Why The Convenience Of Big Companies Could Have Big Consequences, Deadline Looming To Avoid Government Shutdown

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(AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

If its beginning to seem like a real life monopoly game that companies like Amazon and Google are winning, you may be on to something. We talk with a guest who says antitrust laws that were designed in the 19th century to prevent corporations from growing too large may need some updating. We also take a look at what’s at stake with a potential government shutdown.

Featured in this Show

  • Deadline Looming To Avoid Government Shutdown

    The United States could face another partial government shutdown if Congress and President Trump cannot reach a budget agreement by Friday. The President has indicated that he’s willing to shut the government down if Congress doesn’t allocate $5 billion to fund the building of a wall at the U.S./Mexico border. Philip Chen, assistant professor of political science at Beloit College, joins us to talk about the political fallout that could come from a government shutdown.

  • The Role Of Antitrust Laws In An Era Of Big Banks, Pharma, And Tech

    In the late 19th century, the United States implemented laws to prevent corporations from growing too large and stifling competition in the market. While these rules have been around for more than a century, Columbia Law School professor Tim Wu argues that it’s time to revisit them in order to better regulate massive companies like Amazon and Google. He joins us to talk about antitrust laws and how concentrated corporate power can lead to massive inequality, nationalism, and populism.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Derrell Connor Host
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Philip Chen Guest
  • Tim Wu Guest

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