Audio Mises Wire - Subsidies to Amtrak and Siemens: A Pathway To Cronyism For The Few

Despite assurances from Amtrak's administrators that profitability is just around the corner, Amtrak remains a huge money loser. However, even given the long distances of some of the routes, Amtrak could still be profitable if its leadership is willing to make changes.

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/subsidies-amtrak-and-siemens-pathway-cronyism-few

The Indicator from Planet Money - When is cosplay a crime?

Cosplay—or dressing up as your favorite character from pop culture—is fun! But it can fall into a legal gray area when it comes to companies' intellectual property.

Today on the show: a group of cosplayers, Lucasfilm(!), a lawyer, and finding economic symbiosis in order to express yourself.

Related episodes:
Before La La Land there was Fort Lee, New Jersey (Apple / Spotify)
Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA? (Apple / Spotify)

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Audio Mises Wire - Democratic Socialism IS Totalitarianism

The word "democratic" is supposed to soften the blow of socialism, with Zohran Mamdani's campaign being the latest to fool the voters. In reality, there is no softening real socialism, as it depends upon coercion, violence, and ultimately becomes totalitarian.

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/democratic-socialism-totalitarianism

Audio Mises Wire - Josh Hawley Proves That Republicans Still Don’t Understand Economics

By introducing legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley is demonstrating that while Republicans like to talk about free markets, they are statists and interventionists like their Democratic colleagues across the aisle.

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/josh-hawley-proves-republicans-still-dont-understand-economics

Audio Mises Wire - Thomas Paine Slaps Congress with His Résumé

Perhaps no publication contributed more to the Colonials' drive for independence from Great Britain than Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense." But what if he had tried to get the Continental Congress to publish it, instead? The following debate might have occurred.

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/thomas-paine-slaps-congress-his-resume