Cato Upcoming Events

Realizing Freedom: Libertarian Theory, History, and Practice (Book Forum)

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

For more than 25 years, Tom Palmer has studied the history and theory of liberty and has worked tirelessly to bring liberty to countries around the world. This book ranges from the theory of justice to foreign policy, from the economics of public goods to gay rights in Russia. Palmer addresses the nature of freedom, law, rights, and justice; the morality of markets; and the institutional frameworks of free societies. He considers and criticizes the arguments of political theorists such as John Rawls and Cass Sunstein, as well as popular "myths of individualism," which he concisely refutes. But theory doesn't stand alone. Palmer studies and explains ordered liberty and connects abstract liberal rights to their historical roots. Drawing on his activism in countries ranging from eastern Europe in the late 1980s to Russia, China, and the Arab world today, he also takes on current events and concerns, from multiculturalism to struggles for free speech to the war in Iraq. It is hard to find a contemporary scholar with more knowledge of the theory and history of liberty, and at last his major writings are collected in one place. Author, blogger, and New York Times columnist Tyler Cowen will comment.

Time to End the Travel Embargo on Cuba (Capitol Hill Briefing)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Over the past half century, the United States has deployed sanctions and other punitive measures in an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge Fidel Castro's communist government. Now that most Americans — including most Cuban-Americans — favor ending the ban on traveling to Cuba, congressional support for changing this policy is increasing. At this briefing, Rep. Jeff Flake will explain how ending the ban would better respect the rights of Americans to travel and promote freedom in Cuba. Phil Peters and Ian Vásquez will discuss current political and economic conditions in Cuba and the impact that increased travel by Americans would likely have.

The Great Debate: Can Smart Growth Cost-Effectively Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions? (Policy Forum)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Several recent reports have argued that we must reduce our use of automobiles to meet greenhouse-gas reduction targets, and that smart-growth policies aimed at rebuilding urban areas at higher densities are an effective way of meeting this goal. The Obama administration and leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee appear to have endorsed this policy.

In this forum, Chuck Kooshian will argue that smart growth and improved transportation choices are a cost-effective way of reducing greenhouse gases, while Randal O'Toole will argue that they are risky and expensive, and should be rejected even by those who believe that we need to reduce greenhouse emissions.

The USA Patriot Act: Renew, Revise, or Repeal? (Policy Forum)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:00:00 -0500

Congress is presently moving to renew several provisions of the USA Patriot Act that are set to expire on December 31. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been urging members of Congress to renew the provisions because they provide FBI agents with exceptional powers that can help to uncover terrorist plots. Civil liberties advocates have long maintained that the Patriot Act goes too far and tramples privacy and constitutional principles. The Patriot Act contains scores of provisions—which ones ought to be renewed, revised, or repealed? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion of this controversial law.

Latin Americans and the West (Book Forum)

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Latin America, though poor, is a part of the West. The institutions, pastimes, intellectual history, languages, and belief systems of the vast majority of Latin Americans are of Western origin. Renowned Cuban writer Carlos Alberto Montaner will explain why a better understanding by the region's inhabitants of their own cultural background will help Latin America relate to the United States and the rest of the world. Alvaro Vargas Llosa will discuss the relevance of Latin America's Western traditions to the ideological battle between populism and modernity currently raging in the region.

Obamanomics: How Barack Obama Is Bankrupting You and Enriching His Wall Street Friends, Corporate Lobbyists, and Union Bosses (Book Forum)

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:00 -0500

Purchase book

Are Big Business and Big Government enemies? According to journalist and author Tim Carney, that story is a myth. Both Republicans and Democrats bilk taxpayers to benefit their corporate allies and K Street lobbyists, whether the issue is health care reform, climate change, or defense spending. The Obama administration's bailouts and "stimulus" package(s) have taken the taxpayer-bilking to historic levels–a remarkable achievement, considering the previous administration. And at the same time the president promises his health care overhaul will put patients first, the legislation he supports has corporate lobbyists once again lined up at the trough.

22nd Annual Benefactor Summit (Conference)

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0500

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Biennial Dinner: The Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty (Special Event)

Thu, 13 May 2010 18:00:00 -0400

Hilton Washington, 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC