http://www.cato.org/rss/event_podcasts_itunes.xml http://www.cato.org/realaudio/audiopages.html Event Podcast from the Cato Institute webmaster@cato.org (Cato Webmaster) en-us Copyright 2007, Cato Institute, All Rights Reserved Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT Podcast of policy and book forums, Capitol Hill briefings and other events from the Cato Institute Individual Liberty, Limited Government, Free Markets, and Peace The Cato Institute Cato,Institute,Events,Policy,Forums,Book,Forums,Conferences,Capitol,Hill,Briefings http://www.cato.org/images/subscriptions/catologo_podcast_2.jpg http://www.cato.org/events/archive.html Cato Logo 100 100 webmaster@cato.org Cato no http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4424 It is 2008. Research suggests the federal Medicare program spends as much as $100 billion per year on medical care that makes seniors no healthier or happier. Its payment system continues to reward low-quality and even harmful medical care. The trustees of the Medicare program have issued yet another annual report containing dire warnings about Medicare's financial sustainability, including an unfunded liability of $86 trillion. The picture is far worse than it was when politicians were developing fundamental Medicare reforms 10 years ago. Yet politicians today seem uninterested. The president has proposed reforms that would barely slow the program's growing dependence on general revenues-a proposal that Congress has largely ignored. Leading presidential candidates advocate tweaks-such as reducing payments for private plans and prescription drugs, or tying payments to quality measures-rather than fundamental reform. Come hear leading analysts discuss whether the case for Medicare reform is any less powerful now than in the past. Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-05-15-08.mp3 Featuring [Thomas R. Saving], Medicare trustee, 2001-2007 and [Stuart Guterman], Commonwealth Fund. Moderated by [Michael F. Cannon], Cato Institute.... It is 2008. Research suggests the federal Medicare program spends as much as $100 billion per year on medical care that makes seniors no healthier or happier. Its payment system continues to reward low-quality and even harmful medical care. The trustees of the Medicare program have issued yet another annual report containing dire warnings about Medicare's financial sustainability, including an unfunded liability of $86 trillion. The picture is far worse than it was when politicians were developing fundamental Medicare reforms 10 years ago. Yet politicians today seem uninterested. The president has proposed reforms that would barely slow the program's growing dependence on general revenues-a proposal that Congress has largely ignored. Leading presidential candidates advocate tweaks-such as reducing payments for private plans and prescription drugs, or tying payments to quality measures-rather than fundamental reform. Come hear leading analysts discuss whether the case for Medicare reform is any less powerful now than in the past. 01:21:11 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4763 Starting in the 1970s, conservatives learned that electoral victory did not easily convert into a reversal of important liberal accomplishments, especially in the law. As a result, conservatives' mobilizing efforts increasingly turned to law schools, professional networks, public interest groups, and the judiciary—areas traditionally controlled by liberals. Drawing from previously unavailable internal documents, as well as interviews with key figures, The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement examines this sometimes fitful, and still only partially successful, conservative (and libertarian) challenge to liberal domination of the law. Steven Teles explores how this mobilization was shaped by the legal profession and the difficulties in matching strategic opportunities with effective organizational responses. He explains how foundations and other groups promoting conservative ideas built a network designed to dislodge legal liberalism from American elite institutions. And he portrays the reality, not of a grand strategy masterfully pursued, but of individuals and political entrepreneurs learning from trial and error. The book provides an unprecedented look at the inner life of one of the most striking developments in American public affairs over the last several decades. Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-05-14-08.mp3 Featuring the author, [Steven Teles], University of Maryland and Yale University Law School, with comments from [Roger Pilon], Cato Institute and [Hon. David McIntosh], Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, former Member of Congress (R-IN), Federalist Socie... Starting in the 1970s, conservatives learned that electoral victory did not easily convert into a reversal of important liberal accomplishments, especially in the law. As a result, conservatives' mobilizing efforts increasingly turned to law schools, professional networks, public interest groups, and the judiciary—areas traditionally controlled by liberals. Drawing from previously unavailable internal documents, as well as interviews with key figures, The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement examines this sometimes fitful, and still only partially successful, conservative (and libertarian) challenge to liberal domination of the law. Steven Teles explores how this mobilization was shaped by the legal profession and the difficulties in matching strategic opportunities with effective organizational responses. He explains how foundations and other groups promoting conservative ideas built a network designed to dislodge legal liberalism from American elite institutions. And he portrays the reality, not of a grand strategy masterfully pursued, but of individuals and political entrepreneurs learning from trial and error. The book provides an unprecedented look at the inner life of one of the most striking developments in American public affairs over the last several decades. 01:23:49 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4646 Following the Rose Revolution of 2003, the former Soviet Republic of Georgia began far-reaching reforms in governance and economic policy that are turning the country into a post-socialist success story. Georgia now ranks 44th out of 141 countries on the Economic Freedom of the World index, is cited by the World Bank as one of the world's leading reformers, and is sustaining economic growth of more than 9 percent per year. Kakha Bendukidze, one of Georgia's key reformers, will explain how his country is rapidly modernizing and will share his vision for continued high growth in a sometimes hostile neighborhood. Andrei Illarionov will assess Georgia's progress and highlight its remaining challenges in consolidating democratic capitalism. Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-05-13-08.mp3 Featuring [Kakha Bendukidze], Head of the State Chancellery, Georgia, with comments by [Andrei Illarionov], Senior Fellow, Cato Institute, and Former Economic Adviser to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Moderated by [Ian Vásquez], Cato Institu... Following the Rose Revolution of 2003, the former Soviet Republic of Georgia began far-reaching reforms in governance and economic policy that are turning the country into a post-socialist success story. Georgia now ranks 44th out of 141 countries on the Economic Freedom of the World index, is cited by the World Bank as one of the world's leading reformers, and is sustaining economic growth of more than 9 percent per year. Kakha Bendukidze, one of Georgia's key reformers, will explain how his country is rapidly modernizing and will share his vision for continued high growth in a sometimes hostile neighborhood. Andrei Illarionov will assess Georgia's progress and highlight its remaining challenges in consolidating democratic capitalism. 01:19:51 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4565 Taxation was central to the evolution of government in colonial America, and complaints about taxation led directly to the Revolution in 1776. Taxation in Colonial America provides a definitive history of taxation in the colonies from Jamestown to the Revolution. In almost 1,000 pages, Rabushka’s book covers an array of fascinating subjects such as the monetary systems of the colonies, British governance and politics, tax evasion and tax revolts, the development of colonial legislatures, and differences in tax systems between the colonies. The level of interesting detail about both tax and nontax subjects in this book is astounding. This forum will be a treat for anyone interested in taxation, American history, or the development of English and American political structures. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-05-08-08-1.mp3 Featuring the author [Alvin Rabushka], Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Moderated by [Chris Edwards], Cato Institute.... Taxation was central to the evolution of government in colonial America, and complaints about taxation led directly to the Revolution in 1776. Taxation in Colonial America provides a definitive history of taxation in the colonies from Jamestown to the Revolution. In almost 1,000 pages, Rabushka’s book covers an array of fascinating subjects such as the monetary systems of the colonies, British governance and politics, tax evasion and tax revolts, the development of colonial legislatures, and differences in tax systems between the colonies. The level of interesting detail about both tax and nontax subjects in this book is astounding. This forum will be a treat for anyone interested in taxation, American history, or the development of English and American political structures. 01:15:25 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4755 Conservatives love war, empire, and the military-industrial complex. They abhor peace, the sole and rightful property of liberals. Right? Wrong. According to Bill Kauffman, true conservatives have always resisted the imperial and military impulse: it drains the treasury, curtails domestic liberties, breaks down families, and vulgarizes culture. From the Federalists who opposed the War of 1812, to the striving of Robert Taft (known as "Mr. Republican") to keep the United States out of Korea, to the latter-day libertarian critics of the Iraq war, there has historically been nothing unusual about anti-war activists on the political right. And while these critics of U.S. military crusades have been vilified by the party of George W. Bush, their conservative vision of a peaceful, decentralized, and noninterventionist America gives us a glimpse of the country we could have had—and might yet attain. Passionate and witty, Ain't My America is an eye-opening exploration of the forgotten history of right-wing peace movements—and a clarion call to anti-war conservatives of today. But Michael Tomasky, the former executive editor of the American Prospect who now edits the Guardian newspaper's American online edition, begs to differ. Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-05-08-08-2.mp3 Featuring the author [Bill Kauffman], with comments by [Michael Tomasky], Editor, Guardian America. Moderated by [David Boaz], Cato Institute.... Conservatives love war, empire, and the military-industrial complex. They abhor peace, the sole and rightful property of liberals. Right? Wrong. According to Bill Kauffman, true conservatives have always resisted the imperial and military impulse: it drains the treasury, curtails domestic liberties, breaks down families, and vulgarizes culture. From the Federalists who opposed the War of 1812, to the striving of Robert Taft (known as "Mr. Republican") to keep the United States out of Korea, to the latter-day libertarian critics of the Iraq war, there has historically been nothing unusual about anti-war activists on the political right. And while these critics of U.S. military crusades have been vilified by the party of George W. Bush, their conservative vision of a peaceful, decentralized, and noninterventionist America gives us a glimpse of the country we could have had—and might yet attain. Passionate and witty, Ain't My America is an eye-opening exploration of the forgotten history of right-wing peace movements—and a clarion call to anti-war conservatives of today. But Michael Tomasky, the former executive editor of the American Prospect who now edits the Guardian newspaper's American online edition, begs to differ. 01:06:38 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4736 On May 11, 2008, the statutory deadline for compliance with the REAL ID Act will pass without a single state meeting its requirements. Indeed, more than 17 states have passed legislation objecting to or outright refusing to implement this national ID law. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security handed out extensions of the compliance deadline just for the asking, but state leaders from across the ideological spectrum refused even this small gesture of acquiescence. A REAL ID rebellion is underway, and it has ushered in a debate on whether the United States should have a national ID system. The debate didn’t happen when the law passed because Congress held no hearings, and there was no up-or-down vote on REAL ID in the Senate. Votes this year on REAL ID funding, or perhaps repeal of the national ID law, will reveal where Members of Congress stand on the question whether law-abiding American citizens should be practically or legally required to carry a national ID. Please join us to hear two prominent leaders present their distinct perspectives on REAL ID, identification policy, national and individual security, identity fraud, and privacy. Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-05-07-08.mp3 Featuring [Mark Sanford], Republican Governor of South Carolina and [Jon Tester], Democratic U.S. Senator from Montana. Moderated by [Jim Harper], Cato Institute.... On May 11, 2008, the statutory deadline for compliance with the REAL ID Act will pass without a single state meeting its requirements. Indeed, more than 17 states have passed legislation objecting to or outright refusing to implement this national ID law. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security handed out extensions of the compliance deadline just for the asking, but state leaders from across the ideological spectrum refused even this small gesture of acquiescence. A REAL ID rebellion is underway, and it has ushered in a debate on whether the United States should have a national ID system. The debate didn’t happen when the law passed because Congress held no hearings, and there was no up-or-down vote on REAL ID in the Senate. Votes this year on REAL ID funding, or perhaps repeal of the national ID law, will reveal where Members of Congress stand on the question whether law-abiding American citizens should be practically or legally required to carry a national ID. Please join us to hear two prominent leaders present their distinct perspectives on REAL ID, identification policy, national and individual security, identity fraud, and privacy. 00:56:52 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4751 Why are we, in many respects, less free now than we were 200 years ago? How did we get from our Founders’ Constitution, which established a strictly limited government, to today’s Constitution, which has expanded government and curtailed individual rights? That’s the story of The Dirty Dozen — a book written for non-lawyers about 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases that moved the course of American history away from constitutional government. Whether it involves the regulation of commerce, political speech, economic liberties, property rights, welfare, racial preferences, gun owners’ rights, or imprisonment without charge, the U.S. Supreme Court has behaved in a manner that would have stunned, mystified, and outraged our Founding Fathers. We were supposed to have a government of limited power and maximum freedom for the individual. Instead, we have been afflicted by a vast enlargement of both federal and state power, condoned by a Supreme Court that has selectively protected some — but not all — of our constitutionally guaranteed rights. Please join the authors for a discussion of the 12 worst Supreme Court cases of the modern era, with commentary by the dean of Supreme Court reporters. Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-05-06-08.mp3 Featuring the authors [Robert A. Levy], Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute, and [William Mellor], President and General Counsel, Institute for Justice, with comments by [Lyle Denniston], Supreme Court Correspondent for SCOTU... Why are we, in many respects, less free now than we were 200 years ago? How did we get from our Founders’ Constitution, which established a strictly limited government, to today’s Constitution, which has expanded government and curtailed individual rights? That’s the story of The Dirty Dozen — a book written for non-lawyers about 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases that moved the course of American history away from constitutional government. Whether it involves the regulation of commerce, political speech, economic liberties, property rights, welfare, racial preferences, gun owners’ rights, or imprisonment without charge, the U.S. Supreme Court has behaved in a manner that would have stunned, mystified, and outraged our Founding Fathers. We were supposed to have a government of limited power and maximum freedom for the individual. Instead, we have been afflicted by a vast enlargement of both federal and state power, condoned by a Supreme Court that has selectively protected some — but not all — of our constitutionally guaranteed rights. Please join the authors for a discussion of the 12 worst Supreme Court cases of the modern era, with commentary by the dean of Supreme Court reporters. 01:28:25 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4526 Expanding on their widely discussed article on "libertarian paternalism," Professors Sunstein and Thaler argue that people often make bad choices on diet, retirement savings, health insurance, and contributing to climate change. In their new book they examine how human beings make decisions. Recent scientific research shows that people are susceptible to cognitive biases and blunders. Because we are human, we are fallible, and because we are fallible, we can use all the help we can get. Sunstein and Thaler argue that by knowing how people think, we can design choice environments that make it easier for people to choose what is best for themselves, their families, and their society. Using colorful examples from the most important aspects of life, Thaler and Sunstein demonstrate how thoughtful "choice architecture" can be established to nudge us in beneficial directions without restricting freedom of choice. Will Wilkinson and Terrence Chorvat will raise questions about the proper place of "choice architecture" in a free society and the plausibility of "libertarian paternalism." Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-05-01-08.mp3 Featuring the coauthor [Cass Sunstein], University of Chicago Law School, with comments by [Terrence Chorvat], George Mason University Law School and [Will Wilkinson], Cato Institute.... Expanding on their widely discussed article on "libertarian paternalism," Professors Sunstein and Thaler argue that people often make bad choices on diet, retirement savings, health insurance, and contributing to climate change. In their new book they examine how human beings make decisions. Recent scientific research shows that people are susceptible to cognitive biases and blunders. Because we are human, we are fallible, and because we are fallible, we can use all the help we can get. Sunstein and Thaler argue that by knowing how people think, we can design choice environments that make it easier for people to choose what is best for themselves, their families, and their society. Using colorful examples from the most important aspects of life, Thaler and Sunstein demonstrate how thoughtful "choice architecture" can be established to nudge us in beneficial directions without restricting freedom of choice. Will Wilkinson and Terrence Chorvat will raise questions about the proper place of "choice architecture" in a free society and the plausibility of "libertarian paternalism." 01:29:14 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4674 In the aftermath of 9/11, President Bush declared that the struggle against terrorism would be nothing less than a war-a new kind of war that would require new tactics, new government powers, and a new mindset. In a new book, Bush's Law, Eric Lichtblau argues that counterterrorism officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency were asked to play roles they had never played before. To facilitate these new roles, legal restrictions were set aside, or disregarded, as administration officials sanctioned new intelligence and law enforcement programs. As a reporter for the New York Times, Lichtblau helped to break the story on the NSA's warrantless wiretapping program, for which he was later awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-04-23-08.mp3 Featuring the author [Eric Lichtblau], New York Times. Moderated by [Timothy Lynch], Cato Institute. ... In the aftermath of 9/11, President Bush declared that the struggle against terrorism would be nothing less than a war-a new kind of war that would require new tactics, new government powers, and a new mindset. In a new book, Bush's Law, Eric Lichtblau argues that counterterrorism officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency were asked to play roles they had never played before. To facilitate these new roles, legal restrictions were set aside, or disregarded, as administration officials sanctioned new intelligence and law enforcement programs. As a reporter for the New York Times, Lichtblau helped to break the story on the NSA's warrantless wiretapping program, for which he was later awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. 00:52:48 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4683 On April 22, just as Pennsylvania Democrats go the polls in the last large primary before their nominating convention, the Supreme Court will hear yet another challenge to the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law: The Millionaires’ Amendment attempts to discourage congressional candidates from spending more than $350,000 of their own money on their election campaigns. It penalizes expenditures above that threshold by allowing increased contribution limits and unlimited coordinated party expenditures for the self-financing candidate's opponent. Does this penalty unconstitutionally chill protected political speech, or is there a compelling governmental interest at stake? How does self-financing impact corruption or the concept of a level playing field? Please join Cato scholars John Samples and Ilya Shapiro for a lively exploration of the Millionaires’ Amendment and other election regulations affecting this campaign season. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/hba-04-21-08.mp3 Featuring [John Samples], Director, Center for Representative Government, Cato Institute, and [Ilya Shapiro], Senior Fellow, Center for Constitutional Studies and Editor-in-Chief, Cato Supreme Court Review, Cato Institute.... On April 22, just as Pennsylvania Democrats go the polls in the last large primary before their nominating convention, the Supreme Court will hear yet another challenge to the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law: The Millionaires’ Amendment attempts to discourage congressional candidates from spending more than $350,000 of their own money on their election campaigns. It penalizes expenditures above that threshold by allowing increased contribution limits and unlimited coordinated party expenditures for the self-financing candidate's opponent. Does this penalty unconstitutionally chill protected political speech, or is there a compelling governmental interest at stake? How does self-financing impact corruption or the concept of a level playing field? Please join Cato scholars John Samples and Ilya Shapiro for a lively exploration of the Millionaires’ Amendment and other election regulations affecting this campaign season. 00:34:07 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4765 In the modern global economy, highly skilled workers are increasingly important to continued growth and prosperity. Yet despite the dramatically increasing demand for foreign skilled labor, Congress has failed to increase the number of H-1B visas. As a result, U.S. immigration laws permit only a fraction of willing, skilled workers to add their talents to our society, reducing the welfare of both domestic workers and those who were denied access. Please join Senator Judd Gregg and Cato scholar Daniel Griswold for a discussion of reforming U.S. immigration policy to improve economic growth, expand individual choice, and maintain America's competitive advantage in innovation. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/hba-04-17-08.mp3 Featuring [Senator Judd Gregg] (R-NH) and [Daniel Griswold], Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute.... In the modern global economy, highly skilled workers are increasingly important to continued growth and prosperity. Yet despite the dramatically increasing demand for foreign skilled labor, Congress has failed to increase the number of H-1B visas. As a result, U.S. immigration laws permit only a fraction of willing, skilled workers to add their talents to our society, reducing the welfare of both domestic workers and those who were denied access. Please join Senator Judd Gregg and Cato scholar Daniel Griswold for a discussion of reforming U.S. immigration policy to improve economic growth, expand individual choice, and maintain America's competitive advantage in innovation. 00:21:16 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4451 A quarter century ago, A Nation at Risk shook the country and energized two education reform movements: school choice, and government-driven standards and accountability. For years, proponents of these reforms coexisted, even cooperated, but rifts have begun to appear. "Instructionists" now argue that markets without government standards are doomed to fail, while market reformers assail government standards as futile and anti-competitive. Please join our panelists as they debate the role of these reforms in fixing American education, 25 years after A Nation at Risk. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-04-16-08.mp3 Featuring [Sol Stern], Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute; [Gary Huggins], Director, Commission on No Child Left Behind, Aspen Institute; [Andrew Coulson], Director, Center for Educational Freedom, Cato Institute; and [John Merrifield], Professo... A quarter century ago, A Nation at Risk shook the country and energized two education reform movements: school choice, and government-driven standards and accountability. For years, proponents of these reforms coexisted, even cooperated, but rifts have begun to appear. "Instructionists" now argue that markets without government standards are doomed to fail, while market reformers assail government standards as futile and anti-competitive. Please join our panelists as they debate the role of these reforms in fixing American education, 25 years after A Nation at Risk. 01:24:50 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4663 In May 2007, congressional leaders agreed to consider free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Korea, Panama, and Peru if they were accompanied by additional labor and environmental standards. In the wake of the December 2007 U.S.-Peru FTA passage, key congressional leaders now demand substantial expansion in the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program before considering the other three FTAs. But can TAA expansion ensure enactment of the other agreements? Is it a trade-off worth making? And why are these particular bilateral trade agreements important to American interests? Finally, should the White House use the fast-track rules to force Congress to vote? Please join Cato Institute trade scholars Daniel Griswold and Sallie James for a discussion about why expansions of free trade should not be held hostage to a domestic welfare program. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/hba-04-11-08.mp3 Featuring [Daniel T. Griswold], Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute, and [Sallie James], Trade Policy Analyst, Cato Institute.... In May 2007, congressional leaders agreed to consider free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Korea, Panama, and Peru if they were accompanied by additional labor and environmental standards. In the wake of the December 2007 U.S.-Peru FTA passage, key congressional leaders now demand substantial expansion in the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program before considering the other three FTAs. But can TAA expansion ensure enactment of the other agreements? Is it a trade-off worth making? And why are these particular bilateral trade agreements important to American interests? Finally, should the White House use the fast-track rules to force Congress to vote? Please join Cato Institute trade scholars Daniel Griswold and Sallie James for a discussion about why expansions of free trade should not be held hostage to a domestic welfare program. 00:52:12 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4583 America's increasingly loud and bipartisan call for energy independence may well be having a negative impact on world crude oil markets. A. F. Alhajji, one of America's most widely published academic oil economists, believes that investment trends in oil-producing countries are being affected by our (largely rhetorical) campaign against foreign oil. The net result is less oil and gas exports and higher world prices. Alhajji is a syndicated columnist and a regular contributing editor for one of the industry's premier publications, World Oil magazine. In addition, he is an associate editor for Oil, Gas and Energy Law. Alhajji is also the energy columnist for the major daily business newspaper in Saudi Arabia, Aleqtisadiah. His articles have appeared in numerous countries and in more than 10 languages. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-04-09-08.mp3 Featuring [A. F. Alhajji], Associate Professor at the College of Business Administration, Ohio Northern University. Moderated by [Jerry Taylor], Cato Institute.... America's increasingly loud and bipartisan call for energy independence may well be having a negative impact on world crude oil markets. A. F. Alhajji, one of America's most widely published academic oil economists, believes that investment trends in oil-producing countries are being affected by our (largely rhetorical) campaign against foreign oil. The net result is less oil and gas exports and higher world prices. Alhajji is a syndicated columnist and a regular contributing editor for one of the industry's premier publications, World Oil magazine. In addition, he is an associate editor for Oil, Gas and Energy Law. Alhajji is also the energy columnist for the major daily business newspaper in Saudi Arabia, Aleqtisadiah. His articles have appeared in numerous countries and in more than 10 languages. 01:19:52 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4589 Many African states have been addicted to Western aid for decades. Unfortunately, Africa as a whole has stagnated and some African countries are poorer today then they were in the 1960s. In recent years, advocates of foreign aid have called for making aid more efficient, but that may be easier said than done. The problem, some critics argue, is that aid supports predatory governments and perpetuates institutions that are alien to Africa. The "modern" state, characterized by Western-style elections and bureaucracies, may be ill-suited to African conditions. Failing governments should be allowed to collapse and be replaced by institutions indigenous to Africa. Our panel will discuss the likely consequences of ending aid and consider subsequent institutional developments. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-04-02-08.mp3 Featuring: [Edward N. Luttwak], Senior Associate, Center for Strategic and International Studies; [George Ayittey], Professor of Economics, American University; and [Mauro De Lorenzo], Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute. Moderated by... Many African states have been addicted to Western aid for decades. Unfortunately, Africa as a whole has stagnated and some African countries are poorer today then they were in the 1960s. In recent years, advocates of foreign aid have called for making aid more efficient, but that may be easier said than done. The problem, some critics argue, is that aid supports predatory governments and perpetuates institutions that are alien to Africa. The "modern" state, characterized by Western-style elections and bureaucracies, may be ill-suited to African conditions. Failing governments should be allowed to collapse and be replaced by institutions indigenous to Africa. Our panel will discuss the likely consequences of ending aid and consider subsequent institutional developments. 01:23:24 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4500 On March 29 Zimbabweans will cast their votes in presidential and parliamentary elections that are likely to be rigged in favor of Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party. Mugabe and the ZANU-PF elite have presided over the collapse of living standards in Zimbabwe and the destruction of her economy. They are also responsible for massive human rights abuses that include a massacre of some 20,000 civilians in the Matabeleland in the 1980s. The panel will discuss the current economic and political situation in Zimbabwe, and possible post-election scenarios. The forum will coincide with the release of a new Cato study detailing Zimbabwe's decline. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-03-24-08.mp3 Featuring: [Walter H. Kansteiner], Principal, Scowcroft Group Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; [Carol Thompson], Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and [Richard Tren], Director, Af... On March 29 Zimbabweans will cast their votes in presidential and parliamentary elections that are likely to be rigged in favor of Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party. Mugabe and the ZANU-PF elite have presided over the collapse of living standards in Zimbabwe and the destruction of her economy. They are also responsible for massive human rights abuses that include a massacre of some 20,000 civilians in the Matabeleland in the 1980s. The panel will discuss the current economic and political situation in Zimbabwe, and possible post-election scenarios. The forum will coincide with the release of a new Cato study detailing Zimbabwe's decline. 01:14:42 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4437 This book takes a fresh look at the role of the Supreme Court in our constitutional system. Although criticisms of judicial power often attribute its rise to the activism of justices seeking to advance particular political ideologies, Patrick Garry argues instead that the Court’s power has grown mainly because of certain New Deal-era decisions that initially seemed to portend a lessening of that power. The Rehnquist Court tried to strengthen the Constitution's structural protections of liberty but, according to Garry, this effort only went halfway because the Court relied exclusively on judicially enforced rights. A more comprehensive reform would require a return to a reliance on federalism and separation of powers as devices for protecting liberty. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-03-19-08.mp3 Featuring the author [Patrick Garry], University of South Dakota Law School; with comments by [Roger Pilon], Cato Institute, and [Abe Krash], Georgetown University Law Center and Arnold & Porter LLP; moderated by [Ilya Shapiro], Cato Institute.... This book takes a fresh look at the role of the Supreme Court in our constitutional system. Although criticisms of judicial power often attribute its rise to the activism of justices seeking to advance particular political ideologies, Patrick Garry argues instead that the Court’s power has grown mainly because of certain New Deal-era decisions that initially seemed to portend a lessening of that power. The Rehnquist Court tried to strengthen the Constitution's structural protections of liberty but, according to Garry, this effort only went halfway because the Court relied exclusively on judicially enforced rights. A more comprehensive reform would require a return to a reliance on federalism and separation of powers as devices for protecting liberty. 01:13:00 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4525 Economic success-among individuals, firms, products and countries-is often unexpected and unpredicted. William Easterly will draw on insights from Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek to explain why prediction is difficult, success is rare and failure is common; the advantages of decentralized decision making to discover what works best in the market and in public policy; and the need to rely on dispersed and local knowledge, rather than government planning, for poor countries to achieve growth. Arvind Subramanian will draw on his experience working at multilateral institutions to comment on the relevance of Hayek's insights to developing countries and the current foreign aid debate. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-03-18-08.mp3 Featuring [William Easterly], Professor of Economics, New York University, with comments by [Arvind Subramanian], Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics. Moderator [Ian Vásquez], Cato Institute.... Economic success-among individuals, firms, products and countries-is often unexpected and unpredicted. William Easterly will draw on insights from Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek to explain why prediction is difficult, success is rare and failure is common; the advantages of decentralized decision making to discover what works best in the market and in public policy; and the need to rely on dispersed and local knowledge, rather than government planning, for poor countries to achieve growth. Arvind Subramanian will draw on his experience working at multilateral institutions to comment on the relevance of Hayek's insights to developing countries and the current foreign aid debate. 01:28:09 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4516 In 1974, Richard Nixon promoted the possibility of U.S. energy independence in six years. In 1975, Gerald Ford promised it in ten. And in 2007, Barack Obama, Rudy Giuliani, Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, John Edwards and John McCain all trumpeted energy independence as an essential priority for the next president. In 2007, six books were published hailing energy independence as the answer to everything from global warming to terrorism. But what is energy independence? Is it possible? In Gusher of Lies (2008) Robert Bryce breaks down and debunks the myth of energy independence. In addition to his most recent book, Bryce is also the author of Pipe Dreams: Greed, Ego, and the Death of Enron, and Cronies: Oil, the Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America's Superstate. He is managing editor of Energy Tribune, and a contributing writer for the Texas Observer. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-03-18-08.mp3 Featuring [Robert Bryce], Managing Editor, Energy Tribune. Moderated by [Jerry Taylor], Cato Institute.... In 1974, Richard Nixon promoted the possibility of U.S. energy independence in six years. In 1975, Gerald Ford promised it in ten. And in 2007, Barack Obama, Rudy Giuliani, Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, John Edwards and John McCain all trumpeted energy independence as an essential priority for the next president. In 2007, six books were published hailing energy independence as the answer to everything from global warming to terrorism. But what is energy independence? Is it possible? In Gusher of Lies (2008) Robert Bryce breaks down and debunks the myth of energy independence. In addition to his most recent book, Bryce is also the author of Pipe Dreams: Greed, Ego, and the Death of Enron, and Cronies: Oil, the Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America's Superstate. He is managing editor of Energy Tribune, and a contributing writer for the Texas Observer. 01:40:56 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4387 Some believe the 2008 election may transform the modern conservative movement. Others say the administration of George W. Bush has already moved the Republican Party away from any claim to being the champion of limited government and individual liberty. Mickey Edwards argues that conservatives have abandoned these principles in favor of an imperial presidency. These “conservatives” have gutted the system of checks and balances, abandoned due process, and trampled on our cherished civil liberties. From Goldwater to Reagan, conservatives tried to protect citizens from government intrusion; now they see few limits on what government can do. Please join us for a discussion of this new book and its implications for the next administration and beyond. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-03-13-08.mp3 Featuring the author, [Mickey Edwards], Former Member of Congress; Former Chairman, American Conservative Union; Lecturer, Princeton University; with comments by [Edward Crane], President, Cato Institute. ... Some believe the 2008 election may transform the modern conservative movement. Others say the administration of George W. Bush has already moved the Republican Party away from any claim to being the champion of limited government and individual liberty. Mickey Edwards argues that conservatives have abandoned these principles in favor of an imperial presidency. These “conservatives” have gutted the system of checks and balances, abandoned due process, and trampled on our cherished civil liberties. From Goldwater to Reagan, conservatives tried to protect citizens from government intrusion; now they see few limits on what government can do. Please join us for a discussion of this new book and its implications for the next administration and beyond. 01:20:34 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4567 On December 2, 2007, Venezuelans rejected through a referendum constitutional changes proposed by President Hugo Chávez that would have turned their country into a socialist state. The Venezuelan student movement played the key role in that outcome. Student leader Yon Goicoechea will explain how and why students from public and private universities from across the country came together in defense of basic liberties. Author and human rights activist Gustavo Tovar will describe how the movement's philosophy of nonviolence helped to forge an effective opposition. Gerver Torres will discuss the significant impact of the "No" vote on public opinion and politics in Venezuela and throughout Latin America. All three speakers will discuss the future of the student movement and of Venezuelan politics. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-03-12-08.mp3 Featuring: [Yon Goicoechea], Former General Secretary, Venezuelan Student Parliament; [Gustavo Tovar], Author, Estudiantes por la libertad (Students for Liberty) (Caracas: El Nacional, 2007); and [Gerver Torres], Senior Scientist, Gallup. Modera... On December 2, 2007, Venezuelans rejected through a referendum constitutional changes proposed by President Hugo Chávez that would have turned their country into a socialist state. The Venezuelan student movement played the key role in that outcome. Student leader Yon Goicoechea will explain how and why students from public and private universities from across the country came together in defense of basic liberties. Author and human rights activist Gustavo Tovar will describe how the movement's philosophy of nonviolence helped to forge an effective opposition. Gerver Torres will discuss the significant impact of the "No" vote on public opinion and politics in Venezuela and throughout Latin America. All three speakers will discuss the future of the student movement and of Venezuelan politics. 01:20:51 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4429 Throes of Democracy, the second volume in Walter McDougall's series on American history, illuminates a period of profound transformation in American politics and society. From the presidency of Andrew Jackson to the splits and regeneration of American political parties, Throes of Democracy describes in vivid detail America's transformation from frontier Republic to national state. McDougall, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, pays particular attention to the diverse experiences of the new Americans representing a mélange of religions, ethnicities, and ideologies: Jews, Protestants, Catholics; Germans, Irish, Africans; Whigs and Democrats. Examining the outcome of the Civil War, McDougall makes a compelling argument that the failure of Reconstruction can be seen as a progenitor of America's latter-day failed attempts at regime change and nation building. In the end, McDougall's dedication to historical accuracy, his elegant prose, and his sharp analysis make for an eminently readable and moving narrative. Please join the author and our distinguished commentators for a discussion of this fine new history. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-03-11-08.mp3 Featuring the author [Walter A. McDougall], Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania; with comments by [Herman Belz], Professor of History, University of Maryland; and [Anne Sarah Rubin], Associate Professor of History, University of Ma... Throes of Democracy, the second volume in Walter McDougall's series on American history, illuminates a period of profound transformation in American politics and society. From the presidency of Andrew Jackson to the splits and regeneration of American political parties, Throes of Democracy describes in vivid detail America's transformation from frontier Republic to national state. McDougall, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, pays particular attention to the diverse experiences of the new Americans representing a mélange of religions, ethnicities, and ideologies: Jews, Protestants, Catholics; Germans, Irish, Africans; Whigs and Democrats. Examining the outcome of the Civil War, McDougall makes a compelling argument that the failure of Reconstruction can be seen as a progenitor of America's latter-day failed attempts at regime change and nation building. In the end, McDougall's dedication to historical accuracy, his elegant prose, and his sharp analysis make for an eminently readable and moving narrative. Please join the author and our distinguished commentators for a discussion of this fine new history. 01:30:00 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4476 Returning to the subject that first made him famous over two decades ago, Richard Epstein, the author of Takings, has a new book on property rights. In it, he takes readers from the strongly protective property rights advocated by the Constitution's Framers to the weak property rights supported by progressive and liberal politicians in the 20th century. Using both political theory and economic analysis, Epstein offers a compelling interpretation of the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause to draw the connections between property rights, individual liberty, and social progress. And he looks also at the renewed appreciation of property rights that has arisen in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's infamous Kelo v. New London decision. Please join us for a discussion of this new work, with vigorous comments from the other side. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-03-06-08.mp3 Featuring the author, [Richard A. Epstein] James Parker Hall Distinguished Service Professor of Law, University of Chicago, with comments by [J. Peter Byrne], Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center.... Returning to the subject that first made him famous over two decades ago, Richard Epstein, the author of Takings, has a new book on property rights. In it, he takes readers from the strongly protective property rights advocated by the Constitution's Framers to the weak property rights supported by progressive and liberal politicians in the 20th century. Using both political theory and economic analysis, Epstein offers a compelling interpretation of the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause to draw the connections between property rights, individual liberty, and social progress. And he looks also at the renewed appreciation of property rights that has arisen in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's infamous Kelo v. New London decision. Please join us for a discussion of this new work, with vigorous comments from the other side. 01:29:46 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4498 The U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that the First Amendment guarantees individuals the right to speak about politics and politicians without limit. But what if several individuals pool their resources to advocate for or against candidates for public office? Should their speech be limited and regulated by the government? According to federal campaign finance laws, the answer is yes. But a new federal lawsuit on behalf of SpeechNow.org, a group of citizens formed to protect the First Amendment at the ballot box, challenges those laws as a violation of the rights to free speech and association. The case aims to pave the way for independent groups of citizens to make their voices heard in elections, free of burdensome campaign finance regulation. Please join us to hear about this new effort to protect constitutional rights against government overreach. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-03-05-08.mp3 Featuring: [Steve Simpson], Senior Attorney, Institute for Justice; [David Keating], President, SpeechNow.org; and [Michael Malbin], Executive Director, Campaign Finance Institute. ... The U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that the First Amendment guarantees individuals the right to speak about politics and politicians without limit. But what if several individuals pool their resources to advocate for or against candidates for public office? Should their speech be limited and regulated by the government? According to federal campaign finance laws, the answer is yes. But a new federal lawsuit on behalf of SpeechNow.org, a group of citizens formed to protect the First Amendment at the ballot box, challenges those laws as a violation of the rights to free speech and association. The case aims to pave the way for independent groups of citizens to make their voices heard in elections, free of burdensome campaign finance regulation. Please join us to hear about this new effort to protect constitutional rights against government overreach. 01:17:57 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4510 "We all know what to do, but we don't know how to get re-elected once we have done it," said Jan-Claude Juncker, the prime minister of Luxembourg. He was referring to a key political conundrum faced by leaders in most democracies, including members of the European Union and the United States, who realize the need for economic reforms but often fail to tackle them out of fear of voters' displeasure. Munkhammar argues in his new book The Guide to Reform that many supposed obstacles to reform are not obstacles at all and shows that almost all of the reformist governments in the OECD have been reelected. His book discusses successful reforms in, among other nations, Ireland, Spain, and Sweden, and offers practical advice on how to get them done. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-03-04-08.mp3 Featuring [Johnny Munkhammar], Senior Fellow, European Enterprise Institute, with comments by [Dick Armey], Former House Majority Leader, Chairman, FreedomWorks.... "We all know what to do, but we don't know how to get re-elected once we have done it," said Jan-Claude Juncker, the prime minister of Luxembourg. He was referring to a key political conundrum faced by leaders in most democracies, including members of the European Union and the United States, who realize the need for economic reforms but often fail to tackle them out of fear of voters' displeasure. Munkhammar argues in his new book The Guide to Reform that many supposed obstacles to reform are not obstacles at all and shows that almost all of the reformist governments in the OECD have been reelected. His book discusses successful reforms in, among other nations, Ireland, Spain, and Sweden, and offers practical advice on how to get them done. 01:09:49 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4589 Many African states have been addicted to Western aid for decades. Unfortunately, Africa as a whole has stagnated and some African countries are poorer today then they were in the 1960s. In recent years, advocates of foreign aid have called for making aid more efficient, but that may be easier said than done. The problem, some critics argue, is that aid supports predatory governments and perpetuates institutions that are alien to Africa. The "modern" state, characterized by Western-style elections and bureaucracies, may be ill-suited to African conditions. Failing governments should be allowed to collapse and be replaced by institutions indigenous to Africa. Our panel will discuss the likely consequences of ending aid and consider subsequent institutional developments. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-04-02-08.mp3 Featuring: [Edward N. Luttwak], Senior Associate, Center for Strategic and International Studies; [George Ayittey], Professor of Economics, American University; and [Mauro De Lorenzo], Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute. Moderated by... Many African states have been addicted to Western aid for decades. Unfortunately, Africa as a whole has stagnated and some African countries are poorer today then they were in the 1960s. In recent years, advocates of foreign aid have called for making aid more efficient, but that may be easier said than done. The problem, some critics argue, is that aid supports predatory governments and perpetuates institutions that are alien to Africa. The "modern" state, characterized by Western-style elections and bureaucracies, may be ill-suited to African conditions. Failing governments should be allowed to collapse and be replaced by institutions indigenous to Africa. Our panel will discuss the likely consequences of ending aid and consider subsequent institutional developments. 01:23:24 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4561 Few topics arouse more passionate debate than climate change. There is broad agreement that humans are affecting the Earth’s temperature, but how can policymakers effectively address climate change while also advancing human well-being? Should society focus on reducing greenhouse gases or on building resilience and reducing vulnerability? Please join Pat Michaels and Indur Goklany for a discussion about climate change. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/hba-02-29-08.mp3 Featuring [Indur Goklany], author of The Improving State of the World and a new Cato study, “What to Do about Climate Change,” and delegate to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and [Patrick J. Michaels], Senior Fellow in Environment... Few topics arouse more passionate debate than climate change. There is broad agreement that humans are affecting the Earth’s temperature, but how can policymakers effectively address climate change while also advancing human well-being? Should society focus on reducing greenhouse gases or on building resilience and reducing vulnerability? Please join Pat Michaels and Indur Goklany for a discussion about climate change. 00:41:38 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4495 February is Black History Month, so it’s an appropriate time to take a critical look at the way government has treated racial minorities, especially African Americans. Is government more likely to be the friend or adversary of minority groups? Has it been liberals, conservatives, or libertarians like William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass who have been the most consistent defenders of everyone's rights? What does history suggest would be the best public policy for racial minorities in the 21st century? Bruce Bartlett, a former Reagan administration economist with a provocative new book, and Casey Lartigue, coeditor of Educational Freedom in Urban America and a controversial former XM 169 talk show host, will discuss these questions. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-02-27-08.mp3 Featuring [Bruce Bartlett], Author, Wrong on Race: The Democratic Party's Buried Past and [Casey Lartigue], President, Lartigue Group.... February is Black History Month, so it’s an appropriate time to take a critical look at the way government has treated racial minorities, especially African Americans. Is government more likely to be the friend or adversary of minority groups? Has it been liberals, conservatives, or libertarians like William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass who have been the most consistent defenders of everyone's rights? What does history suggest would be the best public policy for racial minorities in the 21st century? Bruce Bartlett, a former Reagan administration economist with a provocative new book, and Casey Lartigue, coeditor of Educational Freedom in Urban America and a controversial former XM 169 talk show host, will discuss these questions. 01:05:41 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4273 As the U.S. organ donor waiting list nears a record 100,000 and an average of seven Americans die every day waiting for an organ that never comes, solving the U.S. organ shortage takes on new urgency. Matas and Hippen will argue that the shortage could be solved by lifting the U.S. prohibition on the sale of human organs. Delmonico and Crowe will argue that the legalization of organ sales would do more harm than good. Matas will present his model for a regulated organ market described in his recent Cato study "A Gift of Life Deserves Compensation." And Hippen will present his observations on why Iran is the only country in the world without an organ shortage, the subject of his forthcoming study. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-02-21-08.mp3 Featuring: [Arthur Matas], Professor of Surgery; Director, Kidney Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Immediate Past President, American Society of Transplant Surgeons; [Francis Delmonico], Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, ... As the U.S. organ donor waiting list nears a record 100,000 and an average of seven Americans die every day waiting for an organ that never comes, solving the U.S. organ shortage takes on new urgency. Matas and Hippen will argue that the shortage could be solved by lifting the U.S. prohibition on the sale of human organs. Delmonico and Crowe will argue that the legalization of organ sales would do more harm than good. Matas will present his model for a regulated organ market described in his recent Cato study "A Gift of Life Deserves Compensation." And Hippen will present his observations on why Iran is the only country in the world without an organ shortage, the subject of his forthcoming study. 01:30:39 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4448 Twilight at Monticello is an unprecedented and engrossing personal look at Thomas Jefferson in his final years that will change the way readers think about him. During the years from his return to Monticello in 1809 until his death in 1826, Jefferson dealt with illness and debt, corresponded with the leading figures of the Revolution, and became a radical decentralist and admirer of the New England townships, where, he believed, the real fire of liberty burned bright. Jefferson had witnessed the strength of local governments during his ill-advised, near-dictatorial embargo, which proved to be the great crisis of his political life, not because he placed too much faith in his countrymen's capacity for self-government but because, for once in his life, he placed too little faith in it. During these years, Jefferson also became increasingly aware of the costs to civil harmony exacted by the Founding Fathers' failure to effectively reconcile slaveholding within a republic dedicated to liberty. Right up until his death on the 50th anniversary of America's founding, Thomas Jefferson remained an indispensable man, albeit a supremely human one. Based on new research and documents culled from the Library of Congress, the Virginia Historical Society, and other special collections, including hitherto unexamined letters from family, friends, and Monticello neighbors, Alan Pell Crawford paints an authoritative and deeply moving portrait of Thomas Jefferson as private citizen — the first original depiction of the man in more than a generation. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-02-19-08.mp3 Featuring the author, [Alan Pell Crawford].... Twilight at Monticello is an unprecedented and engrossing personal look at Thomas Jefferson in his final years that will change the way readers think about him. During the years from his return to Monticello in 1809 until his death in 1826, Jefferson dealt with illness and debt, corresponded with the leading figures of the Revolution, and became a radical decentralist and admirer of the New England townships, where, he believed, the real fire of liberty burned bright. Jefferson had witnessed the strength of local governments during his ill-advised, near-dictatorial embargo, which proved to be the great crisis of his political life, not because he placed too much faith in his countrymen's capacity for self-government but because, for once in his life, he placed too little faith in it. During these years, Jefferson also became increasingly aware of the costs to civil harmony exacted by the Founding Fathers' failure to effectively reconcile slaveholding within a republic dedicated to liberty. Right up until his death on the 50th anniversary of America's founding, Thomas Jefferson remained an indispensable man, albeit a supremely human one. Based on new research and documents culled from the Library of Congress, the Virginia Historical Society, and other special collections, including hitherto unexamined letters from family, friends, and Monticello neighbors, Alan Pell Crawford paints an authoritative and deeply moving portrait of Thomas Jefferson as private citizen — the first original depiction of the man in more than a generation. 00:48:21 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4511 Which members of Congress most consistently support the freedom of Americans to trade and invest in the global economy -- free of market-distorting subsidies and barriers? A dynamic new Cato web feature, "Free Trade, Free Markets," will allow users to search more than a decade of votes to answer that and other questions about how members have voted on trade. Cato trade scholar Daniel Griswold will demonstrate the new trade tool and reveal who in Congress deserves the title of "Free Trader." Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), one of the Senate's most distinguished and consistent supporters of free trade, will offer remarks on the prospects for trade legislation in the 110th Congress and beyond. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/hba-02-14-08.mp3 Featuring [Sen. Richard Lugar], (R-IN), and [Daniel Griswold], Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute.... Which members of Congress most consistently support the freedom of Americans to trade and invest in the global economy -- free of market-distorting subsidies and barriers? A dynamic new Cato web feature, "Free Trade, Free Markets," will allow users to search more than a decade of votes to answer that and other questions about how members have voted on trade. Cato trade scholar Daniel Griswold will demonstrate the new trade tool and reveal who in Congress deserves the title of "Free Trader." Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), one of the Senate's most distinguished and consistent supporters of free trade, will offer remarks on the prospects for trade legislation in the 110th Congress and beyond. 00:35:56 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4383 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is facing a host of new challenges. In Afghanistan, NATO’s forces are being relentlessly attacked by the Taliban, and popular support for maintaining troops there is fading. The proposed deployment of antiballistic missiles, a potential flashpoint in Kosovo, and the growing tension between Russia and some of its neighbors all have the potential to divide members of the alliance. Meanwhile, NATO’s inability to deter a cyber attack that virtually paralyzed NATO member Estonia’s access to the Internet raises questions about the alliance’s ability to protect its newest members. The panelists will discuss these and other challenges confronting NATO, offering their thoughts on the future of the alliance, and recommendations for U.S. policymakers. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cpfa-01-31-08.mp3 Featuring [Stanley Kober], Research Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies, Cato Institute; [Susan Eisenhower], Chairman Emeritus, The Eisenhower Institute; [Lawrence S. Kaplan], Emeritus Director of the Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union St... The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is facing a host of new challenges. In Afghanistan, NATO’s forces are being relentlessly attacked by the Taliban, and popular support for maintaining troops there is fading. The proposed deployment of antiballistic missiles, a potential flashpoint in Kosovo, and the growing tension between Russia and some of its neighbors all have the potential to divide members of the alliance. Meanwhile, NATO’s inability to deter a cyber attack that virtually paralyzed NATO member Estonia’s access to the Internet raises questions about the alliance’s ability to protect its newest members. The panelists will discuss these and other challenges confronting NATO, offering their thoughts on the future of the alliance, and recommendations for U.S. policymakers. 01:26:00 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4297 In his new book, The Mind of the Market: Compassionate Apes, Competitive Humans, and Other Tales from Evolutionary Economics, Michael Shermer examines such questions as: How did we evolve from ancient hunter-gatherers to modern consumer-traders? Why are people so irrational when it comes to money and business? He argues that the new science of evolutionary economics provides an answer to both of those questions. Shermer shows how evolution and economics are both examples of a larger phenomenon of complex adaptive systems. Along the way, he answers such provocative questions as, Do our tribal roots mean that we will always be a sucker for brands? How is the biochemical joy of sex similar to the rewards of business cooperation? How can nations increase trust within and between their borders? Finally, Shermer considers the consequences of globalization and why free trade promises to build alliances between nations. Michael Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a monthly columnist for Scientific American, and the author of Why People Believe Weird Things and Why Darwin Matters. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-01-11-08.mp3 Featuring [Michael Shermer].... In his new book, The Mind of the Market: Compassionate Apes, Competitive Humans, and Other Tales from Evolutionary Economics, Michael Shermer examines such questions as: How did we evolve from ancient hunter-gatherers to modern consumer-traders? Why are people so irrational when it comes to money and business? He argues that the new science of evolutionary economics provides an answer to both of those questions. Shermer shows how evolution and economics are both examples of a larger phenomenon of complex adaptive systems. Along the way, he answers such provocative questions as, Do our tribal roots mean that we will always be a sucker for brands? How is the biochemical joy of sex similar to the rewards of business cooperation? How can nations increase trust within and between their borders? Finally, Shermer considers the consequences of globalization and why free trade promises to build alliances between nations. Michael Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a monthly columnist for Scientific American, and the author of Why People Believe Weird Things and Why Darwin Matters. 01:05:22 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4292 John McCain is one of the most familiar figures in American politics, a figure with great appeal to many. However, his concrete governing philosophy and actual track record have been left unexamined. Matt Welch’s new book McCain: The Myth of a Maverick gives a flesh-and-bones political portrait of a man onto whom people project their own ideological fantasies. It is the first realistic assessment of what a John McCain presidency might look like. Welch lays out the root cause of the senator's worldview: his personal transformation from underachieving youth to war hawk, in which he used the "higher power" of American nationalism to save his life and soul. Please join us to discuss this new work on the day that New Hampshire decides the fate of Senator McCain’s enduring aspiration to attain the presidency. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2008/cbfa-01-08-08.mp3 Featuring the author, [Matt Welch], Editor-in-Chief, Reason Magazine, and [Lance Tarrance, Jr.], Former Senior Strategist, McCain for President.... John McCain is one of the most familiar figures in American politics, a figure with great appeal to many. However, his concrete governing philosophy and actual track record have been left unexamined. Matt Welch’s new book McCain: The Myth of a Maverick gives a flesh-and-bones political portrait of a man onto whom people project their own ideological fantasies. It is the first realistic assessment of what a John McCain presidency might look like. Welch lays out the root cause of the senator's worldview: his personal transformation from underachieving youth to war hawk, in which he used the "higher power" of American nationalism to save his life and soul. Please join us to discuss this new work on the day that New Hampshire decides the fate of Senator McCain’s enduring aspiration to attain the presidency. 01:08:32 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4253 Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), ranking member on the House Budget Committee, has introduced the Taxpayer Choice Act, which would repeal the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and replace today’s complicated income tax with a Simplified Tax. The new system would have just two rates and a large standard deduction, and would greatly reduce the damage and complexity caused by the current income tax. Ryan will talk about his legislation and the growing budget battle over tax increases in Congress. Chris Edwards and Dan Mitchell will contrast the Ryan plan with other tax reforms, highlight the importance of AMT repeal, and consider the outlook for tax policy in coming months. Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/hba-12-06-07.mp3 Featuring: [Rep. Paul Ryan], (R-WI); [Chris Edwards], Cato Institute; and [Daniel Mitchell], Cato Institute.... Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), ranking member on the House Budget Committee, has introduced the Taxpayer Choice Act, which would repeal the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and replace today’s complicated income tax with a Simplified Tax. The new system would have just two rates and a large standard deduction, and would greatly reduce the damage and complexity caused by the current income tax. Ryan will talk about his legislation and the growing budget battle over tax increases in Congress. Chris Edwards and Dan Mitchell will contrast the Ryan plan with other tax reforms, highlight the importance of AMT repeal, and consider the outlook for tax policy in coming months. 00:47:35 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4291 Americans are being told that expanding trade has put downward pressure on U.S. jobs and wages, leaving most Americans worse off, and this growing perception has undermined support for trade-liberalizing agreements. In a comprehensive new study, the Cato Institute's Daniel Griswold finds that a decade of rapid trade expansion has actually lifted the income levels of most American workers and families. Griswold's study systematically examines trends in job growth and displacement, real wages and benefits, household income, and household net worth, finding that Americans are better off because of free trade. Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/hba-12-05-07.mp3 Featuring [Daniel Griswold], Director, Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute.... Americans are being told that expanding trade has put downward pressure on U.S. jobs and wages, leaving most Americans worse off, and this growing perception has undermined support for trade-liberalizing agreements. In a comprehensive new study, the Cato Institute's Daniel Griswold finds that a decade of rapid trade expansion has actually lifted the income levels of most American workers and families. Griswold's study systematically examines trends in job growth and displacement, real wages and benefits, household income, and household net worth, finding that Americans are better off because of free trade. 00:30:26 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4271 The war on terror has presented U.S. courts with many thorny legal issues relating to civil liberties and national security. On December 5 the Supreme Court takes up the case of Boumediene v. Bush, which centers on the right of "enemy combatants" being held in Guantanamo Bay to have their detention reviewed by American civilian courts. On one hand, what right does the president have to hold people indefinitely without recourse to judicial review? On the other, does the Constitution really require that everyone picked up by our military in wartime have access to our courts? Fundamentally, how do you balance liberty and security during a war without end where the enemy doesn't play by the traditional laws of war? Please join us for a spirited debate of these and related issues. Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cpfa-12-03-07.mp3 Featuring [Timothy Lynch], Cato Institute and [Jeremy Rabkin], George Mason University Law School. Moderated by [Ilya Shapiro], Cato Institute.... The war on terror has presented U.S. courts with many thorny legal issues relating to civil liberties and national security. On December 5 the Supreme Court takes up the case of Boumediene v. Bush, which centers on the right of "enemy combatants" being held in Guantanamo Bay to have their detention reviewed by American civilian courts. On one hand, what right does the president have to hold people indefinitely without recourse to judicial review? On the other, does the Constitution really require that everyone picked up by our military in wartime have access to our courts? Fundamentally, how do you balance liberty and security during a war without end where the enemy doesn't play by the traditional laws of war? Please join us for a spirited debate of these and related issues. 01:23:11 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4263 Poole will address two questions: Do Federal Reserve monetary policy actions serve to bail out the markets? To the extent that such bailouts occur, do they raise moral hazard issues? Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cpfa-11-30-07.mp3 Featuring [William Poole], President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Former Member, Council of Economic Advisers.... Poole will address two questions: Do Federal Reserve monetary policy actions serve to bail out the markets? To the extent that such bailouts occur, do they raise moral hazard issues? 01:16:07 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4143 Does feminism give a much-needed voice to women in a patriarchal world? Or is the world not really patriarchal? Does feminism support equality in education and the military, or does it discriminate against men by ignoring such issues as male-only draft registration and boys lagging behind in school? This book offers a sharp debate on the impact of feminism on men between bestselling author Warren Farrell and the acclaimed philosopher James P. Sterba. Join us for a wide-ranging exchange on issues from love, sex, dating, and rape to domestic violence, divorce, and child custody, as well as systemic issues, from the school system to the criminal justice system, the media to the military, and health care to the workplace. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cbfa-11-28-07.mp3 Featuring the coauthor, [James P. Sterba], Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, with comments by [Carrie Lukas], Vice President, Independent Women's Forum.... Does feminism give a much-needed voice to women in a patriarchal world? Or is the world not really patriarchal? Does feminism support equality in education and the military, or does it discriminate against men by ignoring such issues as male-only draft registration and boys lagging behind in school? This book offers a sharp debate on the impact of feminism on men between bestselling author Warren Farrell and the acclaimed philosopher James P. Sterba. Join us for a wide-ranging exchange on issues from love, sex, dating, and rape to domestic violence, divorce, and child custody, as well as systemic issues, from the school system to the criminal justice system, the media to the military, and health care to the workplace. 01:23:11 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4180 Last summer, the National Petroleum Council issued a report titled "Facing the Hard Truths about Energy." The 380-page study, which was put together under the direction of former ExxonMobil CEO Lee Raymond, included the work of 350 contributors (two-thirds of whom came from outside the oil and gas field) who availed themselves of the expertise of more than 1,000 third parties involved in the energy sector. The findings? If the world is going to meet the energy demands of 2030, it will require Herculean efforts from both private and public actors. How realistic is the study’s assessment of the future? How reliable is the policy blueprint being forwarded? Joseph Caggiano and David Bellman–both of whom helped put the report together–will discuss the study’s findings, and Richard Gordon–winner of an outstanding lifetime achievement award from the International Association for Energy Economics (1992)-will provide an independent assessment. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cpfa-11-27-07.mp3 Featuring: [Joseph Caggiano], Senior Consultant, Chevron Energy Technology Company; [David K. Bellman], Director of Fundamental Analysis, Corporate Planning and Budgeting, American Electric Power; and [Richard Gordon], Professor Emeritus of Mine... Last summer, the National Petroleum Council issued a report titled "Facing the Hard Truths about Energy." The 380-page study, which was put together under the direction of former ExxonMobil CEO Lee Raymond, included the work of 350 contributors (two-thirds of whom came from outside the oil and gas field) who availed themselves of the expertise of more than 1,000 third parties involved in the energy sector. The findings? If the world is going to meet the energy demands of 2030, it will require Herculean efforts from both private and public actors. How realistic is the study’s assessment of the future? How reliable is the policy blueprint being forwarded? Joseph Caggiano and David Bellman–both of whom helped put the report together–will discuss the study’s findings, and Richard Gordon–winner of an outstanding lifetime achievement award from the International Association for Energy Economics (1992)-will provide an independent assessment. 01:26:25 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4221 In Discover Your Inner Economist, the economist and blogger Tyler Cowen provides quirky and insightful advice for life based on his signature urbane style of economic reasoning. On his blog, MarginalRevolution.com, Cowen offers economic advice in his periodic "Dear Trudie" posts. Presumably Cowen offers good economics. But dare one take an economist's advice? Emily Yoffe, author of Slate's popular "Dear Prudence" advice column, will advise. Please join us for an advice-off, as Trudie meets Prudie to discuss the practical benefits of economic reasoning (or lack thereof) in everyday life. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cbfa-11-15-07.mp3 Featuring the author, [Tyler Cowen], Holbert C. Harris Professor of Economics, George Mason University; New York Times Columnist; and Coauthor of the Marginal Revolution Blog, with comments by [Emily Yoffe], Journalist and Slate "Dear Prudence" ... In Discover Your Inner Economist, the economist and blogger Tyler Cowen provides quirky and insightful advice for life based on his signature urbane style of economic reasoning. On his blog, MarginalRevolution.com, Cowen offers economic advice in his periodic "Dear Trudie" posts. Presumably Cowen offers good economics. But dare one take an economist's advice? Emily Yoffe, author of Slate's popular "Dear Prudence" advice column, will advise. Please join us for an advice-off, as Trudie meets Prudie to discuss the practical benefits of economic reasoning (or lack thereof) in everyday life. 01:14:46 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4219 Since the depth of the U.S. manufacturing recession in 2002, the sector as a whole has experienced sustained and robust growth. The year 2006 set a record for output, revenues, profits, profit rates, return on investment, exports, and imports. The United States remains the world’s most prolific manufacturing country, accounting for two and a half times more output than Chinese factories in 2006. Should these figures put to rest assertions that the U.S. manufacturing sector is eroding because of trade? Do they support a conclusion that the sector is thriving? U.S. manufacturing experts Ikenson and Vargo will offer perspectives on the real state of U.S. manufacturing in today's global economy. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/hba-11-15-07.mp3 Featuring [Dan Ikenson], Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute, and [Frank Vargo], National Association of Manufacturers.... Since the depth of the U.S. manufacturing recession in 2002, the sector as a whole has experienced sustained and robust growth. The year 2006 set a record for output, revenues, profits, profit rates, return on investment, exports, and imports. The United States remains the world’s most prolific manufacturing country, accounting for two and a half times more output than Chinese factories in 2006. Should these figures put to rest assertions that the U.S. manufacturing sector is eroding because of trade? Do they support a conclusion that the sector is thriving? U.S. manufacturing experts Ikenson and Vargo will offer perspectives on the real state of U.S. manufacturing in today's global economy. 00:38:12 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=3545 Conference Schedule 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration — F. A. Hayek Auditorium Foyer 9:00 - 9:10 a.m. Welcoming Remarks — F. A. Hayek Auditorium James A. Dorn Vice President for Academic Affairs, Cato Institute 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. Keynote Address Ben S. Bernanke Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System Listen to Welcoming Remarks and Keynote in Real Audio Download a Podcast of the Welcoming Remarks and Keynote Address [MP3] Watch video of the Welcoming Remarks and Keynote Address [RealVideo] 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Panel 1: The Future of the Renminbi Listen to Panel 1 in Real Audio Watch Panel 1 in Real Video Download a Podcast of Panel 1 (MP3) Moderator: Zanny Minton Beddoes U.S. Economics Editor, The Economist Eddie Yue Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority John Greenwood Chief Economist, Amvescap Fred Hu Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (Asia) 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Panel 2: Monetary Stability, Exchange Rate Regimes, and Capital Controls: What Have We Learned? Listen to Panel 2 in Real Audio Watch Panel 2 in Real Video Download a Podcast of Panel 2 (MP3) Moderator: Mickey D. Levy Chief Economist, Bank of America Arnold Harberger Professor of Economics, UCLA Miranda Xafa Executive Board, International Monetary Fund Marvin Goodfriend Professor of Economics, Carnegie Mellon University Surjit S. Bhalla Managing Director, Oxus Research 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Luncheon — Wintergarden 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Luncheon Address — F. A. Hayek Auditorium Listen to Luncheon Address in Real Audio Watch Luncheon Address in Real Video Download a Podcast of the Luncheon Address (MP3) Yi GangAssistant Governor, People’s Bank of China 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. Panel 3: Remembering Milton Friedman: Money and Freedom Listen to Panel 3 in Real Audio Watch Panel 3 in Real Video Download a Podcast of Panel 3 (MP3) Moderator: William A. Niskanen Chairman, Cato Institute Anna J. Schwartz Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research George Selgin Professor of Economics, University of Georgia Steve H. Hanke Professor of Applied Economics, Johns Hopkins University Richard H. Timberlake Professor of Economics Emeritus, University of Georgia 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Closing Address Listen to Closing Remarks in Real Audio Watch Closing Remarks in Real Video Download a Podcast of Closing Remarks (MP3) Antonio Martino Professor of Economics, University of Rome, Luiss, and Member of Italian Parliament 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. Reception — Wintergarden | About the Conference | Conference Schedule | Registration | Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cca-11-14-07.mp3 Featured speakers include: [Ben S. Bernanke], Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; [Eddie Yue], Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority; [Yi Gang], Assistant Governor, People's Bank of China; and [Miranda Xafa], Exe... Conference Schedule 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration — F. A. Hayek Auditorium Foyer 9:00 - 9:10 a.m. Welcoming Remarks — F. A. Hayek Auditorium James A. Dorn Vice President for Academic Affairs, Cato Institute 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. Keynote Address Ben S. Bernanke Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System Listen to Welcoming Remarks and Keynote in Real Audio Download a Podcast of the Welcoming Remarks and Keynote Address [MP3] Watch video of the Welcoming Remarks and Keynote Address [RealVideo] 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Panel 1: The Future of the Renminbi Listen to Panel 1 in Real Audio Watch Panel 1 in Real Video Download a Podcast of Panel 1 (MP3) Moderator: Zanny Minton Beddoes U.S. Economics Editor, The Economist Eddie Yue Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority John Greenwood Chief Economist, Amvescap Fred Hu Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (Asia) 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Panel 2: Monetary Stability, Exchange Rate Regimes, and Capital Controls: What Have We Learned? Listen to Panel 2 in Real Audio Watch Panel 2 in Real Video Download a Podcast of Panel 2 (MP3) Moderator: Mickey D. Levy Chief Economist, Bank of America Arnold Harberger Professor of Economics, UCLA Miranda Xafa Executive Board, International Monetary Fund Marvin Goodfriend Professor of Economics, Carnegie Mellon University Surjit S. Bhalla Managing Director, Oxus Research 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Luncheon — Wintergarden 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Luncheon Address — F. A. Hayek Auditorium Listen to Luncheon Address in Real Audio Watch Luncheon Address in Real Video Download a Podcast of the Luncheon Address (MP3) Yi GangAssistant Governor, People’s Bank of China 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. Panel 3: Remembering Milton Friedman: Money and Freedom Listen to Panel 3 in Real Audio Watch Panel 3 in Real Video Download a Podcast of Panel 3 (MP3) Moderator: William A. Niskanen Chairman, Cato Institute Anna J. Schwartz Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research George Selgin Professor of Economics, University of Georgia Steve H. Hanke Professor of Applied Economics, Johns Hopkins University Richard H. Timberlake Professor of Economics Emeritus, University of Georgia 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Closing Address Listen to Closing Remarks in Real Audio Watch Closing Remarks in Real Video Download a Podcast of Closing Remarks (MP3) Antonio Martino Professor of Economics, University of Rome, Luiss, and Member of Italian Parliament 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. Reception — Wintergarden | About the Conference | Conference Schedule | Registration | 00:53:56 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4177 In his new book, Is The Welfare State Justified?, philosopher Daniel Shapiro insightfully combines moral and political philosophy with contemporary social science to argue that proponents of the welfare state — egalitarians, communitarians, and liberals alike — have misunderstood the implications of their own principles, which in fact support more market-based or libertarian institutional conclusions than most people realize. Please join us for a discussion of this important and controversial new book on the missing moral foundations of the welfare state. Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cbfa-10-29-07.mp3 Featuring [Daniel Shapiro], Associate Professor of Philosophy, West Virginia University, with comments by [Jason Furman], Senior Fellow and Director of the Hamilton Project, Brookings Institute and [Will Wilkinson], Policy Analyst and Managing E... In his new book, Is The Welfare State Justified?, philosopher Daniel Shapiro insightfully combines moral and political philosophy with contemporary social science to argue that proponents of the welfare state — egalitarians, communitarians, and liberals alike — have misunderstood the implications of their own principles, which in fact support more market-based or libertarian institutional conclusions than most people realize. Please join us for a discussion of this important and controversial new book on the missing moral foundations of the welfare state. 01:25:45 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4100 Anxiety about the impact of trade on real wages and the middle class has complicated efforts to move forward on trade liberalization. How real are those worries and how should policymakers respond? In a new edition of his book In Defense of Globalization, Columbia University economist Jagdish Bhagwati addresses the economic critiques that have now arisen, such as the alleged adverse impact of trade on real wages in the United States, and finds them mistaken. He has also taken aim at the critique of Alan Blinder and others who warn that job insecurity will soon spread to millions of service-sector workers. Joining the discussion will be Matthew Slaughter, a former member of the president's Council of Economic Advisers, who has argued that the government must respond with policies that more aggressively address income inequality if free trade is to be maintained. Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cbfa-10-25-07.mp3 Featuring [Jagdish Bhagwati], Author, In Defense of Globalization and [Matthew Slaughter], Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth University. ... Anxiety about the impact of trade on real wages and the middle class has complicated efforts to move forward on trade liberalization. How real are those worries and how should policymakers respond? In a new edition of his book In Defense of Globalization, Columbia University economist Jagdish Bhagwati addresses the economic critiques that have now arisen, such as the alleged adverse impact of trade on real wages in the United States, and finds them mistaken. He has also taken aim at the critique of Alan Blinder and others who warn that job insecurity will soon spread to millions of service-sector workers. Joining the discussion will be Matthew Slaughter, a former member of the president's Council of Economic Advisers, who has argued that the government must respond with policies that more aggressively address income inequality if free trade is to be maintained. 01:30:41 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4049 Government planning inevitably leads to tyranny, said Friedrich Hayek in his 1944 book, The Road to Serfdom. After the fall of the Soviet Union, most Americans agreed that Hayek was right—yet our governments are still planning. Federal, state, and local governments in the U.S. employ more than 20,000 planners, bureaucrats who write comprehensive, long-range plans that try to control other people’s land, money, and resources. These plans almost always end in disaster. In The Best-Laid Plans, Randal O’Toole urges Congress and state and local governments to repeal existing planning laws and shut down planning departments. O’Toole shows that government planning is doomed to fail and that the problems that planning claims to address can be better dealt with through user fees, markets, and other incentives rather than through regulatory planning. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cbfa-10-24-07.mp3 Featuring the author [Randal O’Toole], Senior Fellow, Cato Institute with comments by [Robert Nelson], Professor of Public Policy, University of Maryland and [Ron Utt], Senior Research Fellow, Heritage Foundation. ... Government planning inevitably leads to tyranny, said Friedrich Hayek in his 1944 book, The Road to Serfdom. After the fall of the Soviet Union, most Americans agreed that Hayek was right—yet our governments are still planning. Federal, state, and local governments in the U.S. employ more than 20,000 planners, bureaucrats who write comprehensive, long-range plans that try to control other people’s land, money, and resources. These plans almost always end in disaster. In The Best-Laid Plans, Randal O’Toole urges Congress and state and local governments to repeal existing planning laws and shut down planning departments. O’Toole shows that government planning is doomed to fail and that the problems that planning claims to address can be better dealt with through user fees, markets, and other incentives rather than through regulatory planning. 01:29:19 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4169 Taiwan spends far too little on its own defense, in large part because the Taiwanese believe the United States is their ultimate protector. Meanwhile, Taiwan's political leaders are creating the worst possible combination: the provocative cross-strait policy of President Chen Shui-bian and the opposition-dominated legislature's irresponsible policy on defense spending. A bold cross-strait policy coupled with inadequate defense spending virtually invites a Chinese challenge, and America would be caught in the middle. Please join us for an analysis of the dangers inherent in the U.S.-China-Taiwan relationship, and a proposal for a new way forward. Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/hba-10-09-07.mp3 Featuring [Justin Logan], Cato Institute, and [Ted Galen Carpenter], Cato Institute.... Taiwan spends far too little on its own defense, in large part because the Taiwanese believe the United States is their ultimate protector. Meanwhile, Taiwan's political leaders are creating the worst possible combination: the provocative cross-strait policy of President Chen Shui-bian and the opposition-dominated legislature's irresponsible policy on defense spending. A bold cross-strait policy coupled with inadequate defense spending virtually invites a Chinese challenge, and America would be caught in the middle. Please join us for an analysis of the dangers inherent in the U.S.-China-Taiwan relationship, and a proposal for a new way forward. 00:34:23 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4018 Africa has the world's least welcoming business environment, but it is also a land of opportunity. Countless entrepreneurs battle stifling bureaucracies, pervasive corruption and political instability to provide their customers with the goods and services they need. Henry Posner is the chairman of a company that owns railways in Mozambique and Malawi. Strive Masiyiwa, one of CNN/Time Magazine’s "15 Global Influentials of the Year" in 2002, is the founder and CEO of a telecommunications company that operates in half a dozen African countries. They will share their insights on doing business in Africa and their suggestions for reform. Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cpfa-09-26-07.mp3 Featuring [Strive Masiyiwa], CEO, Econet Wireless International and [Henry Posner III], Chairman, Railroad Development Corporation.... Africa has the world's least welcoming business environment, but it is also a land of opportunity. Countless entrepreneurs battle stifling bureaucracies, pervasive corruption and political instability to provide their customers with the goods and services they need. Henry Posner is the chairman of a company that owns railways in Mozambique and Malawi. Strive Masiyiwa, one of CNN/Time Magazine’s "15 Global Influentials of the Year" in 2002, is the founder and CEO of a telecommunications company that operates in half a dozen African countries. They will share their insights on doing business in Africa and their suggestions for reform. 01:17:39 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=3932 In Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs v. Eschenbach, terminally ill patients won an impressive victory before a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. That panel ruled that when the government prevents terminally ill patients from accessing experimental drug treatments, it violates those patients' constitutionally protected right to save their own lives. On appeal, however, an en banc opinion from the D.C. Circuit overturned the panel opinion, setting the stage for an appeal to the Supreme Court. Please join Michael F. Cannon, the Cato Institute's director of health policy studies; Scott Ballenger, lead counsel for the Abigail Alliance; and Ezekiel Emanuel, a leading critic of the Abigail Alliance's case as they discuss the economics, ethics, and constitutionality of allowing the state to stand between dying patients and unproven therapies. Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT http://www.catomedia.org/archive-2007/cpfa-09-25-07.mp3 Featuring [J. Scott Ballenger], Partner, Latham & Watkins; [Ezekiel J. Emanuel], Chair, Department of Clinical Bioethics, National Institutes of Health; and [Michael F. Cannon], Director of Health Policy Studies, Cato Institute. ... In Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs v. Eschenbach, terminally ill patients won an impressive victory before a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. That panel ruled that when the government prevents terminally ill patients from accessing experimental drug treatments, it violates those patients' constitutionally protected right to save their own lives. On appeal, however, an en banc opinion from the D.C. Circuit overturned the panel opinion, setting the stage for an appeal to the Supreme Court. Please join Michael F. Cannon, the Cato Institute's director of health policy studies; Scott Ballenger, lead counsel for the Abigail Alliance; and Ezekiel Emanuel, a leading critic of the Abigail Alliance's case as they discuss the economics, ethics, and constitutionality of allowing the state to stand between dying patients and unproven therapies. 01:37:13 no Cato,Institute,forums,events,briefings http://www.cato.org/event.php?eventid=4041 Since the depth of the U.S. manufacturing recession in 2002, the sector as a whole has experienced sustained and robust growth. The year 2006 set a record for output, revenues, profits, profit rates, return on investment, exports, and imports. The United States remains the world’s most prolific manufacturing country, accounting for two and a half times more output than Chinese factories in 2006. Should these figures put to rest assertions that the U.S. manufacturing sector is eroding because of trade? Do they support a conclusion that the sector is thriving? Four experts on U.S. manufacturing will offer