How to Restore Sanity to our Political System with Charlie Wheelan - Ep 118

Charlie Wheelan is a professor of economics and public policy at Dartmouth College and the author of several books, including Naked Money, Naked Economics, (no nudity in either), and The Centrist Manifesto, all of which we discuss in this episode. The Chicago Sun-Times describes Charlie as someone who “combines a razor-sharp mind with a boatload of charm and impressive expertise in economics and foreign policy,” which might be why his students regularly pick him as one of Dartmouth's 10 best professors. Charlie is also the founder and Co-director of Unite America, a movement of Democrats, Republicans, and independents working together to to put voters first by fostering more representative and functional government. In March, 2009, Charlie ran unsuccessfully for the Congressional seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel who went on to become President Obama’s Chief of Staff. Charlie is a graduate of Dartmouth and holds a Master’s from Princeton and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.  In today’s conversation, we talk about why our political process has become so polarized, why it’s near impossible to get reasonable candidates elected, and what each party is either right or wrong about. (Yes, there are actually merits to be considered on both sides of the spectrum!) Most importantly, Charlie lays out some very practical ideas for how we can restore sanity to our governing bodies. How does this conversation fit in with the overall discussion of money and happiness? Well, I have found that the increasingly harsh political rancor in recent years to be a huge downer. It has affected the quality and tenor of many of my personal relationships and seems to have pulled us apart as a society. Few conversations can just occur without having to consider the other person’s political persuasion. Maybe this is something that happens as you get older or perhaps this is actually unique to our day and age. Either way, it sucks, and we’d all be better off if we prioritized country over party, the way Charlie implores us to do.  Visit Charlie’s website and/or check out Unite America.  Click HERE to ✍️ RATE / REVIEW Crazy Money! CONNECT WITH PAUL: 📸 Instagram: >> https://www.instagram.com/crazymoneypodcast/ >> E-mail Paul 🌍 Facebook (Crazy Money Listeners Group): >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/446049973036596 About Crazy Money: Unlike traditional personal finance shows, Crazy Money is not about how to make a million bucks, how to beat the stock market, or how to save money by switching credit cards. It is about deciding what role we want money to play in our lives and how we can use it to be our best selves. Topics covered include: philosophy, happiness, contentment, meaning, dreams, purpose, success, society, mental health, Buddhism, Stoicism, the hedonic treadmill, morality, mid-life crisis, business, work, careers, authors, books, consumerism, values, capitalism, economics, investing, saving, spending, personal finance, charity, philanthropy, altruism, affluence, wealth management, culture, society, status, ambition, accomplishment, perfectionism.  On this episode we talk about: Taxes tax policy inequality infrastructure Civics government elections voting  Please stop reading and have a great day. Paul loves you. Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe