On February 27, 2018, Bob was the guest at the student-led Yale Political Union, debating the resolution, “The free market can solve climate change.” A member of the audience captured the audio on his phone; we are presenting here Bob’s opening statement, his Q&A, and his summary statement. (We are editing out the brief speeches given by the students in the middle of the event.) Below is a timeline of some highlights, and then links to further reading on Bob’s work on this topic.
7:52 — Bob explains that higher temperatures mean fewer elderly deaths in the winter. When his opponents hiss, Bob jokes that they don’t care about the elderly.
25:55 — Q&A session begins.
30:30 — Student critic asks if Bob believes in any role for government to provide public goods or utilities. (His answer gets a big cheer.)
31:30 — Bob contrasts government-regulated utility service in the summer with Budweiser.
33:19 — A student critic argues that the American public doesn’t care about climate change, and therefore free market won’t solve the problem. Bob turns this critique on its head.
37:50 — Bob gives summary remarks (after the other students have spoken, though their remarks are not included in this audio).
Carlos and Bob continue the series covering their new book (co-authored with Nelson Nash). This chapter lists the attributes of a hypothetical “perfect investment,” and explains how various assets fare.
Carlos and Bob discuss the basic logic of “tax reform,” and then critically analyze the GOP proposals. They cover some important differences between the House and Senate bills, and point out that Democrats railing against “tax giveaways to the rich” might have a point.
Carlos and Bob extend their warnings about “loose” monetary policy to the real estate market. Remember, the Austrians warned about the last housing bubble in real-time. There are several reasons to think that the “hot” market right now is in trouble.
Carlos and Bob reiterate the advantages of “becoming your own banker” through the use of policy loans, but they also point out the importance of paying back the loans (in most circumstances). In particular, they warn about the potential tax implications that occur if you surrender a policy.
Bob talks to Carlos about his research on the Federal Reserve’s plans to shrink its balance sheet, and the possible connection to proposed regulatory changes that would encourage financial institutions to take on Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities.
Bob talks to Carlos about his research on “positive thinking,” motivational speakers, self-help gurus, and other related themes. There is much truth and value in this movement, but there’s also a potential dark side.
