LEVER TIME: Who Created America’s Free Market Mythology?

In the new episode of our weekly podcast Lever Time, David Sirota speaks with Harvard Professor Naomi Oreskes about the mythology of “market fundamentalism” that exists deep within the American psyche.

Where did the idea of an unfettered free market really come from? Oreskes explains how the total belief in the wisdom of the free markets (in opposition to the ‘evil’ big government), went from being on the fringes of public debate to a dogmatic ideology that is unique to the United States.

It’s a fascinating history involving key figures of the 20th century, including Herbert Hoover, industry groups, and a massively popular show called “General Electric Theater” that starred a Hollywood actor named Ronald Reagan.

Oreskes is co-author of the new book, “The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market.”

Read a rough transcript of this episode here.

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