Minor Issues

Is the silver market a victim of price manipulation, or are there other forces at play? Mark Thornton explores the often-misunderstood economics of silver, delving into the theory of "joint supply" to explain why silver prices can sometimes defy conventional wisdom. Mark examines how silver, often a byproduct of other mining operations, can experience a "silver lining" effect during economic downturns, potentially rising in value when other commodities fall. Forget the conspiracy theories for a clear-eyed look at the economic realities that shape the silver market.Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

International trade is the topic du jour. Mark Thornton shares his recent presentation at the Austrian Economics Scholars Conference about a timely and important book featuring many of your favorite authors, Free Trade in the Twenty-First Century: Economic Theory and Political Reality.“Why Smart People Are Rightly Confused About Tariffs” (Unanimity Podcast): Mises.org/U4 "Tariff Increases vs. Tax Cuts" (Minor Issues Podcast): Mises.org/MI_107Free Trade in the Twenty-First Century: Economic Theory and Political Reality, edited by Max Rangeley and Daniel Hannan: Mises.org/MI_113_BookApril 26 in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Robert Malone, Tom Woods, and Tom DiLorenzo will discuss the psychological operations in bureaucratic control, the madness of covid-era “public health,” and the corruption and hypocrisy of our federal bureaucracy. Enter for your chance to win a free ticket at https://mises.org/phoenixraffle25. The deadline is April 1. Winners will be announced the week of April 7.Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

Economic crises don’t just happen—they follow a predictable pattern of boom, bubble, and bust. In this episode, Mark Thornton exposes the true cause of economic crashes: government intervention in money and banking. From the Dutch Tulip Bubble to the Great Depression and beyond, Mark traces how central banks, inflationary policies, and reckless government spending set the stage for financial collapses. Mainstream economists blame "animal spirits," psychological instability, or capitalism itself, but what if the real culprits are the very institutions claiming to prevent crises? Tune in to uncover the truth behind booms, busts, and the destructive cycle of intervention.Additional ResourcesPlaying with Fire: Money, Banking, and the Federal Reserve: Mises.org/FireEarly Speculative Bubbles and Increases in the Supply of Money by Doug French: Mises.org/BubblesThe Skyscraper Curse: And How Austrian Economists Predicted Every Major Economic Crisis of the Last Century by Mark Thornton: Mises.org/CurseBe sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

Mark Thornton, a Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute, dives into the troubling state of the American economy. He critiques the Federal Reserve’s reckless policies, arguing inflation is here to stay. The discussion covers the boom-bust cycle and escalating government debt, hinting that we might face an even bigger crisis ahead. Thornton also explores the impact of deregulation, the risk of a deep recession, and the potential consequences of current market conditions, drawing unsettling parallels to the 2008 housing crisis.

In this episode, Mark explores the psychology and economics of extractive industries, from mining to energy production. Despite their crucial role in advancing civilization—providing everything from metals to fuel—these industries are now vilified, especially by younger generations influenced by environmentalist ideology. But what are the real economic consequences of restricting resource development? How does political interference in mining and energy affect future supply, prices, and investment opportunities? Tune in as Mark breaks down the myths, the propaganda, and the financial reality behind one of the most misunderstood sectors of the economy.Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

On this episode of Minor Issues, Mark Thornton examines the relentless attacks on Amazon, from labor disputes to environmental concerns. Is Amazon truly exploiting workers, or is the unionization push just a case of economic envy? Mark dissects the claims, debunks myths about wages and working conditions, and explores the economic realities behind one of the world’s biggest employers. Tune in for a straightforward breakdown of Amazon’s labor battles and the broader implications for business and workers alike."Your Kids Are Already Communists, and College Will Make It Worse" (Minor Issues Podcast): Mises.org/MI_89"Criticism of Amazon" (Wikpedia): Mises.org/MI_109_AMurray Rothbard's 99th birthday is March 2. The Mises Institute is celebrating with its "Murray99" campaign. Everyone who donates $26 or more using the Mises.org/Murray99 link will receive a copy of Economic Depressions: Their Cause and Cure and Nations by Consent. The first 26 donors will also receive a Rothbard lapel pin. All donations will fund student scholarships.Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

There are many important twists and turns in human history, but from the long perspective, the history of humans can be seen as a very positive upward sloping trend in all the important standard of living markers. Why don't Austrian economists talk about trends?"The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs" (Minor Issues Podcast): Mises.org/MI_78"Ludwig von Mises on Trade, Human Development, and Human Progress" by Mark Thornton: Mises.org/MI_78_A"Population" (Unanimity Podcast): Mises.org/U3Enter the raffle to win a ticket to the Mises Institute's April 26 event in Phoenix at Mises.org/phoenixraffle25. The deadline to enter is April 1. Winners will be announced the week of April 7. To learn more about "Our Enemy, The Bureaucracy," visit Mises.org/phoenix25Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

Can tariff increases make up for the future revenue losses from extending the income tax reductions from President Trump’s first term? This latest political hot potato is a false scenario and a dangerous one. It puts our standard of living at a critical crossroads. Mark Thornton identifies the missing road signs.See also "Why Smart People Are Rightly Confused About Tariffs" (Unanimity Podcast): Mises.org/U4 Enter the raffle to win a ticket to the Mises Institute's April 26 event in Phoenix at Mises.org/phoenixraffle25. The deadline to enter is April 1. Winners will be announced the week of April 7. To learn more about "Our Enemy, The Bureaucracy," visit Mises.org/phoenix25Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.

It was not long ago that signs for “Help Wanted” seemed to be in every store window. However, they are now being replaced with “Store Closing” signs. This switcheroo tells us volumes about how people in the economy are adjusting to the Fed’s money printing business.See also, "Profit and Loss" by Ludwig von Mises: https://mises.org/library/book/profit-and-lossEnter the raffle to win a ticket to the April 26 Mises Institute event in Phoenix at Mises.org/phoenixraffle25. The deadline to enter is April 1. Winners will be announced the week of April 7. To learn more about "Our Enemy, The Bureaucracy," visit Mises.org/phoenix25Order a free paperback copy of Murray Rothbard’s What Has Government Done to Our Money? at Mises.org/IssuesFreeBe sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.

According to a recent Gallup poll, “Americans are far more satisfied with the way things are going in their own life than with the US in general.” Opinion polls and the latest electoral results, however, are at odds with the facts as presented by mainstream media, government statistical offices, and even the stock market. What is going on?Register to attend Educating for Liberty: Mises Circle in Tampa, February 22, 2025, at Mises.org/Tampa25. Use promo code Minor25 for 10% off the ticket price.Order a free paperback copy of Murray Rothbard’s What Has Government Done to Our Money? at Mises.org/IssuesFreeBe sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.