Mike Williams’ Capital Idea

Midterm Election Review

As the results of the midterm elections become finalized, Mike and Mitch review the implications of both the national election and local election results in Colorado. One thing they agree on is that the expected Red Wave in 2022 was more like a Red Ripple... 

Mike’s ”Economics” Interview on the Lee Elcie Show

Lee Elci is an American radio talk show host, political commentator, print journalist, author, writer and producer of the Lee Elcie Show - The Voice of Freedom on 94.9 News Now in Connecticut. Lee interviewed Mike earlier this month to discuss economics and the importance of defending capitalism.

Adam Smith, Liz Truss, & European Liberalism with Eamonn Butler

Recorded in Oslo, Norway at the 2022 Mont Pelerin Society Conference, Mike caught up with well-known British Economist, Eamonn Butler. Eamonn Butler is the Co-founder & Director of the Adam Smith Institute, as well as a prolific author of many books including, his Foundations of a Free Society which won the 2014 Fisher Prize. In this podcast episode, Mike and Eamonn cover the concept of European (or Classical) Liberalism as well as the purpose and history of MPS, the legacy of Adam Smith, and Eamonn's personal insights about Margaret Thatcher and thoughts on Liz Truss in the UK Government (before she resigned).

Defending the Declaration = Defending Capitalism with Tom Krannawitter

Mike has a wide-ranging discussion with his colleague, Dr. Tom Krannawitter, including the fact that championing the Declaration of Independence IS championing Capitalism and why the enemies of both get it, while most so-called defenders of freedom don’t.  A master teacher who brings history alive, Krannawitter reveals much about Lincoln, Robin Williams and more…

The Tragedy of Airline Transportation

As Mike gets ready to go on a trip to Europe, he discusses with Mitch the faults and tragedy of regulation in the airline transportation industry. Looking at the history of regulation in the airline industry, it's easy to see there's an opportunity for advocacy of freedom and entrepreneurship, and it's what we need now more than ever.

Think Right or Wrong, Not Left or Right with Anders Ingemarson

A guide to citizenship, just in time for Midterm elections!  Mike interviews author Anders Ingemarson on his newly revised book:  Think Right or Wrong, Not Left or Right.   They cover lots of ground including a framework for how to think about political parties and election issues, the principles involved and application to several specific issues. 

Guns n’ Capitalism

Capitalism is about individual rights and individuals have a right to their guns but where is the line?  Should Defenders of Capitalism defend the 2^nd Amendment?  Unconditionally?  Mike and Mitch discuss the rational role for government in applying the 2^nd Amendment to today’s world.  Key concepts:  property rights, when do “arms” become a threat or violation of other’s rights, the right to defend oneself and property, innocent until proven guilty and due process.

Unionization Resurgence

Why is unionization and membership on the rise? Are unions anti-capitalist and inherently bad for the economy? Mike and Mitch discuss the history and function of unions along with what that looks like for the future.

A Historian’s Lesson for the Defenders of Capitalism with Eric Daniels

Mike is joined by Eric Daniels, PhD, professor of history and Assistant Director at the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism.  They cover a wide range of topics including the history of capitalism and its being a result of the Enlightenment, education, the roots of progressivism, SCOTUS decisions, and especially the primary mistake made by conservative "defenders" of capitalism:  the failure to focus on fundamentals and moral premises.

Beginning of the Beginning of the End for Administrative Law?

With the recent Supreme Court decision in West Virginia vs EPA, it looks like there is a small crack in the wall of "administrative law" that has been one of the keys to the growth of the Regulatory/Welfare State.  Mike and Mitch discuss this decision and the underlying principles at stake including the famous Chevron and Auer deference.  This is a small but significant win for Capitalism, since the administrative state has been eroding the rule of law for over a century.  The "principle" that compels courts to defer to ABC agency's arbitrary interpretations of ambiguous statutes needs to be questioned and overthrown.