Robert Higgs Spotlighted on C-SPAN’s “In Depth”
By David J. Theroux • Monday April 6, 2009 4:41 PM PDT • 5 Comments
Independent Institute Senior Fellow Robert Higgs was interviewed for three hours on C-SPAN2′s prestigious program, In Depth. The complete video interview can be watched here (in three parts):
Dr. Higgs is editor of The Independent Review, and his authored books include the following:
- Against Leviathan: Government Power and a Free Society
- Competition and Coercion: Blacks in the American Economy, 1865-1914
- Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government
- Depression, War, and Cold War: Challenging the Myths of Conflict and Prosperity
- Neither Liberty Nor Safety: Fear, Ideology, and the Growth of Government
- Resurgence of the Warfare State: The Crisis Since 9/11
- The Transformation of the American Economy, 1865-1914: An Essay in Interpretation
In addition, Dr. Higgs’s edited books include:
- Arms, Politics, and the Economy: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
- The Challenge of Liberty: Classical Liberalism Today (with Carl P. Close)
- Emergence of the Modern Political Economy
- Hazardous to Our Health? FDA Regulation of Health Care Products
- Opposing the Crusader State: Alternatives to Global Interventionism (with Carl P. Close)
- Re-Thinking Green: Alternatives to Environmental Bureaucracy (with Carl P. Close)
Tags: American History, Bailouts, Books, Budget and Tax Policy, Business, Civil Liberties, Constitution, Drugs, Economics, Employment, Fascism, Federal Reserve, Great Depression, Law, Media, Military, Money and Banking, Nationalization, Personal Liberty, Politics, Presidential Power, Privatization, Property Rights, Regulation, Socialism, Taxation, The State, Video, War, Welfare 
Excellent interview, but I don’t see how Dr. Higgs kept his cool during some of those phone calls. I was flipping out just watching it.
Robbie Clark | Apr 6, 2009 | Reply
I had the same sentiments. One has to wonder if the people calling in were actually listening to anything Dr. Higgs said. Several callers insinuated that Prof. Higgs was a corporatist who supported Wall Street bailouts at the expense of the average Joe. I simply don’t know what they heard that would lead them to such a conclusion. Prof. Higgs expressed his disapproval of both Bush’s and Obama’s bailout plans and consistently argued against welfare of every sort. It appears that the ideology of the State as protector is so ingrained into the minds of the masses that they simply cannot imagine a world in which the people help out each other voluntarily.
I almost fell off of my chair laughing at the gentleman who claimed to have read Mises’ “Socialism” then said that Prof. Higgs and other admirers of Mises were all shills for the Wall Street establishment.
C. Evans | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
It is interesting that no matter how many objections are answered, callers never even consider that Dr. Higgs might have good reasons for thinking the way he does, and throw more poorly-considered objections at him and question his motives. Not saying they are wrong to object, but they could be a little more polite about it.
I especially liked the man and woman who wanted him to give up any claims to social security payments. Such people always call you a hypocrite for participating in whatever benefits the system offers, without also recognizing that you were not given the choice in the first place. Not exactly a fair test of your sincerity, as Dr. Higgs pointed out. The cesspool line was hilarious – “I find that to be an unreasonable request.” Classic.
Fred Blackwell | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
I have long appreciated Dr. Higgs’ polemical writings on the Web, but my admiration reached new heights after watching his performance on C-SPAN. He deftly answered the questions, some insightful, others hostile and imbecilic, that were put to him. His responses were articulate and unruffled and are obviously part of a coherent, well-reasoned worldview.
Like other commenters, I was dismayed by the intractable ignorance of some of the callers, but I was greatly impressed by Dr. Higgs respectful, patient responses.
Bravo.
B Carlisle | Apr 8, 2009 | Reply
C-SPAN’s In Depth interview was my introduction to Dr. Higgs. What a great spokesman for the free market! He gave clear, concise explanations easily digestible by those who don’t have any understanding of the basics behind it but are interested in learning.
Have already ordered one of his books...
Hope to see him show up on many more TV shows (Cavuto, Dobbs, Van Susteran) and online podcasts (Freedom Watch).
RBellis | Apr 8, 2009 | Reply