E32 - Nationalization

A Socialist Reads Atlas Shrugged

File this one under the theme: what is Capitalism and what is wrong with it?
Jonathan provides a lengthy history-infused explanation of nationalization (when a government takes over an industry or a particular firm within an industry). The historical journey features Mexico's nationalization of its petroleum industry and the US Department of State's webpage. Jonathan mentions the Takings Clause in the 5th Amendment of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court case Kelo v. New London. Eminent Domain is covered in Article 27 of the Constitution of Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. A very highly recommended book on public enterprise (including nationalization and privatization) is Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States by Thomas M. Hanna. Jonathan reads a passage about Amtrak on page 32 of Hanna's book. Also, the information about electricity municipalization in Boulder, Colorado, described at the start of the episode, was drawn from Hanna's book.

My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:

1. What is human nature?
2. Straw-man arguments and their impact on the world Ayn Rand creates.
3. Dagny Taggart as a true hero.
4. How empathy can be de-legitimized.
5. What is Capitalism and what is wrong with it?

Questions or comments? Email me at: [email protected]
Learn more about Jonathan Seyfried at their website, https://jonathanseyfried.art
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The intro/outro music was composed by John Sib.
The podcast theme image was created by Karina Bial

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