Freedom Four

A Friday Hodgepodge

1. "Vance Can't Define Socialism Because He Agrees With Its Core Premise," by Agustina Vergara Cid (The Orange County Register):

The vice president's "definition" of socialism drew criticism. Some critics have pointed out that Vance's own policies often overlap with socialism, suggesting that he defines the term by what he personally finds objectionable. The overlap between Vance's nationalism and socialism is real. They are rival versions of the same core premise: that the group supersedes the individual. Vance can't define socialism because he can't name its core premise without condemning his own.

830 words/5 minutes

2. "5 Questions for ... Amesh Adalja, MD" (interview), by Fran Kritz, Meaghan Lee Callaghan, and Amesh Adalja (Infectious Disease Special Edition):

IDSE: As an infectious disease physician, what data are you reviewing about vaccines?

Dr. Adalja: I look at the original data in papers coming out in medical journals. I look at consensus statements coming out from medical organizations who are synthesizing that data.

But infectious disease doctors aren't the ones actually giving vaccinations. Primary care doctors are, and they often look at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and CDC, both which, I believe, are now delegitimized due to leadership...

1170 words/4 minutes

3. "CEOs Under the Trump Administration Explode the Myth of Plutocracy" (2025), by Ben Bayer (The Hill):

If CEOs know these tariffs are threatening their own businesses, why don't they speak up? Why are these "plutocrats" so passive?

The author of the Journal report offers a simple explanation: "They're scared. They're worried they're going to be targeted, they're worried their businesses are going to suffer."

Indeed, they have much to fear.

820 words/3 minutes

4. "Jonathan Hoenig: Chicago, Capitalism, and the Art of Investing" (interview) by Scott Holleran and Jonathan Hoenig (Classic Chicago Magazine):

Scott Holleran: ... What are your thoughts on Chicago's history in American finance and are you bullish on Chicago's future?

Jonathan Hoenig: Yeah. Chicago's influence in finance, particularly in futures, options and derivatives, that's where there's been so much growth in markets in recent years. Chicago pioneered that. So much of what Chicago did East Coast [types] said couldn't be done. The results of Chicago's contributions to financial markets are better -- much better -- markets worldwide. Thanks to Chicago, people can protect themselves from all types of business risk, everything from the economy slowing to crops failing and weather events. Chicago's always had that reputation -- that reality of being a pioneer in helping people manage risk. Hedging and trading futures is commonplace now. Chicago led the way at a time few thought it would catch on. So, yeah, I am bullish on Chicago.

3750 words/12 minutes

-- CAV