We started this podcast over five years ago, committed to a free and virtuous society, and now with 300 episodes under our belt, the commitment is deeper and more robust than ever. In this very special episode, David revisits the genesis of Capital Record, reaffirms the themes that matter, identifies the enemies of human flourishing working to undermine freedom and opportunity, and offers up a manifesto of commitments for the years ahead.

Pre-roll:
Duke Energy

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Ben Sasse may not know exactly how much more time God has for him here on earth, but he sure is using whatever time he does have to spread truth and wisdom. On today’s Capital Record we look at Sasse’s recent op-ed in the WSJ and his contrarian approach to the AI tech revolution. In this transformative technological moment, Ben doesn’t see a need to “get with the algorithms” but rather an opportunity to “re-discover the virtues.” And he knows just where to go to find them.

Show notes:
Habits for Humanity in the Age of AI
 

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David is joined this week by U.S. energy industry legend and pioneer, Charif Souki. Hear not only his incredible story as a leading force in the shale revolution but also get the lay of the land in one of the great stories of our time: U.S. energy dominance. All at once this episode will remind you of the role robust capital markets play in the cause of free enterprise and reiterate the most important business principles that matter. A truly special Capital Record!

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American capital markets are celebrated on this podcast -- as they should be by anyone who values a free and virtuous society. Rule of law is a vital component to upholding the effect strong capital markets have on our economy. The DOJ blocking of a Jet Blue acquisition of Spirit Airlines did not avoid two bankruptcies -- it created one. And on today’s podcast, we prove it.

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If only there was a way to avoid taxpayers now bailing out a failed private enterprise whose pricing model cannot work in this economy? Well, there was -- it was a merger with a more capitalized and established brand name airline, only the same government about to spend your tax dollars on a failed private business with no national security connections whatsoever was the same one who blocked the private markets solution that would have been a winner for everyone. Now, instead of everyone winning, we literally get everyone losing -- and I mean everyone. But nobody is losing more than those arguing that increased government stewardship of the economy is a good idea. There is no bankruptcy deep enough for the intellectual rot of that position.

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David concluded an 18-month research project and interviews with a dozen attorneys and judges with a lengthy piece on the the disaster of our current legal system. In today’s Capital Record he offers a dozen reform ideas that are desperately needed, and concludes with one that is more important than all of them put together. Hint: It doesn’t involve the judicial system.

Show Notes: David’s National Review article, "The Next Supply-Side Battle"

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The political world was abuzz Sunday night at the devastating defeat pro-Putin post-liberal, Viktor Orbán, suffered in Hungary’s national election. Some on the American right have mistakenly cozied up to Orbán, finding some compatibility with his occasional messages about social values. But alas, even beyond the confused moral messaging, what did Orbán in is what will do all “new right” illiberals in -- a disdain for the freedom and opportunity of a market economy.

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David French wrote a provocative piece in the New York Times recently asking the very legitimate question, “If people are doing better, why are they more resentful?” In today’s Capital Record, David Bahnsen looks at the macroeconomic picture, reviews the thesis of our crisis of responsibility, unpacks the difference between greed and envy, and suggests a culprit that is at least a good starting place for improving those who feel left out of the modern economy.

"How Can America Be So Miserable When It's So Rich?"

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What does it say about a con man and con woman that they got away using fake names and doing fake events to rip off people, charities, and investors for years? It says that they are con artists! Perhaps the bigger question, though, is what it says about their marks. In today’s Capital Record David looks at a depressing fact about too many affluent people that even makes something like this possible.

Show Notes:
The Fake Cartier and the Fake Rockefeller

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A jury ruled last week that social media companies are financially liable for a young woman's becoming “addicted” to social media use. In today’s Capital Record, David opines on the utterly ridiculous verdict and the horrific things it says about society, but also offers a social commentary on where companies do have a moral burden, outside the law, if we are to have a free and virtuous society. As is often the case, there is enough fusionism in David’s take to bother everyone.

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