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Tom Easton on Dodd-Frank: "A Terrible Law"

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

"I think there's growing understanding of how terrible this law really is," says The Economist's Tom Easton of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.

Dodd-Frank was passed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and Easton is one of the very select few who have read the entire sweeping bill. He asserts that "the single most indicting read on Dodd-Frank, is to read Dodd-Frank itself."

To those who feel that the financial crisis was caused by a lack of regulation, Easton counters, "the argument that there needs to be more regulations (on banks) is frankly ludicrous if you look at how they were regulated before."

Runs about 4.14 minutes.

Produced by Anthony L. Fisher.

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LAPD Raids Occupy LA

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST

The Los Angeles Police Department raided Occupy LA in the early morning hours of November 30, 2011. There were more than 200 arrests made by the 1,400 officers on hand to clear out the park surrounding Los Angeles City Hall.

Reason.tv was on the scene when the raid happened and documented what may be the end of Occupy LA's encampment, but the beginning of a new chapter in the movement.

Written, shot and narrated by Paul Detrick

Approximately 2:00 minutes.

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Katherine Mangu-Ward Discusses Lobbyists' Attack on Congress Supercommittee on Freedom Watch

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Reason Managing Editor Katherine Mangu-Ward appeared on Freedom Watch to discuss the 200 lobbyists that are now plaguing Congress' Supercommittee, and are putting up an extra wall against government transparency. Airdate: October 24, 2011.

Approximately 7.30 minutes.

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Matt Welch Discusses the Failed Debt Debate and the Market's Downturn on Freedom Watch

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Reason Editor in Chief Matt Welch appeared on Freedom Watch to discuss how the debt agreement failed to stop market fears and stop government intervention in the economy. Air Date: August 4, 2011.

Approximately 7 minutes.

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Fighting the War on Cameras: Jerome Vorus and the ACLU take D.C. to Court

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Can the police detain you for taking pictures of a routine traffic stop? Police in Washington D.C. say they can.

In 2010, photographer and student Jerome Vorus was detained and questioned by police after he photographed a traffic stop in Georgetown. The ACLU says he was illegally detained and has filed a lawsuit on his behalf. Vorus recently sat down with Reason.tv’s Nick Gillespie to discuss what happened that day and where his case currently stands.

With cameras and other recording devices becoming more affordable, cases like Vorus’ have become all too common. For more information on this disturbing trend, read Reason magazine's January 2011 cover story "The War on Cameras" with the companion piece "How to Record the Cops” and watch Reason.tv’s documentary “The Government’s War on Cameras!”

Shot by Jim Epstein and Joshua Swain. Edited by Swain. About 4.18 minutes.

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The Killing of Allen Kephart

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EDT

On May 10, 43-year old Allen Kephart died after being tased multiple times by three San Bernardino, California sheriff's deputies during a routine traffic stop.

Kephart, a quiet and well-liked member of the tight-knit mountain community around Lake Arrowhead, allegedly ran a stop sign and became “combative” during the stop.

But local residents say this claim is wildly out of character for Kephart, who had no police record and no history of aggressive behavior or even temper. Kephart’s death has galvanized the local community around a problem they say is getting worse: aggressive policing and the souring of relations between civilians and local law enforcement.

While an FBI review of Kephart’s death proceeds, the people of Lake Arrowhead are demanding a change in the climate of fear that has grown up in this quiet rural community. Whatever the final outcome of that investigation, the case of Allen Kephart is a case study in how law enforcement can lose the support even of citizens who believe strongly in law and order.

Producers: Tim Cavanaugh and Paul Detrick. Camera and Editing: Paul Detrick and Alex Manning

About 7 minutes. Scroll down for downloadable versions and subscribe to Reason.tv's YouTube Channel to receive automatic notifications when new material goes live.

Jim Epstein Discusses His Arrest at the DC Taxicab Commission Meeting with Judge Napolitano

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Reason.tv producer Jim Epstein talks to Judge Napolitano about what sparked his arrest at the DC Taxicab Commission Meeting and whether the government can prevent reporters from using cameras in public hearings. Air date: June 23, 2011.

Approximately 3.41 minutes.

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Tim Cavanaugh Talks CA Budget on LA's Fox 11

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EDT

Tim Cavanaugh, Reason columnist and Hit & Run contributor, talks to FOX 11 Los Angeles about CA lawmakers passing the state budget. Air date: June 14, 2011.

Approximately 3:57.

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Jacob Sullum Discusses the Targeted Killing of Bin Laden on The Alyona Show

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Reason Senior Editor Jacob Sullum recently appeared on Russia Today's Alyona Show to discuss the targeted killing of Osama Bin Laden. Sullum explains the legality of the assassination and whether the American government crossed a line. Air date: May 4, 2010.

Approximately 8 minutes.

Katherine Mangu-Ward Discusses Wikileaks and Assange with Judge Napolitano

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST

Reason Senior Editor Katherine Mangu-Ward debates Leslie Marshall on the case for Wikileaks, Assange, and the cost for government transparency with Judge Napolitano substituting for Glenn Beck on Fox News. Airdate: December 16, 2010.

About 6.30 minutes.

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Is Wikileaks a Force For Good? Four Experts on Our Wiki-Future

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST

Is Wikileaks a force for good, allowing journalists and ordinary citizens a glimpse at what diplomats and politicians are doing in our name? Or could the latest Wikileaks information dump be a net negative for open government advocates, resulting in tighter classification of future documents?

Reason.tv sat down with four experts on national security and government transparency—Aaron David Miller, a public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center, Eli Lake, National Security Correspondent at the Washington Times, Steven Aftergood, director of the Project on Government Secrecy at the Federation of American Scientists, and Heather Hurlburt, Executive Director of the National Security Network—and asked if our Wikifuture is something to celebrate or lament.

Approximately 10 minutes.

Produced by Meredith Bragg and Michael C. Moynihan. Edited by Meredith Bragg.

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Matthew Elliot on Britain's Burgeoning Tax Revolt

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST

Americans have more of a penchant for tax revolts than the British, but that may be changing. After thirty years of unchallenged tax increases, The Taxpayers’ Alliance formed in 2004 to advocate for lower taxes across the United Kingdom.

Co-founder and Chief Executive of The Taxpayers’ Alliance Matthew Elliott sat down with Reason.tv to discuss the rising frustration with taxes in Britain and how TPA grew from a small group that met in coffee shops to a national media player.

Approximately 5.43 minutes.

Interviewed by June Arunga. Camera by Jim Epstein and Josh Swain. Editing by Swain.

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Adrian Moore Discusses Exorbitant Government Pay in California on Varney & Co.

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Adrian Moore, Vice President of Research at the Reason Foundation, discusses the outlandish pay and pensions of some officials in municipalities across California on Fox Business' Varney & Co. Air date: August 10, 2010.

Approximately 4.11 minutes.

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Adrian Moore Discusses California's Overturn of Prop 8 and more on Varney & Co.

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Adrian Moore, Vice President of Research at the Reason Foundation, discusses the potential economic consequences of the overturn of Prop. 8, the case for full disclosure of city official salaries and unsustainable retirement costs in Los Angeles on Fox Business' Varney & Co. Air date: August 5, 2010.

Approximately 3.10 minutes.

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The Case for Cameras in the U.S. Supreme Court

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 07:00:00 EDT

Cameras are everywhere today: In convenience stores, at intersections, the workplace, your computer, your cellphone, ATM machines. There's even been a camera in news anchor Katie Couric.

Yet there's one place cameras have never been allowed: The U.S. Supreme Court. Just what are Supreme Court justices hiding beneath their robes that they continue to say no to cameras in their courtroom?

For decades the White House and Congress have opened their public business to television cameras, but the judicial branch has remained staunchly against the practice. As C-SPAN's Brian Lamb tells Reason.tv, he has been rebuffed in every attempt to record and air the oral arguments phase of Supreme Court proceedings. On this, an often-divided court remains unanimous, even if their arguments remain weaker than their majority's logic in their awful Kelo decision, which legitimated eminent domain abuse.

Both Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan spoke in favor of cameras in the Supreme Court. Can a new batch of justices, more attune to the benefits of transparency, finally change things for the better?

"The Case for Cameras in The Supreme Court" is written and produced by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie, who also hosts.

Approximately 3.40 minutes.

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Nick Gillespie Discusses Congressional Conflicts of Interest & Transparency on CNBC's Power Lunch

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:40:00 EDT

Reason's Nick Gillespie appeared on CNBC's Power Lunch to discuss Congressional conflicts of interest and whether politicians should be allowed to invest in industries they regulate on June 16, 2010.

Approximately 4.23 minutes.

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Pork Party House

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:30:00 EST

First Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) surrenders his chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee amid an ethics investigation. Now Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) proposes an idea that she hopes will help her make good on her promise to help lead "the most ethical Congress in history"—a party-wide ban on earmarks. Will it happen? Don't bet on it. Reason.tv's "Pork Party House" helps explain why neither party can resist the pull of pork.

If you're a politician, lobbyist, or insider and you're in the mood to party, check out a Washington D.C. mansion called the Sewall-Belmont House. Party with senators and celebrities at thousand-dollar-a-plate fundraisers! You might even get to ride a mechanical bull! The Sewall-Belmont House hosts so many A-list events, you might be surprised to find out that your tax dollars help fund this hotspot for Washington insiders. "Over the last 10 years, the Sewall-Belmont House has gotten over $3.4 million in earmarks," says Leslie Paige of Citizens Against Government Waste.

Reporters often highlight the most ridiculous examples, but politicians have learned how to make their pork projects sound uncontroversial, even appealing. Just say your project will help children, senior citizens, or—if you really want to slip under the radar—direct taxpayer dough to a museum.

"Museums are one of the biggies because they sound so good," says Paige. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) used that angle to direct a million-dollar earmark to the Sewall-Belmont House (after the Senator received an award from the Sewall-Belmont House). Turns out Landrieu was just getting warmed up, because her recent $300 million "Louisiana Purchase" shot her into the ranks of pork legends.

It wasn't supposed to be like this, laments Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), one of Congress's few legitimate pork busters. Flake tells Reason.tv that despite pork-laden scandals that stuck some members behind bars—remember Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.)?—and promises from Barack Obama to reform earmarks, spending on pork continues to swell in the giant pork party house called the U.S. Congress.

"Pork Party House" is written and produced by Ted Balaker. Producer: Hawk Jensen; Host: Nick Gillespie; Field Producer: Dan Hayes; Associate Producer: Paul Detrick; Additional Camera: Meredith Bragg; Production Assistant: Josh Swain; Music: "Get What You Want?" by Beight (Magnatune Records).

Approximately six-and-a-half minutes. Scroll down for embed code and downloadable versions.

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And come back to Reason.tv March 15 through March 19 for the debut of Reason Saves Cleveland With Drew Carey: How to fix the "Mistake on The Lake" and other once-great American cities, an original six-part documentary series.

Recovery.org vs. Recovery.gov: How The Private Sector, Not The Feds, Is Tracking Stimulus Spending in Real Time

Thu, 07 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT

Remember the day when President Barack Obama promised that concerned citizens would be able to track "every dime" of stimulus money online? He was talking about the official government website, Recovery.gov.

Which doesn't have any details about contracts or grants yet—and won't until October 2009 or, more likely, sometime next year, long after the thrill of living is gone and a huge chunk of the $787 billion stimulus package has already been frittered away on "shovel-ready" projects such as the John Murtha-Johnstown Cambria County Airport (pop. 20 passengers a day).

Thankfully, the folks at the information-services firm Onvia stepped in and created the site Recovery.org, which is already on the case and showing, as much as is possible, who is getting what.

Like Adam Smith's butchers, bakers, and brewers, it's not from Onvia's benevolence that the company is doing this, but from its self-interest: The company puts mostly small and mid-sized firms in touch with local, state, and federal agencies that need some sort of contract work done.

Which might well be the point: The private sector has eaten the feds' lunch on this precisely because they have to hustle in order to keep the wolf from the door. Even, ironically (and frankly disturbingly), when the project is all about chasing government dollars.

On Wednesday, May 13 6, 2009, Reason.tv caught up with Onvia CEO Mike Pickett and asked him about the reaction so far to Recovery.org, his hopes for government accountability and transparency, and whether sunlight really is the best disinfectant.

Approximately 5 minutes. Interview conducted and edited by Dan Hayes at the Heritage Foundation.

Getting off Track

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EDT

John B. Taylor, professor of economics at Stanford University, challenges the conventional wisdom that it was an excess of deregulation that precipitated our current financial crisis. In fact, he says, the exact opposite is true.

In January, he sat down with Reason.tv's Michael C. Moynihan to discuss his new book Getting Off Track: How Government Actions and Interventions Caused, Prolonged, and Worsened the Financial Crisis (Hoover Press) and explain what caused the collapse of the American economy.

Earmarks

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Taxpayers are shelling out over $17 billion for more than 11,000 Congressional earmarks in FY 2008. One such project is a $1.6 million earmark in this year’s defense spending bill. The money is going to the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI), a program that searches for evidence of life elsewhere in the universe.

That alien pork project is just one example of how elected officials use earmarks to funnel federal tax dollars back to powerful interests in their districts. While politicians and a few of their most well-connected constituents benefit from earmarks, the costs fall on individual taxpayers. Since 1991, Americans have paid over $271 billion for pork projects.

In this new Reason.tv video, Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla) - who is known as the Senate's "Dr. No" for his aggressive opposition to earmarks - explains how taxpayers are being fleeced by Washington's insatiable appetite for pork.

Golf: The Solution to Juvenile Delinquency

paul.feine@reason.tv (Paul Feine) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Justice Department is attempting to help troubled teens by doling out money to First Tee--a golf program for kids--and other organizations with strong political connections. ABC News invesigates.

(Click on the image above to read the story and watch the ABC News segment.)

Grover Norquist: Leave Us Alone Already!

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Americans for Tax Reform honcho Grover Norquist recently sat down with reason.tv's Nick Gillespie for a 45-minute conversation about Norquist's new book Leave Us Alone: Getting the Government's Hands of Our Guns, Our Money, Our Lives.

From the book's description at Amazon:

The modern Republican party is a coalition of groups and tendencies created during the political life of Ronald Reagan, based on principle rather than region and history. The new political movement that now controls much of the Republican party is one of Americans who simply wish to be left alone by the government. They are not asking the government for others' money, time, or attention. Rather, they want to be free to own a gun, homeschool their children, pray, invest their money, and control their own destiny.
They are the Leave Us Alone coalition, at the heart of the center-right, and Grover Norquist argues that it will grow in power and size during the next generation. Directly opposed to this coalition is the descriptively titled Takings Coalition, which is at the heart of the tax-and-spend left, and they will battle for control of America's future over the next fifty years. It is increasingly important to better understand these coalitions than it is the Republican or Democratic parties themselves.
In a compelling and powerful narrative, Norquist describes the two competing coalitions in American politics, how they are organized, what makes them stronger or weaker. What each can achieve and what they cannot do. And how you may fit into the contest as well as gain a deeper understanding of American politics—where it's been, where it is and particularly where it will go—through a series of eye-opening economic, demographic, and political trends that will shape these coalitions in the years to come.

In this wide-ranging, in-depth discussion, Norquist talks about splits among libertarians and conservatives, the many failures of the Bush administration and the GOP Congress, his trouble with Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the urgent need for reform in Social Security, health care, and education, and much, much more.