Capital Record

It was announced over the weekend that the United States is taking a 35 percent stake in a private energy company connected to Venezuelan oil rights. Is this “U.S. government in private business” thing getting out of control, or is the United States government a natural business partner in the Venezuelan oil production market? In today’s Capital Record, David will unpack the good, bad, and ugly of this deal, and ask us if our first principles endorse these public-private partnerships, or if they should cause us concern. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Secretary Bessent announced that the Treasury Department was going to intervene in the bond market last week because “market fundamentals were not working.” In today’s Capital Record, David explains what was done, why it was done, what to expect, and most of all, why it is so, so sad to see this happening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David is joined today by Christian theologian, Dr. Andrew Walker, to discuss the recent flare-up of interest in the “common good.” They will evaluate what first principles underlie the current debate, where there is common ground, and how we can advance the conversation to a place that honors both liberty and virtue. You will be shocked to hear that the conversation will delve into federalism, limiting principles, the need for specificity, and yes, a hierarchy of loves. Few Capital Record episodes scratch all the itches of what we care about like this one! Show notes:Andrew Walker’s Daily Wire articleDavid’s National Review article Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Markets exist to accommodate commercial transactions, and these commercial transactions represent a major sphere of human existence. We work, produce, and exchange as a vital part of our human endeavor, and when these commercial transactions are not distorted, perverted, and suffocated by extrinsic forces, the testimony of history is that they do wonders toward building a more prosperous society and a higher standard of living. But they don’t meet all human needs, because they are not designed to. It is an extreme category error to wonder how humans are becoming lonelier even in a free market society. On today’s Capital Record, David suggests that many things markets have produced enhance our capacity for friendship, social interaction, and human togetherness, but that many other things could give us excuse to minimize these things, generally to our own detriment. The solution to this whole thing may surprise you, but it will be presented on today’s Capital Record. Show Notes: "The Economics of Friendship" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.