Fractional-reserve banking, in which only a fraction of demand deposits are available on demand (the rest being lent out), has been a source of controversy even among self-identified Austrian economists. Jeff Herbener joins us to discuss the purely economic effects of fractional-reserve banking. About the… Read More
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Ep. 744 A Marxist Reckons with Libertarian Ideas
Today we look at the thought of G.A. Cohen, a Marxist who actually tried to deal with libertarian ideas without caricaturing them. His ideas can help us sharpen our arguments, and can show us where egalitarianism leads. The bulk of this episode is drawn from… Read More
Ep. 743 Has the State Reduced Violence?
Harvard’s Steven Pinker has argued that violence has been drastically reduced over the course of human history, thanks in large part to the rise of the state. Is this checkmate for libertarians? Stefan Blankertz says no. About the Guest Stefan Blankertz is a prolific author… Read More
Ep. 742 Show Listener Resigns from the Military
Jason Stopper, a regular Tom Woods Show listener, recently resigned his commission in the U.S. Army, and now seeks to become a paramedic — so he can heal people rather than harm them. Sponsor Fellow shavers, for just a $3 shipping charge get Harry’s Free… Read More
Ep. 741 David Stockman: What the Fed and the Feds Have Done to Us, and How to Reverse It
David Stockman, himself of the Reagan Administration, recounts the horrific economic policies of recent administrations, describes their consequences, and proposes solutions. Hint: they include abolishing the Federal Open Market Committee, which the Fed uses to make monetary policy. About the Guest David Stockman, a former… Read More
Ep. 740 Kosovo: A Military Intervention Bernie Sanders Supported
To this day, plenty of people believe that the Western intervention in Serbia over Kosovo prevented a genocide. That one’s a whopper even by Pentagon standards. Jim Jatras joins me to get to the bottom of what really happened. About the Guest Jim Jatras is… Read More
Ep. 739 Libertarians Debate Creation of Israel: Compatible with Libertarian Ideas?
With such libertarian luminaries as Murray Rothbard and Walter Block at odds with regard to the creation of Israel and its conformity or otherwise to libertarian principles, it seemed sensible to host a debate on the subject. The resolution: “Israel was founded on the basis… Read More
Ep. 738 What’s Wrong With the Trump Proposal for Mandated Paid Maternity Leave
Donald Trump recently proposed a series of tax credits for child-care expenses and, more controversially, six weeks of paid maternity leave. What could be wrong with that? Sponsor Need a comfy mattress without breaking the bank? Get $50 toward the award- winning Casper mattress when you… Read More
Ep. 737 America First: Its History, Culture, and Politics
The America First Committee, which opposed U.S. entry into World War II, is universally despised today. Bill Kauffman and I use the AFC as a springboard to discuss nonintervention in general and a whole lot more. About the Guest Bill Kauffman wrote the screenplay for… Read More
Ep. 736 How the Private Sector Fights Back Against Scammers
Even though the various levels of government in the U.S. hold a monopoly on law enforcement (remember how this was supposed to keep us safe, etc.?) phone scammers are alive and well. What a surprise. Here’s one way the private sector is really keeping people… Read More
