6 chapters across the catalog
Crony Capitalism and Silicon Valley Arrogance
Pieczenik criticizes the shift from traditional entrepreneurship to "crony capitalism" and the "obscene" valuations of Silicon Valley startups. He describes Google and Amazon as fascist organizations that produce little of inherent value while controlling public discourse. He contrasts the "spoiled brats" of the tech industry with the work ethic found in the rural South and Midwest.
Marc Faber Criticizes Bill Clinton Economic Record on RT
Investment analyst Marc Faber, often known as "Dr. Doom," appeared on RT's SophieCo to discuss Hillary Clinton's plan to put Bill Clinton in charge of the economy. Faber argued that such a move would revitalize "crony capitalism" and corruption rather than the American economy.
The hosts compare the Dodd-Frank Act to Obamacare, arguing that both laws turn private industries into "wards of the government" through heavy regulation. They discuss the role of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) in designating Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIs). This designation is characterized as the essence of crony capitalism, giving the Federal Reserve control over private corporate policy.
Ralph Nader is featured in a clip discussing "corporate welfare" and the collusion between giant corporations and the government. He argues that both parties support subsidies and bailouts that undermine market discipline. The hosts equate this "corporatism" with the classic definition of fascism, where the state and corporate interests become indistinguishable.
Sarah Palin's speech at CPAC regarding "crony capitalism" is criticized for failing to credit David Stockman for the term. The hosts compare Palin's current political status to that of a "nincompoop" and the "Whitney Houston of politics."
Libya Conflict, Dutch Military Support, State Department Lexicon
Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal pledges support for NATO's "Unified Protector" campaign in Libya and calls for Muammar Gaddafi to step down. The hosts analyze Rosenthal's use of the word "cronies," suggesting the speech was scripted by the U.S. State Department as the term is not typical for a Dutch official. They argue this reflects a specific linguistic "milieu" adopted by international political elites.
