Mises Institute

Murray N. Rothbard, an influential economist and political theorist from the Austrian School, explores the multifaceted nature of revolution beyond just street battles. He highlights various revolutionary figures, from pamphleteers to agitators, emphasizing their roles in catalyzing change. Rothbard discusses the historical impact of classical liberalism on society and critiques socialism as a reactionary force. He advocates for libertarianism as the genuine radical path to achieve true revolutionary goals, providing a fresh perspective on liberty and activism.

In this discussion, James Bovard, a prominent libertarian author and journalist, delves into the intricate evolution of the food stamp program. He critiques how politicians have exploited dependency to expand federal control. Bovard reveals the historical context, from Nixon's ambitious food aid initiatives to modern outreach strategies targeting reluctant recipients. He highlights the dangers of increased enrollment statistics in justifying government intervention, ultimately advocating for reducing reliance on federal assistance to curb governmental overreach.

A proposed 50-year mortgage may sound like a solution for housing affordability, but it's actually a misguided approach. The real issue lies in an artificial housing shortage, exacerbated by zoning laws and local NIMBYism. Homeowner preferences often block new developments, while government overreach complicates property rights. Environmental regulations and demand-side subsidies further inflate prices. To genuinely tackle the housing crisis, we need to eliminate supply constraints instead of introducing risky financial products.

The discussion centers on resisting rising collectivism and the need to fight against societal evils. Rothbard challenges the notion that defeat equates to the end of struggle and critiques activists who become co-opted into the establishment. He warns against the dangers of retreatist movements that isolate from real-world issues. Emphasizing engagement over withdrawal, he argues for defending liberty actively and asserts that both sellouts and retreatists ultimately abandon the cause. The talk encourages decisive action against tyranny and promotes societal commitment.

Murray N. Rothbard, a pivotal libertarian economist and historian, explores World War I as a victory for Progressive intellectuals. He discusses The New Republic's coalition of business and collectivists, highlighting John Dewey's shift towards pragmatic support for wartime social reforms. Rothbard examines how intellectuals envisioned war as a catalyst for permanent collectivism, while also critiquing their avoidance of military service. He concludes with reflections on Dewey's postwar interventions in China and the looming influence of progressivism on future conflicts.

Explore the intriguing factors behind silver's low price despite its nominal highs. Structural changes like the 1960s demonetization and the shift to private hoarding play key roles. Industrial demand is evolving, with green technologies sequestering silver, and much of the metal now comes as a byproduct of other mining. Environmental regulations are impacting availability and costs. The discussion suggests that a surge in gold demand or constraints on supply could spark a price rise for silver in the future.

Daniel Sturbeliak, a contributor to the Mises Institute, delves into the flawed premise of the film Elysium, arguing that wealth alone won’t ensure medical care for the poor. He discusses the impracticality of universal free access to treatments and the negative impact of heavy taxation on innovation. Sturbeliak highlights how wealthy consumers drive medical advancements and shares historical examples of luxury innovations becoming widely accessible. He ultimately posits that barriers to innovation, not just wealth, hinder universal health solutions.

Explore the fascinating history of taxation and how it shaped modern governance. Ryan McMaken delves into Schumpeter's concept of the tax state, highlighting its defining characteristics like centralization and discretionary spending. Discover the medieval alternatives to taxation and the moral suspicions surrounding it. Learn about the impact of war and debt in regularizing taxes, leading to the rise of absolutist states. This insightful discussion offers a fresh perspective on the state's evolution through the lens of tax history.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Joshua Mahorder, a Contributor to the Mises Institute, critically examines Hobbes's theories on the state. He argues that Hobbes's views on human nature actually undermine his justification for state power. Mahorder highlights the dangers of concentrating power in a ruling class and references Madison and Jefferson to illustrate the risks of empowering fallible humans. He contrasts state violence with individual crime, challenging listeners to rethink the effectiveness of government as a solution to conflict.

In this engaging discussion, Tho Bishop, a contributing editor at the Mises Institute, and Connor O'Keefe, who analyzes legal and economic aspects of current events, dive into the recent off-year elections. They explore how economic populism is influencing voter sentiment, particularly the focus on affordability and inflation. The duo also critiques the failure of right-wing economic messaging and the generational crisis of housing affordability. Plus, they discuss the erosion of political norms and how it may shape future election outcomes.