Minor Issues

Mar 08 2025 110 ep. 77

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Succinct economic commentary by Dr. Mark Thornton, senior fellow at the Mises Institute.

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Extractive Psychology

In this episode, Mark explores the psychology and economics of extractive industries, from mining to energy production. Despite their crucial role in advancing civilization—providing everything from metals to fuel—these industries are now vilified, especially by younger generations influenced by environmentalist ideology. But what are the real economic consequences of restricti

Is Amazon a Union-Busting Leviathan?

On this episode of Minor Issues, Mark Thornton examines the relentless attacks on Amazon, from labor disputes to environmental concerns. Is Amazon truly exploiting workers, or is the unionization push just a case of economic envy? Mark dissects the claims, debunks myths about wages and working conditions, and explores the economic realities behind one of the world’s biggest emplo

The Human Trend

There are many important twists and turns in human history, but from the long perspective, the history of humans can be seen as a very positive upward sloping trend in all the important standard of living markers. Why don't Austrian economists talk about trends?"The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs" (Minor Issues Podcast): Mises.org/MI_78"Ludwig von Mises on Trade, Human Development

Tariff Increases vs. Tax Cuts

Can tariff increases make up for the future revenue losses from extending the income tax reductions from President Trump’s first term? This latest political hot potato is a false scenario and a dangerous one. It puts our standard of living at a critical crossroads. Mark Thornton identifies the missing road signs.See also "Why Smart People Are Rightly Confused About Tariffs"

Closing Signs

It was not long ago that signs for “Help Wanted” seemed to be in every store window. However, they are now being replaced with “Store Closing” signs. This switcheroo tells us volumes about how people in the economy are adjusting to the Fed’s money printing business.See also, "Profit and Loss" by Ludwig von Mises: https://mises.org/library/book/profit-and-lossEnter the raf

American Satisfaction

According to a recent Gallup poll, “Americans are far more satisfied with the way things are going in their own life than with the US in general.” Opinion polls and the latest electoral results, however, are at odds with the facts as presented by mainstream media, government statistical offices, and even the stock market. What is going on?Register to attend Educating for Libert

Modern Piggy Banks

Pundits have labeled piggy banks small change, irrational and wasteful, “just sitting around doing nothing.” As usual, they are wrong.Register to attend Educating for Liberty: Mises Circle in Tampa, February 22, 2025, at Mises.org/Tampa25. Use promo code Minor25 for 10% off the ticket price.Enter the 2025 Bitcoin vs. Gold Prediction Contest at https://mises.org/form/bitcoin-gol

The Price of Beef

In the US, the price of hamburger meat ended 2024 near a record high of $5.60 per pound. Is there a magic wand to solve the problem of high beef prices, as well as high pork and chicken prices? Yes, actually. Mark Thornton explains.Additional Resources"Where’s the Beef?" (Minor Issues Podcast): Mises.org/MI_36"Average Price: Ground Beef" (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis): https

My Cuban Vacation

Cuba was once a famous vacation destination for Americans. Although we can now travel to Cuba, most Americans have been deprived of various forms of trading with the Cuban people. Likewise, Cubans have been deprived of trading with Americans and visiting their American relatives. Does anyone think this situation is good for Americans? Does anyone think this impasse is good for Cuba

An Economic Forecast for 2025

Mark Thornton looks forward to 2025—and a little bit backward at 2024—and projects what we might see in the coming new year. He also shares his economic "wish list" for the younger generation in 2025. Enter the 2025 Bitcoin vs. Gold Prediction Contest at https://mises.org/form/bitcoin-gold--2025-entryOrder a free paperback copy of Murray Rothbard’s What Has Government Do