Mark Geise Show – Mark Geise

Episode 57 – Supreme Court Decision and Police Violence

Mark Geise — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:40:27 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the Supreme Court decision reached on June 4 in favor of a baker, Jack Phillips, who refused to customize a wedding cake for a gay couple. While I agree that Mr. Phillips should have the right to not serve any customer, this decision did not go far enough. It stuck to the specifics of this case, saying that the actions of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission were inappropriate. It did not state that people have to right to refuse to serve particular customers. I also discuss the incident on a New Jersey beach last week in which a police officer punched a woman multiple times in the back of the head. I break down the situation and explain how the police officer initiated violence against the woman by threatening her physically by saying, “You’re about to get dropped.” Though she certainly is not the most sympathetic character in this situation, she did not escalate the situation to a violent one; the officer did.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+57+-+SCOTUS+Decision+and+Police+Violence.mp3

Links:
“16-111 Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Comm’n (06/04/2018)” – Supreme Court
Video: “Wildwood police release body cam footage of woman’s violent arrest at beach (Full video)” by NJ.com – YouTube
Video: “FBI agent under investigation after his gun goes off at Denver nightclub” by ABC News – YouTube

Episode 56 – Roseanne, Memorial Day, and the Ambiguity of ‘Conservatism’

Mark Geise — Thu, 31 May 2018 06:23:58 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Roseanne’s tweets and the cancellation of her show, America’s role in the world, and how conservatives are in no position to denigrate libertarianism for being imprecise and/or undefinable.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+56+-+Roseanne%2C+Memorial+Day%2C+and+the+Ambiguity+of+'Conservatism'.mp3

Episode 55 – Gun Control Debate Reignited

Mark Geise — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 07:06:42 +0000

I discuss some of the common arguments made in favor of increased gun control, the inconsistencies and weaknesses of these arguments, and my own position on (lack of) gun control.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+55+-+Gun+Control+Debate+Reignited.mp3

Episode 54 – Stock Market Tanking, GOP Hypocrisy

Mark Geise — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 06:02:03 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the volatile week in the markets. I don’t think this the end of the slide; after two years of ~25% returns with no notable declines during that time, we are as primed for a bear market as ever. I also talk about the hypocrisy of the Republican Party on deficits. Establishment Republicans criticized deficits during Obama’s eight years, but as soon as they get in power, they fully embrace substantial deficits.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+54+-+Stock+Market+Tanking%2C+GOP+Hypocrisy.mp3

Episode 53 – NSA Leaker Exposed and Trump Forces Left to Reevaluate

Mark Geise — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:52:15 +0000

Federal contractor Reality Leigh Winner was arrested for leaking classified National Security Agency (NSA) information to The Intercept. The Right has been hypocritical, calling for her to go to prison after generally championing the work of Julian Assange and Wikileaks to release information about the DNC during the 2016 election. The Left was similarly hypocritical when it turned on Wikileaks during the 2016 election; the Left had generally supported Assange and Wikileaks in the past. I discuss the actual leak (spoiler: there’s nothing of real substance). Also, I discuss one of the positives of the Trump presidency: it has forced the Left to reevaluate many of its reflexive reactions to particular positions. For example, supporting states’ rights once supposedly made one an extremist, but progressives have been sympathetic to the Calexit (California secession) movement. Also, the Left has acknowledged that it is up to private businesses and state and local governments to tackle climate change following Trump’s decision to leave the Paris Accord.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+53+-+NSA+Leaker+Exposed+and+Trump+Forces+Left+to+Reevaluate.mp3

Episode 52 – Silk Road and Bitcoin

Mark Geise — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 19:50:37 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the recent decision by an appellate court to affirm the life sentence without possibility of parole for Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road. Silk Road was an online marketplace that operated using Tor (a browser designed for anonymity) with transactions conducted in bitcoin, a cryptocurrency. I discuss some details of the Silk Road case and why governments are powerless to control similar online marketplaces. I also discuss the recent run up in bitcoin prices. While I am not bullish on bitcoin at the current prices, I am bullish on the cryptocurrency market as a whole. I have been looking for a way to buy exposure to the whole market; Bit20 (link below) looks like a solid way to buy a basket of cryptocurrencies with one asset.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+52+-+Silk+Road+and+Bitcoin.mp3

Suggesting Reading/Referenced Articles:
“Silk Road Creator Ross Ulbricht Loses His Life Sentence Appeal” – Wired
“United States v. Ulbricht, Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit” (court opinion) – Court Listener
“The Untold Story of Silk Road, Part 1” – Wired
“The Untold Story of Silk Road, Part 2” – Wired
Tor Project: Anonymity Online
“Dark Net Markets List – (Tor & I2P)” – Deep.Dot.Web
“Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” by Satoshi Nakamoto – Bitcoin.org
“What is Bitcoin?” – Coindesk
“What is Blockchain Technology?” – Coindesk
Bitcoin Price Chart – Coindesk
Bit20: The leading cryptocurrency index fund
BitShares OpenLedger
“What if the bitcoin bubble bursts?” – The Economist

Episode 51 – This is the Best Time to Be Alive in Human History

Mark Geise — Tue, 09 May 2017 05:54:59 +0000

I wanted to take a nice break to record an optimistic episode. Despite the tone of many of my episodes criticizing media members, politicians, governments, and others, I still firmly believe this is the best time to be alive in human history. Fewer people around the world go hungry or thirsty than ever before. Fewer children around have to work than ever before. The internet has made it easier than ever to gain skills and learn more about the world around you. We know more as a species than ever before. That knowledge is more readily available than ever before. We publish more books and record more music than at any point in human history. It is easier for poor people to afford modern conveniences than ever before. I can go on and on, but I think you will enjoy this episode if you’re desperate for some good news in a news environment that is pessimistic to a fault. This episode was recorded May 7, but released early in the morning on May 9.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+51+-+This+is+the+Best+Time+to+Be+Alive+in+Human+History.mp3

Episode 50 – Health Care Debate Sparks Hysteria

Mark Geise — Sat, 06 May 2017 21:22:40 +0000

This week, the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) by a 217-213 margin. The AHCA revises the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare. Next, it will be sent to the Senate for a vote, where it should encounter even more vociferous criticism. Despite the hysterical cries of Affordable Care Act supporters, the AHCA makes minor changes around the fringes. The fundamental idea behind the legislation is the same, though the individual and employer mandates have been removed and direct ACA taxes have been removed. Replacing the individual mandate is a 30% penalty if people enroll in an insurance program after not holding coverage continuously. From listening to much of the left over the past two days, you would think that the AHCA has already passed into law and that government’s role in health care has been completely removed. I try to bring some unemotional discussion to the table in this episode.

Thanks for supporting us through episode 50. Most podcasts fizzle out somewhere in the single digits, so I am proud to have gotten to 50 episodes. Hopefully the next 50 are just as fun to do.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+50+-+Health+Care+Debate+Sparks+Hysteria.mp3

Episode 49 – Trump Tax Plan

Mark Geise — Mon, 01 May 2017 04:52:22 +0000

In this episode, I discuss President Trump’s tax plan. As of now, only a one page summary has been released, so many of the details are forthcoming. However, we know that Trump is proposing a 15% corporate income tax rate, versus the existing 35%, and is proposing three personal income tax brackets versus the current seven. I discuss some other features of the proposal as we know them so far. I also briefly discuss the Congress averting a government shutdown and the Bret Stephens New York Times controversy.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+49+-+Trump+Tax+Plan.mp3

Episode 48 – Democracy in America

Mark Geise — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 07:25:44 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Alexis de Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America.” In this book, which was published in 1835, de Tocqueville describes every aspect of American society at this point in time. A Frenchman, de Tocqueville visited the United States for nine months in 1831 when he was just 25 years old. Despite his young age, de Tocqueville was extremely astute and connected a wide array of dots. He pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in America. Among his prescient predictions were that slavery would provide the next major political issue in the United States and that it would eventually be abolished. Also, he predicted that the United States and Russia would collide as major powers in the future, despite neither country being at the forefront of world affairs at the time. I believe this book is worth discussing during this episode because de Tocqueville’s writing is lucid and valuable to this day.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+48+-+Democracy+in+America.mp3

Episode 47 – Trump Continues Middle East Disaster

Mark Geise — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 05:25:22 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Donald Trump’s decision to bomb Syria after an alleged chemical attack on civilians by Bashar al-Assad. After this action, Trump received some of the most positive coverage he has received from the mainstream press since acceding to the office of the presidency. The “moderate” Democrats and Republicans both praised Trump’s actions against Assad, continuing the mainstream’s approval of adventurist and interventionist foreign policy. Tulsi Gabbard, Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, is one of the few politicians that has been willing to not just attack Trump for not seeking congressional approval, but also to question whether Assad’s regime actually carried out the attack. We are expected to accept the Pentagon and White House at their word, yet we have been fooled too many times before to fall for that again. I also discuss the United controversy.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+47+-+Trump+Continues+Middle+East+Disaster.mp3

Episode 46 – Automobile Bubble Set to Pop

Mark Geise — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:12:33 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the current state of the automobile industry. To prop up new car prices, subprime lending has exploded in recent years as dealer inventories have increased. Dealers have pushed greater incentives and extended the term of car notes to attract borrowers of lesser creditworthiness. Used car prices declined nearly 4% in February, setting the stage for what I believe will be further declines. In an economy where people have leveraged themselves to the hilt, the automobile market may be the first domino to fall.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+46+-+Automobile+Bubble+Set+to+Pop.mp3

Episode 45 – Why I Left the Left

Mark Geise — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 03:49:48 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the death of the American Health Care Act of 2017, the repeal and replace legislation introduced by Republicans a couple weeks ago. The bill was pulled after Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was not able secure enough votes to pass the bill. Both moderate Republicans and the House Freedom Caucus refused to fall in line beyond the party to get the legislation passed. I am proud of the House Freedom Caucus for refusing to compromise its morals to support this bill.

I also discuss why I left the Democratic Party. I originally registered as a Democrat when I turned 18, but slowly moved away from the progressive positions I held at that time. Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy in 2012 certainly influenced my thinking and brought me toward libertarianism. I felt strongly about several issues that led me to support Democrats, but in libertarianism I found a principled argument that actually aligned with the positions I held on those several issues. This was a third alternative that I had never been presented with in high school. We tend to thing of young leftists as beyond reason, but I believe there is substantial potential to sway them to consider the ideals of liberty. I and many others like me are living proof.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+45+-+Why+I+Left+the+Left.mp3

Links:
“Trump tastes failure as U.S. House healthcare bill collapses” – Reuters
“Public Approval of Health Care Law” – RealClearPolitics

Episode 44 – Fed Hikes Despite Cratering GDP Estimates

Mark Geise — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 01:43:12 +0000

Today (March 15), Janet Yellen and the Federal Reserve decided to raise the Federal funds rate target from 50 to 75 basis points to 75 to 100 basis points. The Fed decided to hike rates despite cratering quarter one GDP estimates. The Atlanta Fed’s estimates declined from over 3% less than two months ago to the most recent estimate of 0.9%. The estimate has fallen from 2.5% to 0.9% in a two week time span. However, Yellen could not ruin the overly optimistic consensus that had build up around this meeting. Despite claiming to be “data-dependent,” the Fed showed once again that it makes its decisions based on popular opinion and the stock market indices.

I also discuss the entitlement mentality and inter-generational wealth transfers. If we would like for our children’s and grandchildren’s generations to be better off than we are, we cannot continue to rob them to get what we want today.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+44+-+Fed+Hikes+Despite+Cratering+GDP+Estimates.mp3

Episode 43 – Obamacare Replacement Just More of the Same

Mark Geise — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 07:09:27 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the Obamacare replacement bill proposed by House Republicans. This bill simply takes many of the features of the Affordable Care Act and dresses them up in different language. For those that voted Republican in the hopes that Obamacare would be repealed, you should be outraged by this proposal. This legislation will have the same fatal flaws as Obamacare, but may kick the political can down the road. Republicans have proven time and time again that they are not a small government alternative to Democrats, but instead are just as interested in consolidation of power. I also discuss the bill passed in committee by the Arizona House Ways and Means Committee that would eliminate the state’s restrictions on using gold and silver as currency to conduct transactions. As it stands now, Arizona (and many other states) impose capital gains taxes on gold and silver when it is converted to dollars or traded for goods and services. This bill would eliminate those taxes and allow gold and silver to compete freely with Federal Reserve notes. There is not much that you and I can do to fundamentally change the Federal Reserve through the political mechanism, but we can control how we spend our money and conduct our transactions. This bill and products like Goldmoney, which allow for people to have a debit card attached to an electronic gold account, give us more power than ever to resist the Federal Reserve monopoly of money.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+43+-+Obamacare+Replacement+Represents+Status+Quo.mp3

Episode 42 – Until Entitlement Programs are on the Table, Nothing Will Change

Mark Geise — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:15:05 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on February 28 and his recent budget proposal calling for a $54 billion increase in military spending. He proposes to cut foreign aid and the budgets of other federal agencies, including the EPA, to fund this spending increase. Predictably, though, Social Security and Medicare are completely off the table when it comes to spending cuts. Until those entitlement programs are on the table, nothing will change with this country’s finances. I also discuss Trump’s comments from his speech on Obamacare and trade.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+42+-+Until+Entitlement+Programs+are+on+Table%2C+Nothing+Will+Change.mp3

Episode 41 – The Media is an Enemy, But Trump is Not Necessarily a Friend

Mark Geise — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 06:34:16 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Donald Trump’s recent comments that the media is an enemy of the American people. I believe that he is correct when he says this; the media has been instrumental in perpetuating falsehoods to the American people and in eroding our liberties. However, I believe that Trump simply wants the media to get out of his way, so we cannot just jump on board with his agenda because he is right about the mainstream media. I also touch on a few other important recent stories, including Mike Flynn’s resignation and the press attack on PewDiePie.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+41+-+The+Media+is+an+Enemy%2C+But+Trump+is+Not+Necessarily+a+Friend.mp3

Episode 40 – Yes, America Has Killers, Too

Mark Geise — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 07:00:17 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Donald Trump’s comments in response to Bill O’Reilly’s assertion that Vladimir Putin is a “killer.” Trump is right when he says that we are not so innocent. Most frustrating to me is the multitude of people that reflexively come out in opposition of whatever Donald Trump says. I’m not sure how people can simultaneously hold the opinion that George Bush caused great harm in the world (even those people that do not criticize Barack Obama’s foreign policy) yet still vehemently disagree with Trump’s assertion that the United States is not so innocent. I also discuss the comments by Ayatollah Khomeini in response to the comments toward and sanctions placed on Iran by the United States. I also discuss Betsy DeVos’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of education, a California state senator’s comments that half of his family is in the United States illegally, and a Chatham House survey that showed that 55% of Europeans surveyed agree with the statement: “All further migration from mainly Muslim countries should be stopped.”

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+40+-+Yes%2C+America+Has+Killers%2C+Too.mp3

Episode 39 – The Regressive Left Continues to Show Its True Colors

Mark Geise — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:01:36 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the Super Bowl, including my impressions of the halftime show, the commercials, and the reaction of race baiters to the Patriots defeating the Falcons (here’s a hint: according to them, the Patriots epitomize white supremacy’s continued victories over marginalized groups). I analyze the Milo Yiannopoulos protests (a.k.a. riots) at the Berkley campus. If the left does not clearly denounce the violence exhibited at protests like these, Democrats will continue to suffer in the ballot box in 2018 and 2020. Finally, I discuss my impressions of Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s Supreme Court justice nomination.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+39+-+The+Regressive+Left+Continues+to+Show+Its+True+Colors.mp3

Episode 38 – Trump’s Immigration Executive Order is Unconstitutional (Though Not Why You Think)

Mark Geise — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 03:55:16 +0000

In this episode, I discuss my three reactions to Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration:

It is unconstitutional, though not for the reasons that you think I’ll say.
The reaction to it has been ridiculously overblown and hysterical.
I think it is poor policy.

It may seem that these three positions are impossible to be held in concert with one another, but take a listen to hear my positions.

Also, I discuss the recent news surrounding Iran: its ballistic missile test, Mike Flynn and Trump’s reaction, Iraq’s reaction to their reaction, the new sanctions placed on Iran, and Iran’s decision to cease using the U.S. dollar in its transactions.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+38+-+Trump%27s+Executive+Order+is+Unconstitutional+(Though+Not+Why+You+Think).mp3

Episode 37 – The Wall

Mark Geise — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 01:47:28 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the recent news surrounding Donald Trump’s wall. An executive order signed yesterday (January 25) states that plans to construct a physical wall will begin immediately. Press Secretary Sean Spicer discussed a 20% border tax with Mexico that he claims could pay for at least a portion of the wall, while Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will attempt to authorize $12-15 billion in funds for the wall. I discuss why (a) the wall is a poor use of taxpayer dollars, (b) a border tax punishes the U.S. just as much as it punishes Mexico, and (c) some immigration restrictions are necessary with our expansive welfare state. I also discuss contentious relations between the Trump administration and China over China’s activities in the South China Sea.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+37+-+The+Wall.mp3

Episode 36 – Trump’s Inauguration and Obama’s Legacy

Mark Geise — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 03:33:35 +0000

Donald Trump is now the 45th president of the United States. Trump’s cabinet picks have been going through the ringer as we continue to learn more about what his administration plans to do. I discuss Trump’s inauguration speech, the Betsy DeVos confirmation hearing, and Barack Obama’s legacy.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+36+-+Trump%27s+Inauguration+and+Obama%27s+Legacy.mp3

Episode 35 – Health Care Cannot Be a Right

Mark Geise — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 18:29:31 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act. More specifically, I attack the idea that health care is a “right.” Unlike rights like free speech and the right to own guns, the right to health care would necessarily imply one of two things. Either services must be rendered to you by a doctor or health care professional without compensation through force or money must be stolen from others to compensate that doctor or health care professional. Because I believe theft and slavery are both reprehensible, I oppose the idea that health care is a right. The right to own guns does not mean that the government must provide you with a gun or a gun shop owner must give you a gun without compensation. I critique quotes by progressives Bernie Sanders and Thom Hartmann in this episode.

Credit to teknoaxe for the intro music and BMJR Music for the outro music.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+35+-+Health+Care+is+Not+a+Right.mp3

Episode 34 – No, Central Planning in Education Does Not Work

Mark Geise — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 07:54:16 +0000

In this episode, I discuss an article by economist Noah Smith (linked below) in which, in his infinite wisdom, he believes there are not enough universities in the United States. He calls for a federal system of universities and building projects to construct new universities, funded by taxpayers. He even gives passing reference to allowing supply and demand to work, despite his proposal to have central planners determine how many universities there are. Central planning has continually failed all around the world, yet professional economists still want to push it on us in sector after sector. Education and health care are especially prone to these calls. There very well not be enough universities in the United States (though I have argued in the past that there are likely more large, one-size-fits-all universities than there would be in a free market), but how about we allow people to decide? If the government got out of the student loan business and allowed markets to operate in higher education, there is a certain equilibrium point where supply would equal demand. That would be the “correct” number of universities, not whatever number technocrats like Noah Smith conjure up out of thin air. On a related note, I discuss a debate I had with my wife’s family over the holidays about privatizing K-12 education and the ultra-powerful teaching lobby in Canada. I also briefly discuss Meryl Streep’s Golden Globes speech.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+34+-+No%2C+Central+Planning+in+Education+Does+Not+Work.mp3

Episode 33 – Cuomo Proposes ‘Free’ Tuition at New York State Universities

Mark Geise — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 05:51:01 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to make New York State colleges and universities “free” for students from families that earn under $125,000 a year. Cuomo’s predictable response to affordability issues stemming from too much government involvement is to involve government even more. The plan estimates a $163 million annual outlay by 2019, but I can virtually guarantee that costs will be higher than that estimate. The proposal estimates only a 10% boost in enrollment at New York State colleges and universities, which is a vast underestimate when something is now made “free” to most prospective students in the state. Also, I discuss Greece’s soft ban on cash and Lena Dunham’s comments in which she said she wishes she had an abortion simply for the sake of being able to say she has had one.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+33+-+Cuomo+Proposes+%27Free%27+Tuition+at+New+York+State+Universities.mp3

Episode 32 – Thomas Sowell Retires, Universal Basic Income Comes to Finland, and MTV Blasts White Guys

Mark Geise — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 03:05:58 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Thomas Sowell’s retirement and my three favorite books written by him: “Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy,” “The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy,”and “Ethnic America: A History.” He will certainly be missed as a sober voice fighting against the progressive agenda. I also discuss universal basic income (UBI) coming to Finland. A random sample of 2,000 Finnish citizens will receive 560 euros a month regardless of income, need, or any other factors. UBI has been touted for decades as an alternative to the bureaucratic welfare state, so it will be interesting to see how this two year trial fares. I believe UBI is ultimately more dangerous than the existing welfare state, so I disagree with the libertarians that support UBI on utilitarian grounds. Also, I discuss MTV’s recent “2017 Resolutions for White Guys” video.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+32+-+Thomas+Sowell+Retires%2C+Universal+Basic+Income+Comes+to+Finland%2C+and+MTV+Blasts+White+Guys.mp3

Suggesting Reading/Referenced Articles:
“Thomas Sowell’s Farewell Message” – Creators
Book: “Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy” by Thomas Sowell
Book: “Ethnic America: A History” by Thomas Sowell
Book: “The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy” by Thomas Sowell
“Finland is giving 2,000 citizens a guaranteed income” – CNN Money
Video: “2017 New Years Resolutions for White Guys | MTV News” – YouTube

Episode 31 – The Fed Hikes Rates and Russian Hacking

Mark Geise — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 07:21:15 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise the Federal Funds rate target from 25-50 basis points to 50-75 bps. The post-election run up in stock prices gave the Fed perfect cover to raise rates, its only hike of 2016. The Fed is also projecting three rate hikes in 2017, which I find laughable. It projected four hikes in 2016; it actually hiked once. I also discuss the “Russian hacking” allegations. First, the evidence supporting the hacking allegations against Russia is pretty flimsy. Second, should we even care? If the information we were provided with was true, we should welcome that additional information. I would like to see the evidence of Russian influence in the election before giving my full opinion on this issue, but I have not seen any evidence that we should consider this a harmful act on the part of the Russians.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+31+-+The+Fed+Hikes+Rates+and+Russian+Hacking.mp3

Suggesting Reading/Referenced Articles:
“‘Gold Is Now Effectively Illegal’ In India – The Consequences Of Creating A Cashless Society” – Zero Hedge
“Fed lifts rates, sees faster pace of hikes in Trump’s first year” – Reuters
“Economists doubtful on three Fed interest rate rises” – Financial Times
“Trump Cruises to Electoral College Victory Despite Protests” – ABC News
“Secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House” – Washington Post

Episode 30 – Federal Government Denies Dakota Pipeline Easement

Mark Geise — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 07:16:07 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the Obama administration’s decision to deny an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) to cross underneath Lake Oahe, a reservoir created by a dam of the Missouri River. I believe that Obama is simply trying to pass off the tough decision to Donald Trump in January, but the implication of this changing of the rules is still concerning. Regime uncertainty, defined as distress “that investors’ private property rights in their capital and the income it yields will be attenuated further by government action.” Please refer to Bob Higgs’s “Regime Uncertainty: Why the Great Depression Lasted So Long and Why Prosperity Resumed After the War” below for more information about regime uncertainty. Changing the rules of the game will make investors less willing to invest their money in the United States; less investment hurts all of us regardless of our place on the income and wealth distributions.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+30+-+Federal+Government+Denies+Dakota+Pipeline+Easement.mp3

Suggesting Reading/Referenced Articles:
Podcast: “Episode 23 – DAPL Protest Misinformation” – Mark Geise Show
“Army denies Dakota pipeline permit, in victory for Native American tribes” – CNBC
Journal Article: “Regime Uncertainty: Why the Great Depression Lasted So Long and Why Prosperity Resumed After the War” by Robert Higgs – The Independent Review, Spring 1997
Book: “Conquests and Cultures: An International History” by Thomas Sowell
Video: “North Dakota Media Has Shamefully Misinformed on Standing Rock” – TYT Politics

Episode 29 – Italian Referendum, India’s War on Cash, and UK Anti-Encryption Laws

Mark Geise — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 05:57:10 +0000

In this episode, I discuss three seemingly unrelated stories: the United Kingdom’s recent passing of the Investigatory Powers Bill, India’s recent overnight ban of 5,000 and 10,000 rupee bills (roughly $7.50 and $15, respectively), and Italy’s “No” vote on its constitutional referendum. Each of these stories are relevant to topics I have previously discussed. The United Kingdom’s Investigatory Powers Bill contains specific language forcing private individuals to turn over information protected by “electronic protection,” meaning encryption. This a hit on the internet battleground between freedom and control; these developments are so important because I believe encryption is one of the most important methods we have left to protect ourselves. Next, India’s recent overnight ban of larger bills is straight out of the playbook of Kenneth Rogoff, whose proposal I took to task in Episode 17. India’s consumers are heavily reliant on cash to conduct everyday transactions, but the Indian government in all its infinite wisdom wants to force people into the country’s banking system. Finally, Italy’s “No” vote on its constitutional referendum is yet another rebuke of elite “wisdom.” Though I think it is far too early to tell whether or not Italy will be overtaken by the populist wave overtaking the Western Hemisphere, this is certainly a step in that direction.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+29+-+Italian+Referendum%2C+India%27s+War+on+Cash%2C+and+UK+Anti-Encryption+Laws.mp3

Episode 28 – Trump Names DeVos Education Secretary and Talks to Taiwan

Mark Geise — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 09:10:26 +0000

In this episode, I first discuss the selection of Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of the Department of Education. DeVos has been demonized by the far-left media outlets as an extremist that wants to “gut public schools” through vouchers and the promotion of charter schools. Somehow, the teachers’ unions have succeeded in equalizing their interests with the interests of the students in the minds of huge portions of the population. Top-down approaches and policy influenced by the unions have made educational outcomes worse, so steps in the direction of free markets make sense. Only people that have never allowed themselves outside of their echo chambers could possibly see DeVos as an extremist.

I also discuss Trump’s willingness to accept a call from the Taiwanese president. I would prefer my country’s president to be willing to accept friendly calls from foreign leaders than to ignore entire groups. The real question is: will he apply the same logic consistently that he applied to Taiwan? Will he take a call from a nation with a feud with Russia? I hope that the U.S. can begin to extend diplomacy to all.

Finally, I briefly discuss the perverse incentives that rent control laws create. A pair of brothers in Brooklyn resorted to despicable means to get tenants to move out of the rent-controlled apartment complexes that they owned, a direct consequence of rent control laws.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+28+-+Trump+Names+DeVos+Education+Secretary+and+Talks+to+Taiwan.mp3

Links:
“Trump’s Billionaire Education Secretary Has Been Trying to Gut Public Schools for Years” – Mother Jones
“Betsy DeVos quotes about education” – Thomas B. Fordham Institute
“China lodges complaint over Trump-Taiwan call” – CNN
“U.S. sells $1.83 billion of weapons to Taiwan despite Chinese objections” – CNN
“PAIR OF BROOKLYN LANDLORD BROTHERS ACCUSED OF TRYING TO FORCE OUT TENANTS ARRESTED” – WABC New York
Book: “Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy” by Thomas Sowell

Episode 27 – How to Talk to Progressives

Mark Geise — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 07:46:16 +0000

In this episode, I open by discussing Fidel Castro’s death and the reactions to his death by Jill Stein, Justin Trudeau, and Donald Trump. I do not want to celebrate the death of a man, but I do not believe the world is a worse place without him. Next, I discuss a playbook for talking to progressives. I can sum up my approach with four major points:

Acknowledge that the progressive holds his or her viewpoints because he or she believes that those policies will do the most good for the most people, but also drive the point home that you believe your policies are the true path to do the most good for the most people. This should help to facilitate a civil discussion positioned around the facts rather than around personal attacks.
Emphasize that utopia is not an option. We must analyze tradeoffs. Certain people benefit from certain policies, but we must look beyond those people that immediately benefit to look at the ripple effects of a particular policy. Drive the discussion toward an apples-to-apples comparison between the actual results of the progressive’s intended program versus the results of free markets. It is an invalid to compare a utopian “solution” that does not exist in reality to free markets.
We need to demand evidence. We need to make it clear that the burden of proof is on those that want the government to take over an industry to empirically justify that position. The stated goal of a policy is the not the same as its ultimate outcome, so we must analyze policies on results rather than on intentions.
Use areas where progressive ideology and libertarian ideology overlap (for example, marijuana legalization) to present the coherent and consistent position of libertarianism.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+27+-+How+to+Talk+to+Progressives.mp3

Links:
“Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Jill Stein Gets Predictable Backlash After Calling Castro a ‘Symbol of the Struggle for Justice’” – Mediaite
“Fidel Castro’s death: Obama, Donald Trump react to Cuba leader’s passing” – CBS News
“Reality is Not Optional: Thomas Sowell’s Vision of Man and Society” – The Social Critic
Book: “A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles” – Amazon
Book: The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy” – Amazon
“60% Of New Yorkers Are One Paycheck Away From Homelessness” – Zero Hedge
“Survey: How Americans contend with unexpected expenses” – Bankrate

Episode 26 – Donald Trump’s Cabinet and Wealth Inequality

Mark Geise — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 08:33:15 +0000

Donald Trump has begun to make cabinet selections and rumors galore about the many selections he has left to make. The rumored candidates and those he have chosen confirm my beliefs that he will not be markedly different from recent administrations. The Trump administration will not drain the swamp; it will expand government and keep much of the status quo in place. Trump has already walked back his pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act. I guarantee this will not be the last promise that he walks back.

I also discuss the highly popular book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty. This book is beloved by progressives, even though I doubt a substantial portion of them have actually read the entire thing. I read the book this week to be able to discuss it with those that point to it in arguments. Piketty argues for a progressive global tax on wealth to combat increasing wealth inequality, which he believes is one of the biggest crises of our time. Piketty believes that if the rate of return on capital (r) is persistently greater than the growth of income (g), wealth inequality will accelerate perpetually. I do not share his views, to say the least. I have attached my full review of this book on Goodreads if you would like to read it for further information.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+26+-+Donald+Trump%27s+Cabinet+and+Wealth+Inequality.mp3

Episode 25 – Secession and the Electoral College

Mark Geise — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 23:24:47 +0000

In this episode, I discuss further fallout from the presidential election. First, I discuss the idea of secession and why I fully respect the right of states to secede from the U.S. Many people called those that took those positions “racists” or “neo-confederates” not too long ago, but now that the tables are turned, these same people are supporting the secession movement in California. These people do not stand an any principles whatsoever; instead, they try to use whatever means they can to achieve their ends. California, if you would like to secede, go for it. I want the people of a state to be able to determine how that state is governed. However, I would like to see those that have demonized the South for its decision to secede prior to the Civil War admit that they are hypocrites.

Next, I discuss the electoral college. The electoral college has substantially changed since it was implemented in the Constitution. I believe there were two main motivating factors behind the electoral college: (1) the Founders did not trust direct democracy and (2) the small states wanted to have some level of insurance that they could not be steamrolled by the more populous states. The electoral college actually gives those in smaller states (in terms of population) slightly stronger representation than those in larger states. The walls between the people and the election of the president have gradually been broken down, and now only two states do not simply allocate all of the state’s electoral votes to the winner of that state’s popular vote. Also, many states now have laws against faithless electors (delegates to the electoral college voting differently than they pledged. These developments are antithetical to what the framers of the Constitution intended, and Alexander Hamilton and James Madison decried these developments during their lifetimes. If we had maintained that original system intended by the Constitution, Hillary Clinton actually would have had a chance to ultimately win this election. The electors may have been scared of Trump’s populism and controversy throughout his campaign and would have voted differently than the populace they represent in the elector college. Once again, though, the progressives reap what they sow. They champion the idea of a “Living Constitution”, saying that it must change with the times. What they really mean is that it must change to benefit their agenda, but that is beside the point. It is hilarious to watch them be damaged by movements away from the original Constitution that they themselves have championed.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+25+-+Secession+and+the+Electoral+College.mp3

Episode 24 – Donald Trump Wins

Mark Geise — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:06:16 +0000

Donald Trump will be President of the United States. I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. This is a historic election that will be talked about for years to come. First, this election represents a repudiation of the mainstream media and the ruling elites on both the Right and Left. Second, Democrats should now finally realize that allowing Barack Obama to consolidate power in the presidency and the executive branch was dangerous. I hope that Democrats can rejoin libertarians in calling for limits on executive power. Third, the hypocrisy of the Left is clearer now than ever. I do not believe race played a central role in Trump’s victory; he simply appealed more to the voters in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and their economic interests (or at least what they believe is in their best economic interests).

To discuss what I think a Trump presidency will look like, I expect it to be more of the same. He has surrounded himself with a lot of establishment neo-conservative types, so I expect Trump to be more a figurehead while the cabinet members run the show behind the scene. I think the government will expand under Trump, though the chances of major war are at least slightly slower than they would have been under Hillary Clinton. Finally, I discuss Trump’s infrastructure spending proposal in his victory speech.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+24+-+Donald+Trump+Wins.mp3

Suggesting Reading/Referenced Articles:

Podcast: “Episode 21 – Why Donald Trump Wins” – Mark Geise Show
“Trump Won Because Leftist Political Correctness Inspired a Terrifying Backlash” – Reason Magazine
“Bringing Transportation Decisions Closer to the People: Why States and Localities Should Have More Control” – Heritage Foundation
Podcast: “Episode 24: The Electoral College” – Brion McClanahan Show
Video: “Emotional Van Jones: How do I explain this to my children?” – CNN
“Van Jones resigns amid controversy” – Politico
“‘He Is Not My President’: Donald Trump Inspires Thousands to Protest in Streets Across U.S.” – NBC News
“US election 2016: Trump victory in maps” – CNN
Book: “The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing Us Apart” by Bill Bishop

Episode 23 – DAPL Protest Misinformation

Mark Geise — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 09:15:03 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the Dakota Access Pipeline and the protests in my home state of North Dakota. I believe the facts of this issue have been distorted by the national reporting on the issue. Many people have professed their support for the protesters simply due to the fact that they see this as a battle between Big Oil and a small Native American tribe. However, we should not always assume that David is right and Goliath is wrong when David and Goliath battle. I believe this is one of those instances where Goliath has the better case. The Standing Rock tribe does not own the land that the pipeline is crossing, nor does it have evidence that this has a strong likelihood to negatively impact its water supply. We need to think about the implications of a policy that a project can be stopped simply because some people think that it could harm them at some point in the future. If people are harmed, then those that did the harming should be held fully responsible. But nothing would ever get done if we took this issue to its logical extreme.

Next, I discuss the New York Times’ minuscule $406,000 net profit in the third quarter, down from $9.4 million a year ago. I am happy to see the New York Times struggle due to the way it talks down to average people. Few writers better personify that elitism than columnist David Brooks, the token Republican on staff. In an interview on PBS, Brooks lamented that less educated whites are “going with their gene pool” by voting for Donald Trump with decisive percentages. I did not see Brooks lamenting the same thing when 93% of blacks voted for Barack Obama in 2012. Holding whites and blacks to different electoral standards will not drive more average people to the New York Times.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+23+-+DAPL+Protest+Misinformation.mp3

Episode 22 – The Exodus from Expensive, High Tax Areas

Mark Geise — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 07:57:37 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the migration of Americans from expensive, higher tax metropolitan areas to smaller, cheaper, lower tax cities in the South and Midwest. This data stood out to me because I moved from New York State to the Upper Midwest (though I did not move from one of the large metropolitan areas discussed). Higher tax burdens and continued increases in the cost of living in areas like New York City and San Francisco have pushed people, primarily younger and poorer people, to leave for cheaper areas in the South and Midwest. Oppressive taxation and over-regulation leads to negative consequences just like these. Also, I discuss my habit of eating one meal a day after a listener request for me to elaborate on the topic.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+22+-+The+Exodus+from+Expensive%2C+High+Tax+Areas.mp3

Episode 21 – Why Donald Trump Wins

Mark Geise — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 04:36:13 +0000

I do not want anyone to expect an endorsement of Donald Trump within this episode. However, I believe things are aligning well for a Donald Trump victory on November 8. The reignited Hillary Clinton FBI investigation, the drops in the stock markets, and the continued conflict in Syria play right into Donald Trump’s hands. I do not believe undecided voters are what will sway the election; instead, it is voter turnout among the two candidates that will determine the election. Hillary Clinton’s support is more lukewarm than Donald Trump’s, as evidenced (admittedly anecdotally) by the prevalence of Trump’s supporters online and the turnouts at his rallies. I expect the recent Clinton news to keep a good number of her supporters home rather than taking the time to go out to the polls. According to FiveThirtyEight.com (linked below), Trump’s chances of winning as of November 2 are up to about 1 in 3, while they were only about 1 in 8 just a few weeks ago. Ultimately, though, I implore you to not waste your time worrying too much about who wins this election. Spend the time improving your productivity at work, your relationship with your family, or bolstering your skills.

(I have posted a couple more dubious sources below, but these sources are speculating similarly to my ideas about James Comey’s motivation.)

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+21+-+Why+Donald+Trump+Wins.mp3

Suggested Reading/Referenced Articles:

“48% Of Russians Fear Syrian Conflict Will Lead To World War III” – ZeroHedge
“2016 Election Forecast” – FiveThirtyEight
“Clinton warned U.S. would ‘ring China with missile defense’: hacked email” – Reuters
“Clinton: Russia and China will ‘pay price’ for supporting Assad” – RT
“Why Comey Reopened the Hillary Investigation” – Townhall
“FBI Led Back To Clinton Email Server Case By Anthony Weiner Investigation” – NPR
“Lord Ashcroft: Donald Trump Is Like Brexit In 3 Key Ways” – Time
“The perils of polling in a Brexit and Donald Trump world” – Tech Crunch

Episode 20 – My Biggest Issues with Keynesian Economics

Mark Geise — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 01:29:32 +0000

I have many issues with Keynesian economics, but in this episode I discuss my biggest contentions:

Keynesians don’t explain what causes the booms that lead to busts.
Keynesians always complain that “not enough stimulus” was used (similar to how communists state that communism just wasn’t implemented correctly in the Soviet Union).
Keynesians act as if government spending comes out of thin air.
Keynesians focuses far too much on consumption and demand rather than savings and investment.
Keynesians hide behind their models and insinuate that the lack of mathematical rigor in other strains of economics means that Keynesianism is superior.

I also discuss why Paul Krugman is a partisan hack and why we cannot trust a single word that he writes or speaks. His ultimate goal is a position in the Hillary Clinton administration, so he has not hesitated to compromise previous stances he has taken in order to sing her praises.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+20+-+My+Biggest+Issues+with+Keynesian+Economics.mp3

Suggesting Reading/Referenced Articles:
Book: “The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Great Depression and the New Deal” by Robert Murphy
Book: “How an Economy Grows and Why It Crashes” by Peter Schiff
Book: “America’s Great Depression” by Murray Rothbard (free, legal PDF download)
Podcast: “Ep. 57: Everything is Awesome, So Why Are Trump and Ryan Complaining, Wonders Krugman” – ContraKrugman
Video: “Keynesian Predictions vs. American History | Thomas E. Woods, Jr.” – YouTube
“Why Hillary Wins” by Paul Krugman – New York Times
“Their Dark Fantasies” by Paul Krugman – New York Times
“Austrian Economics vs. Keynesian Economics in One Simple Chart” – Ludwig von Mises Institute

Episode 19 – Post-Debate Analysis

Mark Geise — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 05:15:06 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the second presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. I believe that Trump’s two recent “scandals,” the tax scandal and the locker room talk scandal, have been overblown. Any guy has been around people that joke around like Trump did, and virtually all guys just laugh off that dialog as exaggeration. I am more annoyed by the fake outrage that has come from all over the political spectrum about Trump’s comments. I don’t condone what he said, but no one should be taking major offense to these comments. Also, anyone criticizing Trump for his tax situation is a hypocrite. We all take the deductions available to us. If you don’t, good for you, but it does not give you the right to vilify someone for taking the deductions available to him or her. Carrying forward losses is tax accounting 101. I also discuss the back and forth between the two surrounding Obamacare. It is obvious (as if it wasn’t already) that Hillary is economically illiterate and does not understand how insurance companies function. Trump’s criticisms of Obamacare were far from perfect, but at least his proposals would be a small step in the right direction. Finally, I discuss how the two horrible candidates we have to choose from is an inevitable result of democracy.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+19+-+Post-Debate+Analysis.mp3

Episode 18 – Gary Johnson Campaign Continues to Crash and Burn

Mark Geise — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 03:50:35 +0000

In this episode, I discuss Gary Johnson’s most recent gaffe in which he could not name a world leader that he admires. The Libertarian Party has squandered a fantastic opportunity to present libertarian ideals to the mainstream by nominating a poor speaker who does not understand the principles upon which libertarianism rests. Johnson has run such a poor campaign that it almost makes me believe that he is initially sabotaging it. In order to carry the libertarian message forward, the ideology needs an inspiring, eloquent leader that knows how to talk to and relate to people. I have not read about nor spoken to a single person that has been inspired by Gary Johnson throughout this election. It may take a long time for the Libertarian Party to recover from this mistake.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+18+-+Gary+Johnson+Campaign+Continues+to+Crash+and+Burn.mp3

Episode 17 – The War on Cash and Post-Debate

Mark Geise — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 04:57:49 +0000

In this episode, I discuss an interview with Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff. I discussed Rogoff and the “War on Cash” in Episode 14 (linked below); I stumbled upon this interview a couple days ago and could not resist talking about his views yet again. Rogoff’s editorial that I discussed in Episode 14 was crafted in such a way to avoid disclosing too many of his biases, but this interview did not allow him to tailor his message in such a way. This interview supports my inferences in that previous episode: the war on cash is far more about increasing control and increasing the power of central banks than it is about reducing criminality or tax evasion. Rogoff’s pretentiousness comes through strong.

Also, I discuss Monday’s debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Both candidates scare me pretty much equally. I do not think my life will be markedly different if either gets into office, so I frankly do not care about the election beyond analyzing the overarching trends. In this debate, Trump’s protectionism and ignorance of civil liberties concerned me most, while Clinton’s economic policies concerned me most. Both are scary, but in slightly different ways. Clinton clearly won the debate, but it does not appear to have markedly changed the polls. I am sure many out there feel similarly pessimistic, so my solution is to focus on local and state elections and to optimize your own personal and economic lives. You do not hold any sway on the national stage when one person is battling to represent 330 million people, but you can conceivably hold sway in your local elections. That is far more constructive than expending energy to watch two poor candidates battle it out in a chaotic election.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+17+-+The+War+on+Cash+and+Post-Debate.mp3

Episode 16 – Independent Media Now Drives the Discussion

Mark Geise — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:20:21 +0000

In this episode, I discuss three separate topics. First, I discuss President Rodrigo Duterte’s public statements that the United States should remove its troops from the Philippines. He stated that American troops are targets for Islamists in the country that see American soldiers as potentially valuable either politically (if they kill them) or financially (if they kidnap them). My thoughts on this: why are we even in the Philippines? Duterte is right.

Next, I discuss comments by Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lael Brainard to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Following the significant drop in the U.S. financial markets on Friday, Brainard came out and sent a clear dovish message. She pointed to global uncertainty, specifically in China, and “moderate and gradual” tightening of labor markets that she believes makes it less urgent to raise rates. I discussed these exact same excuses in Episode 13; they have been singing the same tune for the last couple years. I cannot believe that anyone still buys what they say, but the markets popped right back up on Monday in reaction to the dovish signal.

Finally, Hillary Clinton’s health scare in New York City on Sunday was a clear win for independent journalists. The Hillary Clinton campaign attempted to massage the issue, saying that she “overheated” and needed to rest and recoup before reemerging from her daughter’s NYC apartment. However, amateur video was later released showing Clinton stumbling twice and having what looked like a seizure-type event. Infowars, Drudge Report, and Mike Cernovich have been on this story for weeks, yet just a few days ago Rachel Maddow devoted an entire segment on her show to castigate Infowars as nothing more than a bunch of conspiracy theorists. The mainstream media continues to lose power as independent journalists gain it, and this election has clearly demonstrated that trend. Alt-right meme trolls emerging from Reddit have had an impact on this election, while it’s hard to say if the establishment media networks have had much of an impact at all.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+16+-+Independent+Media+Now+Drives+the+Discussion.mp3

Episode 15 – Improvements in Computers Demonstrate the Beauty of Capitalism

Mark Geise — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 07:12:42 +0000

In this episode, I discuss my search through the wide array of laptops for sale to buy one for my younger sister. Even from the last time I seriously looked at buying a computer, the value in terms of specs for the money has noticeably improved. This prompted me to do some further research, and it turns out that the computing power that a given dollar can purchase has doubled every four to six years since the 1940’s; since the 1980’s, that trend has been even more stark. This is really a marvel of capitalism and free markets that quality has improved and prices have fallen so precipitously over a relatively short period of time. Computers are close to a necessity in modern times, yet I do not know anyone calling for a top-down, centralized approach to providing everyone with computers. We recognize that free markets have done a fine job of efficiently providing computers to consumers. Why do people not make the same connection to industries like health care and education? The more important a product or service, the more vital it is that we allow free markets to operate to drive down prices to a point where they are accessible to all.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+15+-+Improvements+in+Computers+Demonstrate+the+Beauty+of+Markets.mp3

Episode 14 – Why Should We Care that Gary Johnson Doesn’t Know Aleppo?

Mark Geise — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 06:32:45 +0000

In this episode, I first discuss the “War on Cash” and the idea that we need a cashless society or a near-cashless society to reduce crime. I discuss an article by Kenneth Rogoff (linked below) in which he advocates abolishing any U.S. dollar bill denominations above $10. He believes the government should dictate what are “reasonable” cash transactions. Countless infringements upon civil liberties have been perpetrated in the name of fighting criminals and terrorists, and the war against cash is no different, in my opinion. I do not believe it is worth restricting consumers’ options to carry out transactions in the way they would like to attempt to fight crime. Criminals are increasingly sophisticated and have already embraced cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and further reducing cash options will just push more criminal enterprises to using other anonymous options.

Next, I discuss the Gary Johnson Aleppo gaffe. Though I have been extremely critical of Gary Johnson (and I am critical of him for most of this episode), I do not believe it is a big deal that he does not know about Aleppo. Our forays into the Middle East have done far more harm than good, creating vacuums of power into which terrorist groups and worse dictators crop out to fill the void left by our intended regime changes. I would much prefer a presidential candidate that knows absolutely nothing about Aleppo because he or she does not believe that it is a concern of the United States versus someone that knows everything about the situation because he or she believes we can “solve” it. Johnson’s attempted damage control and response to the gaffe has been horrendous, though, and is just another example of his failed campaign.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+14+-+Why+Should+We+Care+That+Gary+Johnson+Doesn%27t+Know+Aleppo.mp3

Episode 13 – Trump with Some Surprising Clarity About the Fed

Mark Geise — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:51:16 +0000

In this episode, I get to discuss two of my favorite topics: the United States’ higher education system and the Federal Reserve. First, ITT Technical Institute closed its doors today after the U.S. Department of Education ruled that it cannot accept students with federal financial aid and student loans. This failure is a microcosm of the higher education system as a whole; a majority of American colleges would fail in a similar fashion if the federal gravy train was removed. Next, Donald Trump made some surprisingly perceptive comments about the Federal Reserve’s easy money policies and the artificially high stock markets. He called what Janet Yellen has done “a political job” and believes that she will continue to keep rates low to keep the markets propped up until the election. This echoes what I have been saying for most of 2016, but it is surprising to see Trump talk at length about the Fed in public. Hillary Clinton, yet again with no shame, came out and said that it is unpresidential to discuss the actions of the Federal Reserve. Though we did not need more proof, it shows where her bread is buttered: Wall Street and the bankers that benefit most from loose Fed policy.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+13+-+Trump+with+Some+Surprising+Clarity+About+the+Fed.mp3

Suggested Readings/Referenced Articles:

“ITT Tech Shuts Down All Its Schools; One Student Says He’s ‘Angry Times 10 Million'” – Los Angeles Times
“Trump says U.S. interest rates must change as Fed weighs rate hike” – Reuters
“Clinton says Trump’s comments on the Fed show he should not be president” – CNBC
“Barney Frank to Fed: Don’t raise rates before election” – The Hill
“Student Loan Subsidies Cause Almost All of the Increase in Tuition” – Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)
“CFPB: Repayment of U.S.-Backed Student Loans Lags” – Inside Higher Ed
“The Student Loan Bubble: Gambling With America’s Future” – SchiffGold
“The College Bubble (incl. Education & Student Loan Bubble)” – The Bubble Bubble
Probabilities of Fed Funds Target Rates – CME Group
Book: “End the Fed” by Ron Paul
Book: “The Case Against the Fed” by Murray Rothbard (free, legal PDF download)
Podcast: “Ep. 192: Data Dependent Fed Ignores Bad Data” – Peter Schiff Show

Episode 12 – Bilking the Young and Healthy is Unsustainable and Unjust

Mark Geise — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 05:50:44 +0000

The bulk of this episode was sparked by a series of discussions I had with a self-avowed socialist. We had many points of contention, but among the biggest was about FDR’s legacy. He continually referred to FDR’s heroism in “feeding and clothing millions of people” by instituting Social Security, while I pointed out how FDR’s actions prolonged the Great Depression and, over the course of the next 70 years, have put us on a collision course with bankruptcy. He would hear nothing of any criticisms of Social Security (I don’t think he actually understood how it works). FDR did not “feed and clothe millions of people”; he forcefully took money from one part of the populace and gave it to another. Social Security is a huge wealth transfer from the young to the old, from people that are just starting out in their working lives to people that have had 50+ years to build wealth and prepare for retirement. I also discuss Obamacare; we have once again forced the young and healthy to massively subsidize the old and sick. Premiums for health insurance have gone through the roof for young and healthy people to fund the mandate that insurance companies not be allowed to charge varying rates to account for pre-existing conditions. We continually lament how we expect Millennials to be the first generation in American history to have a lower standard of living than their parents. These types of policies and transfer programs are why!

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+12+-+Bilking+the+Young+and+Healthy+is+Unsustainable+and+Unjust.mp3

Suggested Readings/Referenced Articles:

“Kerry: ‘Governing is harder’ because there are more TV channels” – Washington Examiner
“Making college debt-free and taking on student debt” – HillaryClinton.com
“Why Social Security Could Be Bankrupt In 12 Years” – David Stockman’s Contra Corner
“The Immorality of Social Security” – Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)
“Social Security is Definitely Welfare” – The Future of Freedom Foundation
“Ratio of Workers to Retirees Will Plummet Worldwide” – Scientific American
“The Economics of ObamaCare” – Ludwig von Mises Institute
“Frustration mounts over ObamaCare co-op failures” – The Hill
“One-third of U.S. could see only one Obamacare option as insurers pull out” – Washington Times
“Young People Are Much Worse Off Than Their Parents Were At That Age” – Business Insider
Book: “America’s Great Depression” by Murray Rothbard (free, legal PDF download)
Book: “The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Great Depression and the New Deal” by Robert Murphy
Book: “Plunder and Deceit: Big Government’s Exploitation of Young People and the Future” by Mark Levin
Podcast: “ContraKrugman – Ep. 49 Obamacare Sinking? Why, It’s Just a Flesh Wound, Says Krugman!”

Episode 11 – More Surprised by Response to Kaepernick than Action Itself

Mark Geise — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 04:01:35 +0000

As we have all heard by now, Kaepernick has refused to stand for the national anthem throughout the preseason to protest what he believes is mistreatment of people of color in the United States. He believes the flag stands for this mistreatment, and he will continue to sit until he sees “significant progress” made toward improving treatment of people of color. Specifically, he believes we have an epidemic of black people “dying in the streets” at the hands of police. First of all, I believe that Kaepernick’s focus is misguided and too narrow. Yes, police killings are an issue, but the statistics do not show them to be an isolated issue among people of color. The real issue, in my opinion, is that we have placed too much power to regulate our every moves in the government’s hands. Police are the arm of the state that enforce this over-regulation, so it is inevitable that excessive violence is used to preserve that power and crush dissent. Police are placed in the unenviable position of enforcing unjust laws, while frustrated people often see the police as the symbol of their oppression. Further, our adventurous foreign policy abroad and unjust wars have resulted in further expansion of the police state at home, making matters worse. I could have sympathized far more with Kaepernick if he had approached this issue with some nuance, but he has not.

I am more surprised by the response to Kaepernick’s actions than I am by the actions themselves. The flag means different things to different people. Those that believe it symbolizes the troops that have fought for the country have every right to believe that. However, others do not need to interpret things the same way that you do. To another group, the flag may represent our unjust wars abroad and the actions of those government officials that led us into those wars. To yet another group, the flag may represent domestic overreaches by the government. You have the right to be offended, but just because you are offended does not mean that action needs to be taken to silence someone. I prefer that we simply debate what Kaepernick actually said more intensely than whether or not he unfairly disrespected a symbol.

P.S. Why haven’t more people discussed Kaepernick’s Fidel Castro shirt?

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+11+-+More+Surprised+by+Response+to+Kaepernick+than+Action+Itself.mp3

Episode 10 – Gary Johnson Continues to Ignore Libertarian Principles

Mark Geise — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 03:38:05 +0000

Another day, another Gary Johnson interview in which he completely contradicts core libertarian principles. This time, Johnson endorsed a carbon tax as a “free market solution” to human-caused climate change. He also said that he didn’t want to sacrifice jobs to reduce human impact on the environment. First, he ignores the basic economic reality that additional tax burdens on the private sector will reduce available jobs. Second, he falls in line with the economic illiterates that believe that a carbon tax is a free market solution to climate change. It is an insult to actual free market solutions to call a tax to control behavior a free market solution. Johnson has compromised core libertarian principles time and time again to pander to potential voters, usually voters on the left. I believe he is doing more harm than good to the future of the libertarian movement in this country. We will eventually look back on his campaign as a fantastic example of what not to do to make an impact as a third party.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+10+-+Gary+Johnson+Continues+to+Ignore+Libertarian+Principles.mp3

Episode 9 – The Fed Continues to Have Its Cake and Eat It Too

Mark Geise — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 03:48:55 +0000

To the surprise of no one, the Federal Reserve decided to keep the Fed Funds rate target at 25 to 50 basis points. They continue to grasp at straws to find a new excuse to delay hiking rates. This time, it’s Brexit. They’ve used bad job reports, China, and countless other reasons to put off this decision. I’m not sure how much longer they can keep up this charade, but I know they will at least try to prolong the inevitable until the November FOMC meeting. Janet Yellen has every political motivation to keep the economy propped up until the November presidential election to help Hillary Clinton get elected, as Yellen would likely retain her position as chair of the Federal Reserve Board if Clinton was elected. A downturn in the economy would be a boon to Donald Trump’s chances at the presidency, so I do not envision Yellen being willing to raise rates prior to then. I can’t believe so many people still believe the Fed knows what it’s doing; it is only a matter of time before people are forced to wake up to the reality that they are in uncharted territory and there is no way that this can end well.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+9+-+The+Fed+Continues+to+Have+Its+Cake+and+Eat+It+Too.mp3

Episode 8 – Libertarians Avoid the Immigration Issue

Mark Geise — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 04:01:18 +0000

Libertarians are fantastic on many issues. We can persuade a lot of people by being knowledgeable about economic issues and by making common sense arguments in favor of freedom over coercion. However, one topic that libertarians consistently avoid is the immigration issue. I know I am sometimes guilty of taking a bit of a cop-out position on immigration: if we abolish the welfare state, I would be in favor of open borders. However, in the real world, the welfare state is not going anywhere. We need to have a stance on immigration that exists in the real world, a world in which welfare programs exist. My pragmatic position on immigration is that we need to encourage the most skilled and talented immigrants to come to the United States. Also, the ability to assimilate culturally should be taken into account. Until we attack the larger issue of the welfare state, this is the most realistic solution that aligns with libertarian beliefs. Unrestricted immigration can destroy a nation with a generous welfare state, while no immigration at all causes a nation to become stagnant. The most benefit from immigration comes from encouraging talented, skilled immigrants that are willing to assimilate culturally into the country.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+8+-+Libertarians+Avoid+the+Immigration+Issue.mp3

Episode 7 – Bernie or Bust People Should Be Applauded

Mark Geise — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 05:03:00 +0000

I disagree with Bernie Sanders and his supporters on the vast majority of issues, but I also believe he has been treated unfairly by the Democratic Party establishment and by the mainstream media. Much like Ron Paul, the establishment is scared of him and has pulled out every trick in the book to prop up Hillary Clinton, the sweetheart of the establishment. After Democratic National Committee email leaks revealed that the DNC conspired against Sanders, enraged Sanders supporters took to the Democratic National Convention to voice their frustration. They have been banned from being inside the venue and have been derided by many Clinton supporters and especially ex-Bernie supporters that have pledged their support to Clinton. Bernie or Bust people are rightfully mad at the rigged system and at Bernie’s decision to endorse Hillary Clinton. I believe we should applaud them for being willing to stand up for something in which they believe strongly (even though I hate the ideas they propagate). In a political system in which so many people are willing to compromise their strongly held beliefs for personal benefits or for the “good of the party”, it is refreshing to see people refuse to compromise. I think libertarians should be supporting the Bernie or Bust people; I think they would come to respect the consistency of our ideas and some may even be willing to convert.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+7+-+Bernie+or+Bust+People+Should+Be+Applauded.mp3

Episode 6 – Trump’s Acceptance Speech and the DNC Exposed

Mark Geise — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 05:05:24 +0000

Donald Trump’s speech to accept the Republican Party nomination for president was notable for his clear intention to reach across the aisle to the left to disaffected Bernie Sanders supporters. The clear message of the mainstream media in response to Trump’s acceptance speech was that it was “dark”, but, if anything, Trump may have underestimated the many problems that we face.

Though all of us intuitively know that the Republican and Democratic Party establishment are guilty of manipulating the mainstream media and favoring particular candidates that serve their interests, the Democratic National Committee leak has finally exposed how this manipulation works in practice. Throughout this election cycle, the DNC has crafted a message that the media parroted. They have focused on how to discredit Bernie Sanders and present Hillary Clinton in a positive light. These leaks have only added more hard evidence to the fact that the party establishments and the mainstream media are in bed with one another. I predict that this leak will significantly help Trump, as it will cause more people to be disgusted with the establishment.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+6+-+Trump%27s+Acceptance+Speech+and+the+DNC+Exposed.mp3

Episode 5 – Too Much Power in the State is the Real Issue, Not Racism or Police Brutality

Mark Geise — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 05:07:00 +0000

The two recent police shootings have sparked significant discussion about alleged racism among the police in the United States and alleged targeting of blacks. At this time, not enough details have emerged to clearly determine whether the police officers in these two incidents are guilty of wrongdoing. I first want to give my sympathies to the families of the men killed in these two incidents. Next, I want to dispel of the notion that deaths at the hands of the police is primarily a black issue. Despite committing a slightly larger percentage of violent crimes than whites, approximately half as many blacks as whites are killed by police each year. If we accept violent crime rates as a proxy for contentious interactions with the police, we would expect a similar number of blacks to be killed each year as whites. Yet this is not the case. Black deaths at the hands of police are simply covered in the media far more than white, Hispanic, and other deaths, leading us to believe that black deaths are more common. There is a large demand for stories depicted racial strife, so the media satisfies this demand.

I believe there are far too many deaths on the whole due to police, but I believe this is more due to the position that the state places police than it is due to some inherent violent nature of police officers. The vast number of laws regulating victimless behavior (drug use, prostitution, etc.) that the police enforces erodes respect for the police. It results in far more interaction between police and the people than otherwise would happen without laws regulating victimless behavior. Also, police can sense an erosion of respect, making them more trigger-happy than they otherwise would be. Ending the drug war and repealing other laws meant to regulate victimless behavior would go a long way toward reducing contentious interactions between police and the people, thus reducing deaths at the hands of police.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+5+-+Too+Much+Power+in+the+State+is+the+Real+Issue%2C+Not+Racism+or+Police+Brutality.mp3

Episode 4 – Hillary Clinton Let Off the Hook

Mark Geise — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 04:08:00 +0000

We knew Hillary Clinton would be let off the hook, though I know that I had gotten my hopes up that we would at least see an indictment. James Comey, director of the FBI, gave his statement on the Clinton email investigation and concluded that the FBI will recommend that no charges should be brought against Clinton for her inappropriate use of a private email server. Comey pointed out several violations of statutes regarding the handling of classified information. There were seven email chains classified “Top Secret” contained on Clinton’s private email server. Comey stated that any reasonable person in Clinton’s position should have known that an unclassified system was no place for those conversations. Despite these findings, no charges were recommended. This will only further erode trust in the government. The average person knows that if they tried to pull a stunt like this in their jobs, they would be fired and maybe even charged criminally. But because this was Hillary Clinton, she is allowed to escape any penalties and even escape a trial process. How can the establishment have the common person’s interests in mind when different groups of people are treated so differently based on their political or financial clout?

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+4+-+Hillary+Clinton+Let+Off+the+Hook.mp3

Episode 3 – The Free Market Solution to Student Loans

Mark Geise — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 03:10:04 +0000

As a young person in my early 20’s, I have first-hand experience with student loans. I have seen people’s lives irreparably changed by taking on excessive student loan debt to pursue worthless degrees. I have also seen tuition rates and other costs related to college explode throughout my lifetime. These issues have been caused by the federal government’s student loan program, which has guaranteed loans for students without regard to that student’s ability to repay in the future. With government-guaranteed student loans, this has inflated the students’ ability to pay and bid up the prices of college. Skyrocketed tuition has coincided nearly perfectly with the advent and growth of the federal student loan program. To stop the rapid growth of tuition costs and to stop the student loan horror stories that we hear every day, we need to get the government out of the student loan business.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+3+-+The+Free+Market+Solution+to+Student+Loans.mp3

Episode 2 – Justin Timberlake and the Appropriation of Black Culture

Mark Geise — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 05:11:04 +0000

During the BET Awards, Justin Timberlake was blasted for tweeting that he was moved by Jesse Williams’ speech. Williams gave a speech in which he said that American society is oppressive to blacks and whites are guilty of using black entertainers to suck out the value to enrich themselves. Timberlake was accused by other Twitter users of appropriating black culture to create his music over the years, so he was guilty of exactly what Williams lamented in his speech. The backlash that Timberlake received for saying he supported Williams’ speech is evidence of a culture of victimhood. “Appropriating” culture is a sign that people respect your culture and like what it has to offer. Every culture is a mishmash of multiple other cultures; without appropriation, there is no change and no progress.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+2+-+Justin+Timberlake+and+the+Appropriation+of+Black+Culture.mp3

Episode 1 – Brexit and the Fall of the Establishment

Mark Geise — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 04:12:05 +0000

Despite “Remain” leading in the polls leading up to the momentous Brexit vote, “Leave” won the referendum vote. The people of the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union, making the UK the first country to make such a decision. Though there are still several hoops that the UK needs to jump through in order to make its exit official, this vote is still a major event. The “Remain” supporters attempted every trick in the book to lure citizens to its side: it tried to depict “Leave” supporters as racists and as uneducated and it predicted economic collapse if the UK left the EU. Despite this PR campaign, the voters decided to return sovereignty to the national government and remove decision-making power from a remote government in Brussels. Establishment economics, politicians, and media personalities have been wrong time after time, so the people have decided to tune them out and make their own decisions. I believe this is part of a worldwide trend to move away from vesting power in elites.

http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mark-geise-show/Episode+1+-+Brexit+and+the+Fall+of+the+Establishment.mp3