Mises Institute

Does the US government need a gold reserve? No, it doesn’t. The government’s gold is basically an emergency slush fund for elites to use to preserve their political power. Citation: “What share for gold? On the interaction of gold and foreign exchange reserve returns” by Omar Zulaica, BIS Working Papers, No. 906: bis.org/publ/work906.pdf Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL

Bob first reviews the standard libertarian case for legalizing drugs as the way to neutralize the Mexican drug cartels. Then he plays a recent clip where Dave Smith argues that drug prohibition leads to violence because (among other factors) you can't call the cops if someone steals your product. Bob argues that libertarians should stop making this (invalid) argument. Bob's Lessons for the Young Economist: https://Mises.org/HAP490a Part of the Problem Episode 1233: https://Mises.org/HAP490b

Mark Thornton 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

Should we audit the US gold hoard? First, let’s take a look at what the official numbers say about how big the US gold reserve is, where it is located, and how much it is worth in US dollars. Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL

Ryan McMaken and Chris Calton examine the many ways that government intervention has driven up home prices and made affordable homes harder to find. Register for Our Enemy The Bureaucracy now at https://Mises.org/Phoenix25. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbard Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug  PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

For the first time since the war began, a senior US official criticized Ukraine’s use of conscripts. This is overdue, as conscription is one of the worst tyrannies a government can impose on the people under it, and Americans have now been forced to support it for years. Read the article here: https://mises.org/mises-wire/other-thing-zelensky-got-called-out Be sure to follow the Guns and Butter podcast at https://Mises.org/GB

The gold in the US gold reserve is a legacy of the time the US government refused to keep its promise to redeem dollars in gold, and when it reneged on its legal obligations to repay debts in gold. Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL

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): https://Mises.org/MI_89 "Criticism of Amazon" (Wikpedia): https://Mises.org/MI_109_A Murray Rothbard's 99th birthday is March 2. The Mises Institute is celebrating with its "Murray99" campaign. Everyone who donates $26 or more using the https://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 https://Mises.org/MinorIssues.

Activists in Illinois and Indiana are talking about changing the state borders so separatist Illinois counties can join Indiana. As you'd expect, many politicians hate the idea. Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL

Tom DiLorenzo, Jonathan Newman, Timothy Terrell, and Jason Jewell speak on their experience in academia, the future of education, and promising alternatives to state-controlled education.