IPI Policy Basics: Where Do Our Rights Come From? (Audio: Podcast)
IPI President Tom Giovanetti explains that our rights come neither from government, from the Bill of Rights, or from the Constitution, and thus are not limited to those enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Further, if your rights come from government or a document, government can take your rights away by changing the document. With IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews.
IPI Policy Basics: The Proper Use of Eminent Domain (Audio: Podcast)
Eminent domain, or the taking of property for a public use, is a perfectly constitutional, if sometimes controversial, function of government and government-approved private actors. So long as the constitutional requirements are met—that it be for a public use and the owner receive just compensation, eminent domain is legitimate. But what is a public use? And what is just compensation? And was the Kelo decision right or wrong? IPI President Tom Giovanetti leads a discussion about eminent domain with the assistance of Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews
IPI Policy Basics: Put Not Your Trust in Polling (Audio: Podcast)
In a recent polling industry autopsy of the 2020 election, pollsters themselves acknowledge that they don’t know why their numbers were skewed by about 4% in favor of Joe Biden and Democrats. "It’s time to stop paying attention to pollsters," says IPI Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews. And IPI President Tom Giovanetti thinks that’s a great idea, since polling has a pernicious effect on our political system.
IPI Policy Basics: Why is Zero Sum Economic Thinking Wrong? (Audio: Podcast)
What is zero-sum thinking, and is it appropriate for economic policy? Is the pie static, or can we have more pie? And was Donald Trump the ultimate zero-sum politician? By IPI President Tom Giovanetti with Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews.
IPI Policy Basics: Local Control Is NOT a Governing Principle (Audio: Podcast)
Almost everyone, conservatives and liberals alike, thinks local control is a governing principle, and that state legislatures have no business intruding on local issues. But this is a misunderstanding of the structure of our constitutional system and results in cities enacting all sorts of policies that erode economic liberty, property rights, and individual liberty.
IPI Policy Basics: The Failure of the Market Failure Excuse (Audio: Podcast)
What is “market failure?” Do markets fail, or is that just an excuse used by government bureaucrats to regulate industries, start antitrust investigations, and create new programs and entitlements? Are there ways to address gaps in markets without blowing the whole thing up? Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews guides us through the issue of supposed market failures, and IPI President Tom Giovanetti shares his thoughts.
IPI Policy Basics: The CIA's History, Mission and Challenges in a Changing World (Audio: Podcast)
IPI Resident Scholar Merrill Matthews talks with former longtime CIA official Kevin Hulbert who was involved in counterintelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and covert actions. Their discussion centers on the founding, history, mission and current challenges facing America's premier spy and intelligence-gathering agency.
IPI Policy Basics: Tax Competition is a Feature, Not a Bug (Audio: Podcast)
The Government Class may hate it, but tax competition is a feature, not a bug. What they call a “race to the bottom” is actually strategic pressure to hold governments in check. Attempts among state or national governments to coordinate tax policy should be seen for what it is—collusion to eliminate competition and unleash ever bigger government. With IPI President Tom Giovanetti and Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews.
IPI Policy Basics: Inflation Is the Most Miserable Tax of All (Audio: Podcast)
With the undeniable return of inflation, at least for now, IPI President Tom Giovanetti and Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews discuss the current causes of inflation and the return of the “Misery Index.”
IPI Policy Basics: Pro-Markets, not Pro-Business (Audio: Podcast)
There’s a reason we describe ourselves as pro-markets and not as pro-business, but too many times policymakers don’t seem to know the difference and think they are supposed to be representing the interests of businesses. But if consumer welfare is the goal, policymakers should defend markets rather than businesses. IPI president Tom Giovanetti rants about his recent experience testifying before the Texas Legislature, joined by Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews.
Total Records: 56
