourbon industries. He argues that tariffs often harm the economy and emphasizes the real benefits of trade. The discussion also covers U.S. foreign aid spending and the urgent need for fiscal responsibility, advocating for permanent spending cuts and better auditing of federal programs in light of irresponsible budget practices.

The feds spend too much. It doesn't appear the Republican-controlled U.S. House is doing much about it. Romina Boccia explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Middlestead, a technology policy research fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the chilling implications of U.S. AI regulation. He critiques the conflicting messages from officials about promoting innovation while also imposing strict regulations. The conversation highlights risks associated with requiring U.S.-made chips for AI software, which could complicate global supply chains. Middlestead warns that attempts to eliminate ideological bias from AI may stifle creativity and warns against following Europe’s cautious regulatory path.

“Corporate welfare” programs burden taxpayers and undermine economic growth. Chris Edwards has identified $181-billion in these useless subsidies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Inserra, a free expression and technology expert at the Cato Institute, and Jenniffer Huddleston, a senior fellow at Cato, dive into the FTC's looming regulations on big tech. They discuss the agency's efforts to gather consumer feedback on censorship and unfair treatment. The conversation covers the delicate balance between competition and free speech, procedural hurdles faced by the FTC, and the potential implications of government oversight in content moderation policies. This insightful dialogue raises important questions about regulation and First Amendment rights.

Patrick Eddington, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and author of 'The Triumph of Fear', delves into the resurgence of scrutiny faced by civil society groups in the U.S. He draws chilling parallels to the House Un-American Activities Committee, discussing how current Congressional actions may prioritize political gains over pressing national issues. Eddington highlights the dangers of targeting marginalized organizations and warns against the erosion of First Amendment rights, questioning the implications of such scrutiny in today's political landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Doherty, author of "Modern Libertarianism," delves into the evolution of libertarian thought in the 20th century. He highlights the conflicting philosophies of Rothbard and Hayek regarding governance and law. Doherty also explores the transformative influence of thinkers like Milton Friedman and Ayn Rand, and how libertarian ideas navigated historical events like the New Deal and the Cold War. The intertwining of libertarianism and conservatism, especially through Barry Goldwater, provides fascinating insights into their political interplay.

Scott Lincicome, Vice President for General Economics at the Cato Institute and an expert on immigration and labor economics, challenges the myth that deporting undocumented immigrants benefits American workers. He reveals how such actions often harm the economy and reduce job opportunities instead. Lincicome discusses historical deportations, the unintended consequences on labor markets, and how immigrants drive economic growth. He argues that misunderstanding immigrant labor can degrade native workers' skills and disrupt overall economic stability.

Jeff Singer, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and author of 'Your Body, Your Healthcare,' delves into the crucial topic of patient autonomy in healthcare. He discusses how modern medical professionals increasingly resist police pressure to compromise patient rights. The conversation highlights the troubling dynamics of state control over healthcare and its implications for informed consent. Singer also contrasts the accountability of healthcare providers with that of law enforcement, bringing to light the ethical responsibilities doctors face amid police misconduct.

John Early, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute and expert on government racial categories, dives into the absurdity and flaws of using racial classifications. He argues that these categories are often harmful and outdated, emphasizing their ineffectiveness and potential risks, particularly for marginalized communities. Early highlights historical precedents that showcase the dangerous implications of such categorization and calls for a reevaluation of these practices in the light of constitutional principles, notably the Equal Rights provisions of the 14th Amendment.