The standard narrative is that policing and imprisonment are necessary tools to keep the public safe from criminals. But it also would seem that these things are useful tools for a state that wishes to dominate its citizens.

Americans spend billions of dollars on treating heart disease. Prevention is cheaper, but thanks to perverse government incentives, preventing heart disease takes a backseat to medical spending.

Original Article: "The Government Throws Money at Heart Disease, but Prevention Is Better than Cure"
This Audio Mises Wire is generously sponsored by Christopher Condon.

You’re more likely to die of heart disease than anything else, partly because, well, if nothing else gets you, your heart will give out. And a heart attack could cost you upwards of $760,000 these days, when you consider hospital charges, prescription drugs, additional care for the rest of your life, and then indirect costs like loss of time at work.

People must still compete for resources in a socialist economy. In fact, the competition is intense. On the other hand, thanks to markets, basic necessities—and even basic luxuries—are now more more accessible than ever. 

Original Article: "How Markets Have Delivered More Economic Equality​"
This Audio Mises Wire is generously sponsored by Christopher Condon. Narrated by Michael Stack.