3 chapters across the catalog
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is criticized for her "word salad" response to a question about reparations. The hosts argue she avoided a direct answer by pivoting to identity politics and questioning "what does it mean to be black." They suggest that while she supports printing money for the Green New Deal, she and the Democratic Party are hesitant to support a "New Black Deal" or direct reparations.
The hosts discuss Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) as the mechanism used to create trillions of dollars for COVID-19 stimulus without immediate inflation. They note that if the government can print two trillion dollars in three weeks, there is no financial barrier to funding reparations. They mention that even pro-reparations candidate Maryanne Williamson only asked for $500 billion, which they view as a low-ball figure.
Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) suggests that the United States can print unlimited currency without economic detriment, as seen with recent tax cuts and deficit spending. The discussion explores whether this theory could be applied to fund a trillion-dollar reparations package. While traditional economists warn of bubbles and unintended consequences, proponents argue that putting money directly into the hands of consumers would stimulate the economy without the need for traditional funding.
