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“Conservative, Libertarian, Whatever” P.J. O’Rourke was the guest last night on A Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His new book “On ‘The Wealth of Nations’ ” was the topic of conversation. O’Rourke’s book dissects the economic theories of Scottish political economist Adam Smith. His 900 page opus “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations” was published in 1776 and argues in favor of a free-market economy.

O’Rourke told Stewart that he had advocated for “free-market, free-market, free-market” and never really knew what that meant. “On ‘The Wealth of Nations’ ” is just as much for his own understanding of economics as it is to bring this lengthy and outdated text to fresh and modern eyes. O’Rourke made it clear that the free-market Smith had in mind was not that of big corporations ruling everything or laissez-faire attitudes. It was of rationally minded businessmen competing with one another in an uncontrolled environment. O’Rourke believes that Smith’s reaction to the United States’ current economic condition would be (read with a Scottish accent) “You’re Fucked”. Seen as an idol and hero to past OC staff, P.J. O’Rourke is witty, intelligent, sarcastic, and a little off. It was a pleasure to watch him on the show. Check out the entire interview here.

  1. Niedermeyer says:

    I’m still waiting for the “ASUO” tag to be completely phased out in favor of the “things only Ted cares about” tag.

  2. Timothy says:

    Idolizes FTW?

  3. Olly says:

    Actually, looking through the archives, the establishment of this category is long overdue – and I’m flattered, albeit disturbed, that its first post has this subject. (The implication Sho raises would be kind of depressing, right? I mean, if I believed it for a second.)

    ps. Nicole, “idol” is a noun, not a verb. Unless you meant “idols” colloquially, perhaps as in “to hit someone with an idol”.

  4. de lancie says:

    past and present…although I am not sure how much of the present staff idols him considering no one knew who the huge head on the wall is…this has since then been cleared up

  5. Vincent. says:

    Damn kids and your music…

  6. Ossie says:

    finally, somebody said it.

  7. Timothy says:

    We’re washed up, Sho, time to put us out to pasture.

  8. Sho says:

    “Seen as an idol and hero to past OC staff…”

    I’m saddened that the above sentence doesn’t read “current OC staff,” but I’ll take what I can get.

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