Topic: Economic Education

Host Greg Carlwood introduces Carrie McDonald, a senior education fellow at the Foundation of Economic Education and author of Unschooled. The discussion frames the American education system as a regimented, prison-like structure designed to break the independent spirit of children. McDonald’s background in education policy from Harvard University and her work with the Cato Institute are highlighted as she joins the program to discuss alternatives to conventional schooling.

Between 2000 and 2010, Flint experienced an 18 percent population loss driven by the auto industry's decline and the 2008 foreclosure crisis. Anna Clark explains how the shrinking tax base led to a spiral of dysfunction affecting schools, public safety, and infrastructure. The remaining population faced extreme poverty, with 40 percent of residents making less than $15,000 annually at the time of the water crisis.

Ellen Brown provides her website addresses and book titles, including Web of Debt and The Public Bank Solution, for listeners seeking further education. She encourages participation in the Public Banking Institute to facilitate local political action. Greg Carlwood thanks Brown for her insights into alternative economic solutions and concludes the interview portion of the show.