Is Elon Musk Wasting Money on Rockets? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-10-15 | How many times have you heard someone say that rich people should be "feeding the poor" instead of spending their money developing large companies or funding giant, world-changing projects? On this episode, Florida Man questions the logic of those claims.
When Conspiracy Theories Became Conspiracy Facts Common Sense Soapbox 2024-10-08 | CREDITS: Written by Seamus CoughlinVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesProduced & Edited by Sean W. MaloneProduced by Seamus CoughlinAnimated by Emily Slatt, Adam Donk, Josh VanHalteren , LTAmazil, and Rick ThomasLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor Smith________________________LINKS:youtu.be/NxqXOAQG0Ig-- Cover Up of Unit 731 -- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16754432 archives.gov/press/press-releases/2007-81 nytimes.com/1995/03/17/world/unmasking-horror-a-special-report-japan-confronting-gruesome-war-atrocity.html apjjf.org/-Christopher-Reed/2177/article.html forbes.com/sites/eamonnfingleton/2014/03/09/imperial-japans-abominable-dr-death-and-the-most-disgraceful-war-crime-cover-up-in-history/#5cb0f69045dc pacificatrocities.org/book-unit-731-coverup-the-operation-paperclip-of-the-east.html https://stars.library.ucf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3588&context=etd -- Nariyah Testimony --csmonitor.com/2002/0906/p25s02-cogn.html naqvi-syed.medium.com/the-great-lie-of-the-gulf-war-how-a-false-testimony-changed-the-american-public-view-of-the-war-fe3bbbeea87d theguardian.com/education/2001/oct/04/socialsciences.highereducation nytimes.com/1992/01/06/opinion/remember-nayirah-witness-for-kuwait.html prwatch.org/node/25/print Laptop Story and Lying Intelligence Officials: intelligence.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1432 -- Biden Laptop --judiciary.house.gov/media/in-the-news/spies-who-lie-leader-cosigners-were-cia-payroll-when-they-falsely-claimed-hunternewsweek.com/hunter-biden-laptop-jim-jordan-facebook-disinformation-twitter-1767369 — Operation Northwoods —abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=92662&page=1#.TxsGQG_Ox2B https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/news/20010430/index.htmlgroups.google.com/g/aus.tv.x-files/c/OJxpReU11cg?pli=1groups.google.com/g/alt.conspiracy.jfk/c/vGNN91e_HvM/m/Z3x64dHrCa4J— Operation Mongoose —https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/cuba/2019-10-03/kennedy-cuba-operation-mongoosepbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/rfk-operation-mongoosehistory.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/bay-of-pigs— CIA in Nicaragua (Contra Affair) —https://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/documents.phphttps://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/presidential-documents-archive-guidebook/proclamations-washington-1789-presenthttps://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/documents/d-nic-24.pdfweb.archive.org/web/20121012185850/http://bailey83221.livejournal.com/77479.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/US/9811/03/cia.drugspbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/special/cia.html— Phoenix Program (Vietnam War) —nytimes.com/2017/12/29/opinion/behind-the-phoenix-program.htmlrand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP258.htmlweb.archive.org/web/20070711065505/cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol51no2/a-retrospective-on-counterinsurgency-operations.html— Operation Condor —youtu.be/C8nZIOMi0C4theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/03/operation-condor-the-illegal-state-network-that-terrorised-south-americahttp://www.cels.org.ar/especiales/plancondor/en/https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB125/index.htm— MKUltra —history.com/topics/us-government/history-of-mk-ultracs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/p/Project_MKULTRA.htmbooks.google.com/books?id=TEqhqtrF3XEC&pg=PA70#v=onepage&q&f=falsetodayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/09/one-shocking-cia-programs-time-project-mkultranpr.org/2019/09/09/758989641/the-cias-secret-quest-for-mind-control-torture-lsd-and-a-poisoner-in-chief— Operation Midnight Climax —history.com/mkultra-operation-midnight-climax-cia-lsd-experimentsmedium.com/war-is-boring/the-cias-operation-midnight-climax-was-exactly-what-it-sounded-like-fa63f84ad015 — Project Sunshine —washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1994/05/03/stillborn-babies-used-in-50s-radiation-test/f5eb76c0-ad55-4ed5-96a3-5dc5f1ca88fanytimes.com/1995/06/21/us/in-1950-s-us-collected-human-tissue-to-monitor-atomic-tests.htmlsehd.scot.nhs.uk/scotorgrev/documents/project%20sunshine%20%20slippery%20slope.pdfhttps://news.wsu.edu/news/2021/06/03/secret-government-investigation-radioactive-fallout-focus-historians-research/rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/reports/2008/R251.pdfabcnews.go.com/International/story?id=80970&page=1— Prohibition Alcohol Poisoning —slate.com/technology/2010/02/the-little-told-story-of-how-the-u-s-government-poisoned-alcohol-during-prohibition.htmlvox.com/2014/8/8/5975605/alcohol-prohibition-poisontime.com/3665643/deadly-drinking
Is Privacy Dead? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-10-08 | In this Short, we dive into the ongoing tension between surveillance, privacy, and personal liberty. Are our freedoms being sacrificed in the name of security, or is privacy already a thing of the past? Watch the full episode to learn more: youtube.com/watch?v=V3zUgHmauBk
Some People Just Want to Run Your Life Common Sense Soapbox 2024-09-24 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, we're talking about people who just want to control all the things.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Seamus CoughlinAnimated by Josh VanHalteren, Adamdonk, Emily Slatt, and LtAmazilVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. MaloneProduced by Seamus Coughlin
The Most Dangerous Idea Common Sense Soapbox 2024-09-23 | Are we ignoring the signs and simply focusing on what the mainstream wants us to focus on?
Price Controls are THE WORST Common Sense Soapbox 2024-09-15 | What does price control really do to grocery store prices?
Denvers FAILED Experiment with UBI Common Sense Soapbox 2024-09-03 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, Seamus eagerly discusses Denver’s failed Universal Basic Income experiment. As discovered, social issues like homelessness, addiction, and mental illness are too complicated to be solved with money alone.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean W. MaloneAnimated by Josh VanHalteren, Adamdonk, Emily Slatt, and LtAmazilVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. MaloneProduced by Seamus Coughlin______________________________LINKS:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1772151 addictioncenter.com/addiction/homelessness ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519590 endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/who-experiences-homelessness/chronically-homeless abc7news.com/post/new-high-rise-building-house-skid-row-homeless/14976180 denverbasicincomeproject.org/research
Penguins Financial Literacy Class: Compound Interest Common Sense Soapbox 2024-08-06 | What is Compound Interest? Penguin is here to break down the basics and how it differs from simple interest.
Charity is better than More Government Common Sense Soapbox 2024-08-03 | It's a myth that the government needs to "do something" to improve the welfare of individuals, communities, and countries. Private charity will always be a far more effective, direct, and incentivized way to help the needy.Watch the full episode to learn more: youtu.be/YsRH3xHJi1M?si=dS6_zX51Gc3CfEss
Wanna End Homelessness? Try Building More Homes! Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-23 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, the gang discusses the multifaceted reasons behind increasing homelessness. More spending is not one of them.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean W. MaloneAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:hoover.org/research/economics-why-homelessness-worsens-governments-spend-even-more-problemhoover.org/research/despite-california-spending-24-billion-it-2019-homelessness-increased-what-happenedfee.org/articles/how-california-politicians-created-a-homelessness-crisisricochet.com/951806/homelessness-is-there-a-conservative-answercnn.com/2023/07/11/us/california-homeless-spending/index.html#:~:text=California%20has%20spent%20a%20stunning,data%20shows%2C%20live%20in%20Californiacnn.com/2023/07/11/us/california-homeless-spending/index.html
UBI WILL be restricted Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-20 | Universal Basic Income won't be universal.Watch the full video here: youtu.be/YZ4KDGltH3k?si=vOorx26JsH4C-N-h
UBI Won’t Be Universal Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-16 | Universal Basic Income entails public purchases on unpopular things. Are UBI supporters truly okay with that?Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/YZ4KDGltH3k?si=vOorx26JsH4C-N-h
Politicians vs. UBI Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-13 | Universal Basic Income is praised as a cutting-edge idea, but would any politician want to support it if it put government assistance employees out of work?Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/YZ4KDGltH3k
You’re Wrong about Wealth Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-09 | Fake news: The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer.Reality: Everyone is getting richer.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/rixbHbaWBuk?si=AkywhfcqF8vah7RI
Fixed Pie Fallacy Explained Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-06 | Have you ever heard someone accuse rich people of "hoarding all the wealth"? If that doesn't quite sound right to you, there's a reason. It's impossible to hoard wealth, because wealth isn't a "fixed pie". Wealth is created.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/rixbHbaWBuk?si=AkywhfcqF8vah7RI
DEI = Lower Standards Common Sense Soapbox 2024-07-02 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, Bob tries getting a job but runs into issues with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Seamus contests that competency should be the top criterion for hiring practices.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:https://www.harvard.edu/admissionscase/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Students_for_Fair_Admissions_v._Harvardsupremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/20-1199_hgdj.pdf fee.org/articles/3-observations-and-predictions-about-affirmative-action-in-universities-moving-forwardhrdive.com/news/attack-against-dei-initiatives-america-first-legal-american-southwest-united/698837hrdive.com/news/former-trump-aide-urges-eeoc-to-investigate-starbucks-diversity-programs/634499stories.starbucks.com/stories/inclusion-diversityflaglerlive.com/floridas-attorney-general-calls-starbucks-diverse-hiring-illegal/#gsc.tab=0hrdive.com/news/conservative-legal-group-challenges-mlbs-DEI-initiatives/695891aflegal.org/america-first-legal-files-federal-civil-rights-complaint-against-nascar-for-illegal-racial-and-sex-discriminationhrdive.com/news/dei-policies-reverse-discrimination/636561charlotteobserver.com/news/local/crime/article286732425.htmlfoxbusiness.com/media/pilots-hired-based-merit-not-diversity-safety-top-priority-aviation-expert-saysfaa.gov/jobs/diversity_inclusionfaa.gov/bephollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/columbia-records-sued-allegedly-discriminatory-hiring-practices-1235844754fortune.com/europe/2023/12/15/aviva-insurance-ceo-amanda-blanc-white-male-new-hires-sign-off-improve-diversity
Free Speech is the Cornerstone of Civilization Common Sense Soapbox 2024-06-27 | A short clip from one of our first episodes, takin' ya all the way back to Season 1. Find the full episode here: youtu.be/rGFwPGNzQJM?si=OBAqnGOPkXVbJH02
The Danger of Polite Politicians Common Sense Soapbox 2024-06-11 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, the gang questions why polite-sounding politicians are often favored over prudent policies. Why do we choose what “sounds nice” over what works well? What does it actually mean to be decent? Florida Man inquires; Seamus explains.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:fee.org/articles/greed-versus-compassionfee.org/articles/actually-bernie-markets-promote-kindness-not-governmentfee.org/articles/true-liberalism-is-about-human-compassionfee.org/articles/bernie-is-blind-to-compassion-without-compulsionfee.org/articles/the-driving-force-of-free-markets-is-empathy-not-greedpacificresearch.org/free-markets-101-free-markets-enable-prosperity-and-compassion
Why College is SO Expensive Common Sense Soapbox 2024-06-11 | Everybody complains about college being expensive, but do they know the factors causing it? Watch this #short to find out.Find the full episode here: youtu.be/HQgl6IBpTKo
What Can We Learn From Dolphins? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-06-08 | Dolphins are so smart, they understand incentives better than politicians. Watch this #short to learn why. Find the full episode here: youtu.be/6mGSN2YqeYE?si=1Lb5Scu73dg0MJ0t
Is Smashing Windows Good for the Economy? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-06-04 | A lot of people think that just because they can *see* a lot of economic activity, that activity is creating economic growth. But when people have to rebuild the stuff that got broken in a natural disaster, a riot, on accident, or because some malicious criminal destroyed all their stuff, they have to use money that they would have spent on something completely different just to replace what they lost.That isn't growth. It's going from a negative back to zero. Remember this the next time someone tells you there's a "silver lining" after an earthquake or a flood because a lot of businesses will suddenly have a lot of extra work to do.
Bring Back the Land Yacht! Common Sense Soapbox 2024-05-21 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, Seamus explains how bigger, heavier, less fuel efficient SUVs are safer than small sedans.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean W. Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1533510/#:~:text=Taking%20into%20account%20distance%20travelled,deaths%3B%200.007%20to%200.014)iihs.org/news/detail/driver-death-rates-remain-high-among-small-carsiihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/pedestriansiihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/collisions-with-fixed-objects-and-animals injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/type-of-crashen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_average_fuel_economythedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-are-fuel-economy-regulations-to-blameen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_size_classtheautopian.com/that-viral-tweet-about-truck-bed-sizes-over-the-years-is-just-stupidcapitalone.com/cars/learn/finding-the-right-car/are-new-cars-and-trucks-getting-heavier/1260carroar.com/car-lengthepa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-12/420s22001.pdfen.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest_consumer_road_vehiclesen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downsize_(automobile)autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1860276/car-weight-comparison-1967-versus-2017reason.com/2024/02/02/why-are-pickup-trucks-ridiculously-huge-blame-governmentthedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-are-fuel-economy-regulations-to-blame
Profits: Not Just a Motive Common Sense Soapbox 2024-05-14 | Most people think that prices are arbitrarily set by sellers, but in an open economy they're actually a constant negotiation with buyers, who are free to choose to buy other products, or buy from competitors, or not buy anything at all.More importantly, prices aren't just what you pay for goods & services. They're important information wrapped in incentives that signal both producers and consumers to modify their behavior as conditions change. When prices go up for a particular thing, the prospect of higher profits encourage entrepreneurs to make more of it, while the elevated cost puts pressure on customers to consume a bit less. Likewise, when prices drop, it signals a glut of supply relative to demand.Prices are the way we coordinate an immense amount of incredibly decentralized information across an entire economy, and can't be replaced by any kind of central planning.
Are Cars TOO Big? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-04-30 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, the gang discusses growing vehicle sizes in America. Seamus explains statistically, this isn’t really the case, although smaller cars are purchased less. Why exactly? “CAFE standards” government regulations.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone & Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin & Britta (@NoSoup4Knowles)Layout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:reddit.com/r/fuckcars/comments/16wnia5/people_on_facebook_actually_prefer_the_old_littlecartelligent.com/average-car-length cartelligent.com/average-car-lengthjato.com/usacarfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/what-is-the-average-car-length-and-how-to-find-iten.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full-size_caren.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_average_fuel_economythedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-are-fuel-economy-regulations-to-blamethetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-compact-trucks-and-station-wagonsmackinac.org/30165en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_size_classtheautopian.com/that-viral-tweet-about-truck-bed-sizes-over-the-years-is-just-stupidcapitalone.com/cars/learn/finding-the-right-car/are-new-cars-and-trucks-getting-heavier/1260carroar.com/car-lengthepa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-12/420s22001.pdfen.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest_consumer_road_vehiclesen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_yacht_(automobile)motoringresearch.com/car-news/biggest-flamboyant-american-carsen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_yacht_(automobile)#:~:text=Excluding%20limousines%2C%20the%20longest%20American,the%201960%20Lincoln%20Continental%20convertible.aei.org/carpe-diem/5-charts-showing-theres-never-been-a-better-time-for-average-americans-to-own-operate-a-car-the-good-old-days-are-nowen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downsize_(automobile)autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1860276/car-weight-comparison-1967-versus-2017onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/hrr/1972/420/420-001.pdfquotulatiousness.ca/blog/2018/12/01/cafe-killed-the-north-american-passenger-carreason.com/2024/02/02/why-are-pickup-trucks-ridiculously-huge-blame-governmenten.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_average_fuel_economythedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-are-fuel-economy-regulations-to-blamehttps://sci-hub.se/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212012221000241?via%3Dihubyoutube.com/watch?v=mQDegCqiVnUen.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Research_Council
When Good Intentions Go Wrong Common Sense Soapbox 2024-04-02 | What can cobras teach us about good governance and effective policy? Turns out, quite a bit...Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/6mGSN2YqeYE
How to Save the Planet Common Sense Soapbox 2024-03-26 | Environmentalism is better achieved through individual responsibility than collective control. Governments should act accordingly.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/nyRu0qxj81o
Retail Crime is WORSE Than You Thought Common Sense Soapbox 2024-03-19 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, Bob is out of luck because he can't get his hands on Baldur's Gate 3 or a new computer. The reason? The local store closed down due to theft. But is that a legit excuse for shutting down a store in 2024?______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:counciloncj.org/shoplifting-trends-what-you-need-to-know forbes.com/advisor/business-insurance/impact-retail-theft-on-small-businessescnn.com/2023/05/17/business/target-earnings/index.htmlcnn.com/2023/05/23/business/retail-crime-economy/index.htmlppic.org/blog/retail-theft-and-robbery-rates-have-risen-across-california axios.com/2023/09/26/target-stores-closing-list-2023-theft-crimecnbc.com/2022/07/14/starbucks-is-set-to-close-these-16-us-stores-over-safety-concerns.html npr.org/2023/09/28/1202264923/major-retailers-blame-theft-for-their-decision-to-close-locationsdailymail.co.uk/news/article-11965589/The-stores-closed-doors-rampant-theft.html
Florida Man Explains Why DEI Is a Scam Common Sense Soapbox 2024-03-05 | On this special Common Sense Soapbox #short, Florida Man explains the pervasive myths behind diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know what you think about the #shorts format in the comments.LINKS:nytimes.com/2024/03/02/us/university-florida-dei.htmlhttps://diversity.uiowa.edu/resources/dei-definitionsallsides.com/translator/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-deihoover.org/research/diversity-fundamentalistsfee.org/articles/3-observations-and-predictions-about-affirmative-action-in-universities-moving-forwardfee.org/articles/the-problem-with-universities-demanding-diversity-statementsfee.org/articles/escape-the-moral-matrix-with-the-red-pill-of-intellectual-diversityfee.org/articles/diversity-and-the-free-marketmises.org/mises-wire/claudine-gay-dei-and-war-middle-eastmises.org/power-market/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-goals-are-illogical-and-harmfulreason.com/video/2023/08/31/are-californias-new-woke-dei-college-standards-illegalreason.com/2024/01/06/the-conformity-gauntlet
What Kind of Diversity is Actually a Strength? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-02-20 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, the gang wonders if diversity will help them solve a puzzle. Seamus explains that it depends on how the gang conceptualizes diversity.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:heterodoxacademy.org/blog/why-should-we-care-about-ideological-diversity-in-the-academy-the-definitive-responsepsycnet.apa.org/record/2020-28170-001fee.org/articles/the-conversation-about-workplace-diversity-we-should-be-havingfee.org/articles/the-problem-with-universities-demanding-diversity-statements
Free Markets Protect the Earth Common Sense Soapbox 2024-02-16 | Most people assume capitalism and environmentalism can't coexist. But what if private property and free exchange are some of the best ways to conserve the environment?Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/nyRu0qxj81o
What Happens When Social Trust COLLAPSES? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-02-06 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, the sweet cinnamon scent of fried dough and its potential deadliness prompts the gang to discuss social trust. As Seamus explains, trade and cooperation are essential for healthy societies, yet both flounder without a minimum degree of social trust.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(social_science)pewresearch.org/social-trends/2007/02/22/americans-and-social-trust-who-where-and-whyourworldindata.org/trustjstor.org/stable/41638856https://www.depts.ttu.edu/freemarketinstitute/research/origins/papers/TheImpactofSocialTrustandSystemSupportonEconomicFreedom.pdf
Are Student Loans a Scam? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-02-02 | Bob finds himself “in the hole” after taking out a substantial student loan. Is he at fault? Mostly. But… the bad incentives of federally managed student loans certainly don’t help.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/hRoN3uxRf6o?si=5XyBvqIvEkZfSJSB
Does the TSA Actually Keep Us Safe? Common Sense Soapbox 2024-01-23 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, Sarah naively believes that the TSA is helpful in keeping American air passengers safe from terrorism. Florida Man, Ron, and Seamus quickly convince her otherwise.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:forbes.com/sites/ellistalton/2019/01/28/is-the-tsa-really-necessary/?sh=3e58ce4c25e0vox.com/2016/5/17/11687014/tsa-against-airport-securityreason.com/2021/11/19/after-20-years-of-failure-kill-the-tsareason.com/2022/01/07/airport-security-measures-are-popular-but-pointlessbloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-03/airport-security-astoundingly-expensive-and-95-percent-ineffectivehotair.com/marykatharine/2014/10/29/tsa-confiscates-a-toy-ray-gun-belt-buckle-because-security-n193795
Rons Year In Review Common Sense Soapbox 2023-12-26 | On our final episode for Season 8, Ron catches up on headlines from the past year and finds himself at a parole hearing. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, & Have an Amazing New Year, everybody!______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:www.fee.org
Bidenomics Doesnt Work Common Sense Soapbox 2023-12-16 | Florida Man explains why Biden's claims of economic improvement are overexaggerated.We hope you enjoy this original Common Sense Soapbox #short. Let us know what you think about the format in the comments.
Will California Ever Learn? Common Sense Soapbox 2023-12-09 | Renewable energy is a laudable goal. However, mandates in service of that goal would mean regress in place of progress. Watch this Common Sense Soapbox #short to find out.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/Rd_uJBov4y8
Is Gen Z Really the Poorest Generation? Common Sense Soapbox 2023-12-05 | On this episode of Common Sense Soapbox, Seamus explains why Gen Z has a right to feel screwed over financially, but perhaps not to the degree they think (or feel).______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUSnces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/tables/dt21_330.10.asp?current=yesssa.gov/oact/cola/AWI.htmlforbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/09/29/gen-z-faces-financial-challenges-stress-anxiety-and-an-uncertain-future
Florida Man Debunks Tax Myth Common Sense Soapbox 2023-11-28 | ATTENTION STUDENTS: class is in session! Put your gator on silent mode and listen to Florida Man profess the Laffer Curve and optimal income taxation.We hope you enjoy this original Common Sense Soapbox #short. Let us know what you think about the format in the comments.
Why You Should be Thankful Common Sense Soapbox 2023-11-21 | Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/MK2yoMG282A
Fauci Lied and FINALLY Admitted It. Common Sense Soapbox 2023-11-14 | Between international conflicts and Presidential elections, the news has glossed over this story pretty much entirely, but did you know that Fauci finally admitted that the NIH funded gain of function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, adding to mounting evidence that covid was not only created in a lab with notoriously lax safety procedures, but that it was actually sponsored by the US government.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:-- Fauci Claims NIH Didn't Fund Gain of Function Research --cnbc.com/2021/11/04/fauci-says-rand-paul-egregiously-incorrect-about-gain-of-function-research.htmlnih.gov/sites/default/files/institutes/foia/simonson-56433.pdf-- Then the NIH Admits They Funded WIV, But Fauci Claims He Didn't Know ---vanityfair.com/news/2021/10/nih-admits-funding-risky-virus-research-in-wuhancongress.gov/117/meeting/house/114270/documents/HHRG-117-GO24-20211201-SD004.pdf-- But... Fauci's Emails Reveal That He Did Know -- fee.org/articles/nihs-letter-to-wuhan-lab-confirms-rand-paul-was-right-and-fauci-was-wrong-about-gain-of-functionnationalreview.com/news/fauci-knew-nih-funded-wuhans-gain-of-function-research-as-pandemic-began-email-revealstheintercept.com/2021/09/09/covid-origins-gain-of-function-researchpaul.senate.gov/op_eds/fox-news-op-ed-sen-rand-paul-md-nih-lied-and-continues-lie-about-gain-function-research-and-covidwbko.com/2021/10/21/nih-acknowledges-us-funded-gain-of-function-wuhan-lab-sen-rand-paul-reacts
Why today is better than yesterday Common Sense Soapbox 2023-11-11 | Watch the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=1uOCO7i7SMQ
Minimum Wage ≠ Living Wage Common Sense Soapbox 2023-11-09 | Watch the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=OUcqEYqFEDU
How much is 30 seconds worth to you? Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-31 | None of us want to admit this, but binge-watching Netflix is more expensive than the monthly subscription fee. The economic concept of "opportunity cost" can teach us what we're losing out on —even with a meager 30-minute episode.Watch the full CSS episode here: youtu.be/ZfD_fzZxm3E
Life is MUCH EASIER (Thanks to Free Markets) Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-28 | Many would have you believe we live in a post-capitalist wasteland. Are suburbs, sprawling freeways, and unlimited consumer choice evidence of dystopia? Hardly. All evidence points to life being much easier and better thanks to free trade.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/MK2yoMG282A
Why a “Living Wage” Makes No Sense Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-24 | It may sound compassionate to pass a law requiring businesses to pay their employees a livable salary. But in practice, it makes absolutely no sense. Watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=OUcqEYqFEDU&list=PLoljsMaUhh_cMhDhnsU2CrYl2q4Ii3Hbj&index=10
This is Why Tariffs are Stupid Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-21 | Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/JJ3WIKXvdXA
🧟☠️ Congress is SOOOOO old Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-17 | On this spooktacular episode of Common Sense Soapbox, the crew goes trick-or-treating on the steps of Congress. Seamus explains the ghastly reality of elderly politicians haunting the landscape and hampering progress.______________________________CREDITS: Written by Sean Malone, Lou Perez, and Seamus CoughlinAnimated by LtAmazil, Adamdonk, and Emily SlattVoiced by Seamus Coughlin and nosoup4knowlesLayout by Jaime Velasquez, Trevor SmithProduced & Edited by Sean W. Malone______________________________LINKS:newsweek.com/how-dianne-feinstein-net-worth-has-grown-31-years-senator-1819172instagram.com/p/Cx-1iIRNHbRpewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/10/04/most-americans-favor-maximum-age-limits-for-federal-elected-officials-supreme-court-justicespewresearch.org/topic/politics-policy/demographics-politics/generations-age-politicswashingtonpost.com/politics/2023/congress-age-demographics-house-senatetheconversation.com/theres-no-age-limit-for-politicians-as-people-live-longer-should-that-change-211318
How to Fix Healthcare Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-14 | Solving the American health care crisis is easier than it seems. Get regulatory burdens out of the way, and allow markets to work the way they always do.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/OVr4uioWO6Y
The Dark History of the Minimum Wage Common Sense Soapbox 2023-10-10 | Did you know the minimum wage was initially designed to keep minorities out of the job market? Although modern progressives argue it to be benevolent, its history and ramifications are anything but.Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/ordzgpuw4Mk?si=ipldcMOmkhU6JlPz
