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…

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…

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.mp3Mark Geise

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…

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 sim…

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…

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 tha…

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…

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 fea…

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 …

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’…

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 Febru…

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 beyo…

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 est…

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 …

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 complet…

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…

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 ho…

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. …

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…

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…

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/Episo…

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 …

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 …

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 annua…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 wit…

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…

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 st…

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 supportin…

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 allowi…

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 Am…

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 cont…

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 fi…

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 dol…

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 transact…

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 edu…

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 …

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 peop…

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 th…

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 …

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 immigr…