Multimedia: Videos 
Essential
Cato Weekly Video
Cato Weekly Video presents a variety of speakers, interviews, and events at the Cato Institute.
The Philosophy of Liberty
A video explaining libertarianism based on the principle of self-ownership.
Milton Friedman on "Greed"
In an interview with Phil Donahue, Milton Friedman explains why societies have historically always flourished when they've embraced a political and economic system that encourages economic self-interest -- "greed."
Recommended
The Value of Stephen Colbert's SuperPAC
The protracted attempt by comedian Stephen Colbert to engage the political process directly highlights the importance of speech free of baseless government restrictions. John Samples, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Representative Government, discusses the Colbert SuperPAC's meaning for campaign freedom past, present and future.
Nat Hentoff on Che Guevara
To many college students and young people, Che Guevara is an icon of freedom, democracy and revolution - a symbol of standing against "the man." Nat Hentoff, renowned First Amendment scholar and long-time journalist, has a very different view of the former Castro confidant, based on an interview with Che decades ago.
In celebration of his 86th birthday, Cato corespondents Caleb Brown and Austin Bragg interviewed Mr. Hentoff, producing a series of interviews on a wide range of topics. Explore them here.
The Morality of Profit
The morality of profit-making has long been a subject of extensive debate, with religious and moral philosophers falling on both sides of the issue. In the below video, Cato senior fellow Tom Palmer clearly provides a defense of profit as a moral act.
Fight of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek Round Two
Economist Russ Roberts and multimedia producer John Papola again combine pop culture and solid economic theory in a creative rap battle between F.A. Hayek and John Maynard Keynes, which takes place in a boxing ring. For the first installment, watch it here.
EVENT: Video Sneak Preview
Cato On Campus is hosting a sneak prieview of Swedish economist Johan Norberg's new documentary on globalization and economics, Free or Equal: A Personal View. Register to join the event at the Cato Institute on Friday, April 29th at 4:00pm.
Here's a bit of a teaser:
Obama/Boehner's Phony Spending Cuts
When the debate about spending cuts refers to only slowing the increase of the annual budget, we've got a major problem. Check out Cato's newest installment of scary-but-true Washington politics.
What is the "Rule of Law"?
What do condoms, beer, bongs, lotto tickets, and guns have in common? Find out in this LearnLiberty.org video, as Chapman University School of Law professor Tom W. Bell explains the definition and importance of the rule of law.
Are We Running Out of Resources?
Economist Steve Horwitz addresses the above question with a quick lesson in how decisions are made in the global economy. He explains that a free market allows prices to signal producers, consumers, and entrepreneurs.
Against the Four Loko Ban
As featured in last month's Liberty Wire newsletter, Will Massey, a Hampden-Sydney College junior, created this video in response to the banning of the party-friendly beverage Four Loko. It lays out a persuasive argument on the basis of both liberty and logic.
Will Massey won the YouTube Contest of the month and will be a contestant to win a trip to Cato University this summer. Find out how you can do the same on our Contest page.
Cato Scholars Evaluate State of the Union Address
A group of Cato scholars -- ranging in discipline from education to foreign policy to economics to health care and more -- analyze President Obama's State of the Union speech. They evaluate the strength of his policy positions, including what he did well and what he could do to improve.
40 Minute Crash Course in Economics & Politics
Want some bullet points for instances of government gone wrong? Check out Cato's David Boaz and Michael Cannon on FOX's "Top 10 Promises Gone Wrong" with John Stossel. Stossel, Tanner, Boaz, and others highlight government inefficiencies, economic falacies, and misleading legislation in an excellent crash course in economics.
Story of Business: Competing for a Future
In part 3 of their "Stories of Business" series, the folks at Bankrupting America highlight Mike, a small business manufacturer. Mike describes the uncertainty and negative reality of government overreach into the economy, while also demonstrating the American spirit and entrepreneurism that has contributed so much to economic growth.
Government Doesn't Create Jobs, Silly
Former Cato intern and current George Mason University economics student, Meg Patrick, gives a real quick lesson in why the general public (and the government) should respect private enterprise. She also explains what happens when the government prints money and taxes people. Check out GMU's Students For Liberty blog here!
David Boaz Makes the Case for Libertarianism
In this new video, Cato Institute executive vice president David Boaz argues that both liberals and conservatives think that your life belongs to the state. The “Hillarys” and “Huckabees” believe that they can run your life better than you can. Mr. Boaz offers a compelling vision for the future -- one that embraces the dignity of the individual and the efficacy of civil society to solve problems and improve the lot of mankind.
Should We Revise America's Drug Policy?
Are there good, politically viable reasons for drug legalization? Former governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson recently visited Cato and made the case for drug legalization on the grounds of government efficiency, crime reduction, and social responsibility. Check out his arguments, and decide for yourself!
Video: Chuck vs. Government Regulators
The Institute for Justice recently documented how hard it is for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into businesses in America. What's needed to boost the economy is not government "stimulus," but rather government exodus.
This video documents barriers to entrepreneurship in Milwaukee, L.A., Houston, D.C., Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York...
How to Balance the Budget without Raising Taxes
A new video by the Center for Freedom and Prosperity Foundation, presented by Cato scholar Dan Mitchell, debunks the statist claim that the federal budget can only be balanced through massive tax hikes. Even though a better policy would be to limit the size and scope of government instead of taxing to fund all current programs, this video shows that balancing the budget is easily achievable with a modest amount of fiscal restraint - even if the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts are made permanent.
Cato Launches iPhone App
The Cato Institute is pleased to announce the release of the official Cato Institute iPhone application, available for free download in the iTunes Store. Get yours today!
Fiscal House of Horrors
It's October, the month of FrightFest, scary movies, and things that make you scream. Considering the status of the economy in the U.S., it seems rather fitting. In light of that, Reason has released its monthly magazine along with several video clips documenting the downright scary 'Fiscal House of Horrors.' And to make the fright even worse, they're in 3D! Check out the three installments: I Spend on Your Grave!, Night of The Living Debt, and Attack of The Killer Compensation. (The videos are also available in 2D here.)
Why Attend a Students For Liberty Regional Conference?
As this video persuasively explains, Students For Liberty regional conferences are a fantastic opportunity worth considering. The good people at SFL have organized nine seminars this fall, which take place all across the country. Each weekend conference features impressive libertarian speakers, ready to engage students on a wide variety of important issues and ideas. Check here to find a conference near you, and get involved with this exciting network of young libertarians.
The Starfish and the Spider
The Tea Party has lately become the topic of many articles, news stories, and conversations. Cato On Campus hosted an event on the issue last month (video here), and last week the Cato Institute hosted Dick Armey and Matt Kibbe of FreedomWorks to discuss their recent book, ‘Give Us Liberty: A Tea Party Manifesto,’ and the rise of the Tea Party (video here). Many are commenting on how the Tea Party grew into a national phenomenon. In that vein, the National Journal has an article that documents several aspects of the Party’s playbook and history. One thing the story discovers is that at the foundation of this political movement is, in fact, a business book, titled: The Starfish and the Spider. Check out the article and 2 minute video!
Double Taxation Bonanza
The Obama administration is at it again. With two new initiatives the Obama administration is seeking to raise the tax on capital gains by almost 10%, to 23.9%. But the capital gains tax is already a double tax for being productive. Christina Sochacki, a third year law student at George Washington University, explains why in this Center for Freedom and Prosperity video:
The Center for Freedom and Prosperity has a large video library of quick economics lessons, available here.
Cops on Camera
A number of scholars contribute to a mini-documentary on the topic of videotaping police. They cite several key instances where video evidence could both add clarity to a situation and support the rule of law. The video features attorneys David Rittgers (Cato Institute) and Clark Neily (Institute for Justice), and journalist Radley Balko.
Debating Our Fiscal Future
The American Action Forum recently participated in a debate on progressive vs. conservative policy responses to the U.S. budget deficit.
Panelists included John D. Podesta (Center for American Progress) and Douglas Holtz-Eakin (American Action Forum), and was moderated by Jim Tankersley (National Journal). The event was this Tuesday, September 14th, at George Washington University.
The video of the debate has been archived here.
How the American Public Views Its Government
Government spending watchdog group Bankrupting America posts a new video about public opinion and government, specifically focusing on stimulus spending. For more imformation on out-of-control government and what can be done about it, visit Cato's Downsizing Government website.
Monks Fighting Back!
The Institute for Justice has recently taken up the case of a Louisiana monastery. This group of monks has been making simple wooden caskets for over 100 years, and now the government wants to stop them.
Video: Young World Revolution!
The youth generation in the developing world is being readied to take the tech world by storm -- in fact, it's already happening. Reason's Dan Hayes interviews author Rob Salkowitz about his new book Young World Rising: How Youth, Technology and Entrepreneurship are Changing the World from the Bottom Up. He offers some interesting insight into the future of the tech economy and the 'young world.'
How iPad Technology and iPhone Apps Expand Liberty
Got a pothole? There's an app for that. Need a medical marijuana dispensary? There's an app for that, too. Reason.tv's Ted Balaker sat down with Matt Harrison and Justin Hartfield of the Prometheus Institute to discuss how new technology can expand liberty. Other topics include: Revamping classic libertarian books with iPad technology and how Steve Jobs manages to be both an uber-capitalist and a progressive hero.
'Repeal ObamaCare' Rap Video
In response to the ObamaCare law that passed earlier this year, the Galen Institute has released a rap video entitled 'Fellin' It.' The rappers discuss the negative effects of the legislation, providing both possible solutions and reasons to oppose the law, with a chorus that says, "If you feel how I feel, then we need to repeal."
Perhaps this video will inspire you to enter the Cato On Campus YouTube video contest. (You could win a trip to next year's Cato University in San Diego!)
Where Do Libertarians Belong?
Should libertarians forge alliances and risk being compromised, or preserve their purity and risk irrelevance? Which political groups are worth rooting for, collaborating with, or just sprinting away from? Cato scholar Brink Lindsay contributes to this debate, hosted by Reason.
Libertarianism vs. Conservatism
America's Future Foundation and Students For Liberty co-hosted a debate at the Cato Institute between interns from libertarian and conservative organizations, addressing the question, "is libertarianism or conservatism a more desirable political philosophy?"
The Great Prosperity Machine
Cato senior fellow Tom Palmer explains international trade in under three minutes. He explains that while many decry trade as unfair or harmful to a local economy, in fact, “Trade is like a machine that allows farmers to convert oranges into telephones, and allows factory workers to convert their products into oranges, clothes or whatever they want.” The benefits don’t stop there, as Palmer notes that “Peace is the natural effect of trade.”
Learn more about the French writer and economist, Frederic Bastiat, here.
Too Many Gov't Employees Getting Too Much money
Cato scholar Dan Mitchell discusses the explosion of public sector employment, pay, and benefits. Among other things, government jobs offer higher wages than the private sector, lower termination rates, greater pensions and earlier retirement, and extremely low attrition rates -- all at taxpayers' expense. Government is far too big, and it's costing far too much.
The Greecing of America, Simplified
Greece is imploding. Under its high burden of public debt, deficit spending (i.e. borrowing), pensions plans and low economic output, the Greek economy can no longer stay financially afloat. Unfortunately, the U.S. resembles Greece a lot more than many Washington politicians would like us to think.
Deficits, Debts and Unfunded Liabilities: The Consequences of Excessive Government Spending
Huge budget deficits and record levels of national debt are getting a lot of attention, but this video, narrated by former Cato intern Kelly McDonough, explains that unfunded liabilities for entitlement programs are Americas real red-ink challenge. More important, this Center for Freedom and Prosperity mini-documentary reveals that deficits and debt are symptoms of the real problem of an excessive burden of government spending.
How Bankrupt is America?
This video by www.BankruptingAmerica.org, via Reason, explains how much America owes, and also explains a way out of all the debt... Watch the two minute video for the answers.
Hidden Cost of IRS Compliance: $338 Billion
The tax system is a complicated nightmare that forces taxpayers to devote ever-larger amounts of time, money, energy, and other resources in hopes of complying with the internal revenue code and avoiding IRS persecution. This CF&P; Foundation video shows that this corrupt mess is the result of 97 years of social engineering and industrial policy that began almost immediately after that dark day in 1913 that the income tax was created.
21: Is It Time to Lower the Drinking Age?
Today, we all take the drinking age for granted, but should we? In fact, the US is one of only four countries in the world with a drinking age as high as 21—the other three are Indonesia, Mongolia, and Palau. Is the policy working to reduce health and safety issues related to youthful alcohol abuse? What are the unintended consequences of alcohol prohibition for 18-20 year olds? Reason.tv went to the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin to get a first-hand look at the war on underage drinking.
Locating Ourselves Historically: Why We Are Not Living in Western Civilization
Dr. Stephen Davies considers the narrative of 'Western Civilization' and concludes that historic Western Civilization no longer exists but has perished or been transformed. This, he argues, should make us think about how to understand our historical location and lead us to see past, present, and future in a new way.
Will You Meet This Challenge?
Cato Constitutional Studies scholar Ilya Shapiro sends out a challenge to anyone wanting to debate the constitutionality of the new health care legislation. Shapiro offers to debate anyone - anytime, anywhere. Will you take him up on it?
Disastrous Economic Fallacies - Terror as Stimulus?
Do natural disasters, earthquakes, or wars stimulate an economy and create growth? Did World War II get the US out of the Great Depression? Frederic Bastiat explained why such thinking is fallacious.
Reason Saves Cleveland!
This week, the Reason Foundation launches its 'Reason Saves Cleveland' video series with Drew Carey. Each day this week a new video segment will be released on its website, here. The weeklong series documents the decline of Cleveland, Ohio and provides potential ways to fix it - and other failing cities - by looking at best practices from successful U.S. cities. Don't miss this new and entertaining series!
The Real Cost of Public Schools
Cato education policy analyst Adam Schaeffer explains how many public school districts across the country lie about spending figures per student, making schools look more efficient than the reality. Schaeffer notes that a real debate on education alternatives - such as private schools and school vouchers - cannot take place without transparency. The Cato Institute has recently published a Policy Analysis by Schaeffer entitled, "They Spend WHAT? The Real Cost of Public Schools."
New Original Videos!
Cato On Campus has just launched an original video content section on our website, found here and in the right-hand sidebar. We have been hosting a monthly student lecture and discussion event in conjunction with the DC Forum for Freedom. Those videos have recently been made available online, as will future months' events. Additionally, this page will host winning student submissions to the Cato On Campus YouTube contest. Stay tuned to the "Videos" page for more original Cato On Campus content!
The Value of Profits
Are profits in a free market a sign of greedy businessmen stealing from their customers and hoarding wealth at the expense of ordinary people? Or are they, along with losses and the relative high or low prices commanded by different goods & services, actually a crucial part of a functioning and growing economy?
Find out about that and about how special favors from government can destroy the information provided by profits & losses in this video written & produced by Sean W. Malone with CitizenA Multimedia productions.
Deficit Timebomb?
Cato scholar Dan Mitchell co-hosts on CNBC to discuss Congress' move toward a second stimulus bill aimed at "creating jobs." Mitchell, along with Josh Barro of the Manhattan Institute, Michael Linden from Center for American Progress and CNBC's Simon Hobbs debate the need for more stimulus.
"Fear the Boom and Bust" (Hayek v. Keynes)
George Mason University economics professor Russ Roberts and John Papola have finished producing an economics hip-hop rap video. The video contrasts the theories of John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich A. Hayek, two of the most famous and yet divergent economic minds of the 20th century.
Tale of Debt: An American Story
Trying to understand how the U.S. government works is a complicated task. This brief video by The Heritage Foundation makes understanding the debt limit a bit easier by presenting a clearly worded narrative that lays out the problems the U.S. is facing in an engaging allegory.
Video: Deficits Aren't Bad, Gov't Spending Is
Deficit spending has become a common term in U.S. political conversation, and is cause for much focus as the U.S. holds more and more debt. Dan Mitchell, in a new Center for Freedom and Prosperity video, however, argues that the deficit spending in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. With a historical and investment perspective, Mitchell explains that debt can be a useful tool if it allows for long term benefits. The problem is that government – which is hardly a role model of financial prudence – has demonstrated a tendency to spend enormous amounts on political rather than economic investments. With the ability to tax and inflate its way along, the government isn’t worried, but we the people should be.
New Video Contest, Cash Prizes!
The Center for Freedom and Prosperity just launched a new video contest for students to address issues in economics. Videos are to be educational, creative and persuasive. Help advance liberty, and have some fun! Judges are looking for originality and students’ perspectives. Cash prizes will be awarded, ranging from $100-$1,000.
Video: Realizing Freedom
Cato scholar Tom Palmer discusses the thesis of his new book on an old topic: how to attain liberty for all. He explains that having liberty and freedom in society relies on an established Rule of Law. Palmer acknoledges that many consider the Rule of Law a boring or stale subject, but states that it should actually be an inspiring goal because "without it, there is no freedom and there are no rights." The importance of the Rule of Law is evidenced by traditions of freedom surveyed from cultures around the world, and not simply from the West.
Politicians Keep your Flights Delayed
'As the holiday travel rush approaches, air travelers grounded by delays should take a moment to think about why they're stuck in airports or on the tarmac. There's a good chance Washington is to blame,' says a recent Reason.tv video. The technology used in current U.S. air traffic control is basically the same system that was used decades ago. Countries like Canada have already adapted to market-based, privately organized systems. This video explains why the U.S. should follow suit.
Video: UPS vs. FEDEX—Ultimate Whiteboard Remix
Reason editor Nick Gillespie discusses the current dispute between FedEx and UPS. The two companies are governed by much different rules; based on differences in their business models, UPS experiences much higher labor costs than FedEx, due to government regulation. Instead of pushing for less government interference, UPS is trying to force FedEx under more costly federal labor status. Gillespie explains that UPS is "using legislation to win what they can in the market place." All of this is supported by the all-powerful, anti-business federal government.
Video: Freedom in Crisis
Cato Executive VP David Boaz presents a fact-filled account of the decades-long attack on liberty. Boaz condenses years of research and experience into a presentation filled with though-provoking and often humorous stories, which document what is going wrong in America. And he also offers some redeeming advice on how to turn things around, concluding that "freedom depends on some people not taking it lying down." This 30 minute video succinctly captures the progression of eroding freedom and what to be done to arrest it.
Video: 20th Anniversary of Berlin Wall Falling
November 9th, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. The Competitive Enterprise Institute has put together a brief video documenting the history of the Wall and the political impetus that led to tearing it down. The clips display original footage from the years of the Wall and speeches by both John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. The world should join in the rejoicing today, as our world is more just and prosperous because people are more free.
Video: Trillion-shmillion... who cares?!
The 2009 U.S. budget deficit reached a record $1,400,000,000,000 (that's what $1.4 trillion looks like actually written out). Reason's Nick Gillespie remarks on the deficit and makes it a bit more real by explaining how much it could buy. Oh, and if you can't get your head wrapped around such a huge figure, don't worry, because next year's budget deficit is forecast to be another $1,400,000,000,000.
Food Fight: Whole Foods on Health Care
reason.tv has produced a video documenting the debate on Whole Foods CEO John Mackey's op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal this summer. In it Mackey claimed that the solution to health care reform is less government and more personal choice. This short video contrasts the union members trying to boycott Whole Foods and the employees who love their healthcare plans. In a clear and creative way, Reason offers some food for thought.
The Value Added Tax: A Hidden New Tax to Finance Much Bigger Government
Cato scholar Dan Mitchell presents a clear and pointed analysis of the Value Added Tax, currently being proposed to increase government revenue. Mitchell discusses how the VAT is a tax that will hamper the entire process of production, causing the consumer to pay the difference passed on by producers and allowing the government to bring in more money to spend. While the VAT may be better than the current IRS code, that doesn't make it a good idea. Historically, a VAT is associated with much higher tax levels in the countries where such a policy is in place. The VAT is founded in poor economic rationale, and imposing one will only exacerbate loop-holes and special interest lobbying already plaguing in Washington.
Video: US in Afghanistan, 8th Year Anniversary
The United States has been in Afghanistan for eight years and the end of our engagement there is not in sight. In this new video, Cato foreign policy experts Ted Galen Carpenter, Malou Innocent and David Rittgers tackle myths associated with the war in Afghanistan and offer solutions to American involvement there.
Humorist: Censored Speech not a Laughing Matter
In this video post by Reason, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) documents a case where a humorist's quotation was censored on a college campus. They interview the humorist, syndicated and Pulitzer Prize winning Dave Barry, about the issue. Barry notes the historical progression of sanctioned speech, surmising that, "At some point, the right to voice your opinion got trumped - at least in the universities - by the right to not be offended." He says this should not be accepted, and offers a word of advice: "Fight it!"
Ron Paul Interviewed on Time: Video
Congressman Ron Paul is interviewed in a video segment by Time, addressing issues of his presidential runs, auditing the Fed (the topic of Paul's new book), income taxes, drug policy, the war, and more. Time's Michael Scherer presents questions assembled from viewers across the country. Addressing a question about conspiracy theories, Paul says, "I think there's a conspiracy of bad ideas. I'd like to participate in a conspiracy of some good ideas." Paul also notes that Obama has "quieted down the left" without making some of the real policy changes on which he ran his campaign.
Cato Video: Analyzing Pres. Obama's Schoolkids Address
Cato VP Gene Healy and education scholar Neal McCluskey respond to President Obama's address to America's school children on September 8th. They question any administration that decides to take away kids' first day of school with an event meant to promote the office of the president. McCluskey notes that the speech "has robbed kids of a day that's supposed to be centered on them." They also highlight things Obama says that stretch the bounds of the presidency, and of the federal government. Healy says that it is “important for students to read and absorb presidential speeches, but they should be encouraged to think critically about what they're hearing." They conclude that the fundamental problem is that as long as government is in charge of schools, there will be political and social conflict.
Is College a Scam?
In a short video, 20/20 Co-Anchor John Stossel analyzes the $75.1 billion industry of higher education and the statement by Pres. Obama that, “We expect all our children not just to graduate high school, but to graduate college and get a good-paying job.” He evaluates that claim by looking at data and interviewing students, professors, administrators and professionals. The figures of college success typically touted by public figures are based on skewed data, and it's probable that many of the people who make good money after college could have done just as well without it, and not been under all the debt.
The Case Against College Entitlements
The cheaper something desirable becomes, the more people will buy it. What's true for a Snickers bar is true for education, according to Michael Moynihan, from Reason. He, sociologist Charles Murray, and Rep. Paul Ryan address this issue in a short video and article. They discuss the Obama Administration's covert moves to revamp and recharge government funding of college education. They also address the provocative question, "What if America is sending too many people to college?" If you think a kid with money in his pocket may be inclined to buy too many Snickers bars, you may agree with Moynihan's conclusion.
Globalisation is Good - Johan Norberg on Globalization
The world is an unequal and unjust place, in which some are born into wealth and some into hunger and misery. To explore why, in this controversial Channel Four documentary the young Swedish writer [and senior fellow at Cato] Johan Norberg takes the viewers on a journey to Taiwan, Vietnam, Kenya and Brussels to see the impact of globalisation, and the consequences of its absence. It makes the case that the problem in the world is not too much capitalism, globalisation and multinationals, but too little.
Mencken Speaks
In this recently released series, Donald H. Kirkey, Jr., The Baltimore Sun theater critic interviews H. L. Mencken, the prominent American journalist. This is perhaps the only known recording of his voice.
Don't Turn America Into Another France
Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center (and formerly with Cato) narrates a new video warning that it would be a mistake to turn America into a European-style welfare state, which is the fate of her native country.
Alex Tabarrok: How ideas trump economic crises -- a surprising lesson from 1929
"The 'dismal science' truly shines in this optimistic talk, as economist Alex Tabarrok argues free trade and globalization are shaping our once-divided world into a community of idea-sharing more healthy, happy and prosperous than anyone's predictions."
F.A. Hayek Interviewed By John O'Sullivan
This hour-long interview offers a concise and thoughtful discussion on a broad range of topics.
First Do No Harm Video Contest
The Galen Institute has just released its new First Do No Harm Video Contest to highlight the benefits of free market health care and the dangers of government provided health care. Send a creative video debunking the myths about government health care and compete for the $3,000 grand prize (2nd prize is $1,000; 3rd place receives $500)!
Our Troubling Tax System
The U.S. tax code gets more complex every year. It violates civil liberties and, left unchanged, will leave the United States at a powerful competitive disadvantage in years to come. Chris Edwards, Director of Tax Policy Studies, Senior Fellow Daniel J. Mitchell and Director of Information Policy Studies Jim Harper dissect the troubling aspects of our tax system.
Kelo v. City of New London
Susette Kelo's legal battle with New London, Conn. brought about one of the most controversial and troubling Supreme Court rulings in many many years. But her fight also spurred a backlash among property owners and state legislatures. Susette Kelo now lives in a town across the river from New London.
Cato Scholars Address Obama's First Address to Congress
President Barack Obama's first address to Congress laid out a laundry list of new spending contained within the stimulus legislation and provided hints as to what will be contained in the budget - a so-called "blueprint for America's future" - he submits to the legislature. Cato Institute scholars Chris Edwards, Jim Harper, Gene Healy, Neal McCluskey, David Rittgers, John Samples and Michael D. Tanner offer their analyses of the President's non-State-of-the-Union Address.
Cato Institute YouTube
The Cato Institute's YouTube channel is the most viewed nonprofit YouTube channel of the day. Check out the videos and see why.
Hundreds of Economists Sign on to Cato Institute Ad
There is plenty of disagreement on whether a big-government stimulus project is the best way to bring the United States out of recession. The Cato Institute purchased a full-page ad in major newspapers across the country listing the names of several hundred economists who object to massive deficit spending as an economic stimulus. Cato scholars and ad signatories have made their case on television since the spending program was proposed.
Susette Kelo Tells Her Story at the Cato Institute
No U.S. Supreme Court decision in the modern era has been so quickly and widely reviled as the infamous Kelo decision, in which the Court ruled that Susette Kelo's little pink house in New London, Connecticut, and the homes of her neighbors could be taken by the government and given over to a private developer based on the mere prospect that the new use for her property could generate more taxes or jobs.
Exposing the Keynesian Fallacy: The Condensed Version from Cato-at-liberty
By Daniel J. Mitchell: "That mini-documentary discussed the theoretical shortcomings of Keynesianism and also reviewed the dismal results of real-world Keynesian episodes."
Reason.TV Interviews Sallie James
"On December 19, Reason.tv's Nick Gillespie and Michael C. Moynihan sat down with Australian-born Cato Institute trade policy analyst Sallie James and memoirist and former Reason magazine staffer Sam MacDonald, whose new book is The Urban Hermit, a slacker update of sorts of Ben Franklin's Autobiography."
Obama's New New Deal
reason.tv has just released this new video on addressing the pressing likelihood that president-elect Obama will construct a new New Deal to address the U.S. economic woes. Michael Moynihan interviews UCLA economist Lee Ohanian, who argues that the New Deal's massive intervention into the economy actually prolonged the economic crisis by seven years.
Hollywood's Sick Love Affair with Che Guevera
Check out one of the latest products of reason.tv, Killer Chic: Hollywood's Sick Love Affair with Che Guevera.
Cato Out Loud: The Auto Bailout
In a new edition of Cato Out Loud, Daniel J. Ikenson explains why the federal government should not extend a financial bailout to the auto industry. Since November, Cato analysts have appeared on more than 50 radio and television programs discussing the bailout of "The Big Three."
Tax Havens: Myths vs. Facts
Politicians from high-tax nations routinely smear tax havens as part of their efforts to undermine tax competition. Using academic research and data from international organizations, this video shows that the most common attacks made against low-tax jurisdictions are empty demagoguery.
Free Political Speech in 2009?
In this video John Samples, director of Cato's Center for Representative Government, discuses the likely prospects that free political speech will encounter in the coming year.
Gene Healy on Gabriel Over the White House
Gene Healy, author of The Cult of the Presidency, discusses changing American attitudes about executive authority in the early part of the 20th century. The film discussed, Gabriel Over the White House, was released in 1933 just after the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Cato Scholars on the Financial Crisis and the Bailout
In this video Cato scholars explain the causes of the financial crises as well as the consequences of further government intervention.
Make a Video, Win Free Gas
If you think 'World Car-Free Day' is hypocritical and just plain nonsense, then enter our contest to win free gas. 'World Car-Free Day' is coming this Sept. 22, 2008 and CEI is looking for creative individuals to challenge the car-hating hypocracy.
Film a video critique of Car-Free Day and enter it in this CEI contest.
The Best of Cato in the News
A new compilation of Cato scholars' media appearances from the past year.
Gene Healy on the Presidency
In this video Cato VP Gene Healy discusses the growth of the imperial presidency.
Why California Medical Marijuana Dispensary Owner Charlie Lynch Was Found Guilty in Federal Court of Selling Drugs
"In this latest reason.tv video, we talk to Lynch's lawyers and the forewoman of the jury to find out precisely how Lynch got convicted and what happens next. It's a disturbing, provocative video that should make even the hardiest drug warrior wonder just what the hell we're doing locking up businessmen who play by the rules and give aid and comfort to sick people."
Banned! Drew Carey Takes a Tour of Nanny State Nation
"Whether you love it, hate it, or have never thought about it, chances are some politician wants to ban it. 'Welcome to the Nanny State Nation,' says reason.tv host Drew Carey. 'Where the government minds your own business.'"
Tyler Cowen on Bloggingheads.tv
"The chat covers many topics, including whether capitalism will triumph, whether you should have more kids, and which country is most likely to be hit by the next nuclear weapon attack."
Mexicans and Machines: Why It's Time To Lay Off NAFTA
"Like technology, trade gives us more good stuff than bad—yet Americans are likely to cheer technology and fear trade. No doubt TV talkers and White House wannabes will keep stoking our fears of foreigners until voters and viewers stop buying it—or until robots snag their jobs, too."
Raiding California—Drew Carey on Medical Marijuana and Minors
"Should medical marijuana be kept from minors at all costs? Why is it that pharmacists can dispense amphetamines without getting busted, but legal operators who dispense medical marijuana face prison time? Why do armed federal agents persist in raiding California?"
Drew Carey Reports on the Tragically High Cost of Building a Border Wall
"At a time when pundits and politicians of all stripes endorse securing the border between the United States and Mexico, reason.tv travels south to see what's really going on—and what the human and monetary costs are of amping up border patrols."
The Global Food Crisis : Political Factors
AfricanLiberty.org produced this short video about the political factors behind the Global food crisis.
Mississippi Drug War Blues—the Case of Cory Maye
The latest Drew Carey Project video for reason.tv tells "a story about the intersection of race, the war on drugs, the disturbing increase in the militarization of police tactics, and systemic flaws in the criminal justice system. It is a tragedy in which one man is dead and another may spend his life in prison without possibility of parole."
Is Taxation Voluntary?
"Jan Helfeld interviews Senator Harry Reid about government coercion. Reid maintains that taxation is voluntary despite all evidence to the contrary."
Immigration: The Beckham Factor
"As soccer superstar David Beckham kicks off the Los Angeles Galaxy's 2008 season, Drew Carey asks what this says about immigration in the U.S. in a new reason.tv video."
Organ Transplants: Kidneys for Sale
"In his most controversial segment yet, reason.tv host Drew Carey offers a startling solution to the critical shortage in kidneys available for transplant: Pay people to donate their kidneys."
Living Large: America's Middle Class
"To hear the Lou Dobbses and Bill O'Reillys of the world--not to mention politicians ranging from Ron Paul to Hillary Clinton--the middle class of America (however you define that term) has never had it so tough. Between credit squeezes, out-of-control immigration, rising costs of education and health care and everything else, it's all darkness out there for those of us who are neither millionaires nor welfare cases, right?
In 'Living Large,' Drew Carey and reason.tv examine the plight of the American middle class. What do they find? "
Matt Welch on BHTV
Cato's own Will Wilkinson speaks with Reason Magazine chief Matt Welch to discuss his "rollicking, revealing book," McCain: The Myth of a Maverick, and the real man behind the myth.
Tim Hartford on BHTV
Cato's own Will Wilkinson speaks with author and economist Tim Hartford about his new book, The Logic of Life. "Tim’s book isn’t just another foray into pop econ. It’s a fascinating and entertaining overview and synthesis of a good deal of the most important recent research in economics." - Will Wilkinson
Milton Friedman with Charlie Rose
"An hour with Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman. Friedman discusses his life, his contributions to economics, the Republican Party and his view on the direction of the United States and the world in coming years."
The Great Global Warming Swindle
"The most disturbing part of the movie, and what makes it worth spending the hour-plus to watch it, is the way it portrays the momentum of the global warming crusade. When you have lots and lots of people heavily invested in a point of view, how can they possibly change?" - Arnold Kling
Kurt Loder on Technology and Freedom
"A legend for his work in Rolling Stone and at MTV, Loder is an outspoken libertarian--and a harsh critic of the nanny state in all its manifestations. In this wide-ranging conversation, Loder discusses technology, freedom, the coming collapse of traditional news media (and why that's a good thing), the misguided (and ultimately ineffective) attempt to shut down free expression, and much more."
Discover Your Inner Economist: Use Incentives to Fall in Love, Survive Your Next Meeting, and Motivate Your Dentist
"The economist and blogger Tyler Cowen provides quirky and insightful advice for life based on his signature urbane style of economic reasoning."
National City: Eminent Domain Gone Wild
Reason.tv host Drew Carey visits National City, California, where the local government is taking eminent domain abuse to new lows.
The Legacy of Ayn Rand
Reason Magazine Senior Editor and "Radicals for Capitalism" author Brian Doherty takes the modernist measure of novelist, philosopher, and cult figure Ayn Rand.
Nanny State Playgrounds
Nanny State author David Harsanyi, who also wrote the November reason cover story "Prohibition Returns!: Teetotaling do-gooders attack your right to drink," appears on The NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams to discuss how safety mavens have taken the fun--and sharp edges--out of America's playgrounds.
Drew Carey Defends Medical Marijuana
"I think it’s clear by now that the federal government needs to reclassify marijuana. People who need it should be able to get it – safely and easily," says The Price Is Right and Power of 10 host Drew Carey in a new Reason.tv video examining medical marijuana and the war on drugs.
Gridlock: Hell on Wheels
"Reason.tv Host Drew Carey examines the costs and consequences of traffic jams and explores several solutions that can get our roads moving. How does a speedy trip on the 'Drew Carey Freeway' sound?"
A Short Course in Brain Surgery
By Stuart Browning. In A Short Course in Brain Surgery, filmmaker Stuart Browning shows the callousness of "single-payer", government-run health care systems as practiced in Ontario, Canada. His film highlights the plight of Lindsay McCreith, an Ontario man with a cancerous brain tumor who went to Buffalo, NY to receive the timely medical care that is rationed in his home country.
Uninsured in America
By Stuart Browning: "Uninsured in America examines the conventional wisdom that 45 million Americans cannot get health insurance and consequently do not have access to health care."
What Do We Really Know About the Spread of AIDS?
By Emily Oster. Emily Oster, a University of Chicago economist, looks at the stats on AIDS in Africa -- and comes up with a stunning conclusion: Everything we know about AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is wrong. We look for root causes such as poverty and poor health care -- but we also need to factor in, say, the price of coffee, and the routes of long-haul truckers. In short, there is a lot we don't know; and our assumptions about what we do know may keep us from finding the best way to stop the disease.
On the Fence Films
On the Fence Films is working to create a new breed of political documentary which informs, entertains and considers different points of view one might not often encounter in The New York Times or on CBS News.
Ayn Rand interview with Phil Donue (1980)
Ayn Rand discusses her philosophy and writings with Phil Donahue. Audience question and answer follows. Part 1 of 5, via youtube. (Parts 2-5 also available on youtube)
Gillespie on Bill Moyers Journal
"Earlier this year, Reason Editor-in-Chief Nick Gillespie appeared on PBS's Bill Moyers Journal where he discussed the religious right, the Republican spending explosion, how libertarians will decide the next presidential race, radical Islam, and more."
Our Priorities for Saving the World
By Bjorn Lomburg : "Given $50 billion to spend, which would you solve first, AIDS or global warming? Danish political scientist Bjorn Lomborg put this question to economists and students around the world, and the answers they came up with may surprise you. Ranking our toughest problems not on any moral scale but simply by how effectively they can be solved, Lomborg and his colleagues demand we take a fresh look at doing good."
Let's Take a New Look at African Aid
By Andrew Mwenda: "In this provocative talk, journalist Andrew Mwenda asks us to reframe the "African question" -- to look beyond the media's stories of poverty, civil war and helplessness and see the opportunities for creating wealth and happiness throughout the continent. Most important, he says, the solution to Africa's problems is not more aid."
What Politicians Should Learn From the "Ron Paul Revolution"
David Boaz, Cato's executive vice president, weighs in on the "Ron Paul effect" with CNN's Glenn Beck.
Reason.tv
"Welcome to reason.tv, home of The Drew Carey Project and other great libertarian videos. Over the next few months we plan to bring you the latest, most compelling stories about freedom from all corners of the Internet, and we'll be experimenting with new interactive content and features."
Restoring the Lost Constitution
With Randy Barnett: "The U.S. Constitution found in school textbooks and under glass in Washington is not the one enforced today by the Supreme Court. In Restoring the Lost Constitution, Randy Barnett argues that since the nation's founding, but especially since the 1930s, the courts have been cutting holes in the original Constitution and its amendments to eliminate the parts that protect liberty from the power of government."
Assessing the Surge
The surge in Iraq is doing little to create the environment needed for political reconciliation. That's the conclusion of Christopher Preble, Cato's Director of Foreign Policy Studies, who spoke at a Policy Forum at the Cato Institute on September 20th.
Idea Channel
The Idea Channel is an online streaming channel which broadcasts Free to Choose Media programs exploring the concepts of freedom and wealth creation through expert storytelling and high quality presentation.
Funding the REAL ID Act: Improved Homeland Security or More Washington Waste?
Featuring: David Williams, Vice President of Policy, Citizens Against Government Waste; Andrew Moylan, Government Affairs Manager, National Taxpayers Union; and Jim Harper, Director of Information Policy Studies, Cato Institute.
The Power of Choice (Milton Friedman)
An excerpt from the biography of Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman.
Milton Friedman on PBS's Open Mind
Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman eloquently explains the superiority of free-market policies.
A Constitution for Liberty
Prof. Kenneth Minogue interviews contemporary authors in his investigation on the principles that can constitute a free society.
