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Host Alex Aragona and a rotating cast of guests explore philosophy, politics, economics, and other ideas from a classical liberal perspective.
Episode Summary:
Matt Bufton is joined by Bill Wirtz of the Consumer Choice Centre to explore why governments often crack down on fun—from drinking and smoking to gambling and vaping. They dive into the cultural and political roots of paternalistic policies, how public health rhetoric masks deeper control impulses, and why Canada offers a revealing case study in state-imposed virtue. Wirtz also highlights how prohibitionist instincts persist even when evidence contradicts their effectiveness.
References
“Children Are the Future: Authoritarianism, Culture War and Making Model Citizens” by Alan Elrodhttps://www.liberalcurrents.com/children-are-the-future-authoritarianism-culture-war-and-making-model-citizens/
That Which is Seen and That Which is Not Seen by Frédéric Bastiathttps://oll.libertyfund.org/title/bastiat-selected-essays-on-political-economy#lf0181_head_009
The Fun Police – Podcast Series by Bill Wirtzhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fun-police/id1714265675
World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Controlhttps://fctc.who.int/
Milton Friedman’s “Free to Choose” (PBS Series)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngqR9gcDDw&list=PLt27lKoC5LS4wbD28Jkv95UUm9H7wbVO4
Thanks to Our Patrons
Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:https://patreon.com/curioustask
The Curious Task
Host Alex Aragona and a rotating cast of guests explore philosophy, politics, economics, and other ideas from a classical liberal perspective.
