For those of you who have seen this fine program, I think you may notice some strong "austrian" overtones, though they may not be aware of it. I have noticed them having lots of people from CATO on though, they haven't said anything I overtly disagree with. Is the division between the Mises Institute and Cato on the basis of central banking?
On the latest episode Penn and Teller state that the only way to world peace is through free trade and free markets? No kidding. =]
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I think Penn is an anarcho-capitalist. As for Cato, although somewhat Austrian, it is more oriented in the direction of Hayek and the Chicago School, and is more interested in consulting the government than spreading liberty per se.
-Jon
Freedom of markets is positively correlated with the degree of evolution in any society...
I have to credit this show for single-handedly setting me on the path toward libertarianism. I first watched it as a freshman in high school and was blown away that there were actually people who disagreed with recycling and the endangered species act. I just took it for granted that everybody loved these things because they were great and never thought to question any of it. It's amazing where one little nudge can lead a person, and I think Penn's a pretty good (not perfect) public figure as far as libertarianism goes.
As for where he stands ideologically, I'm not so sure he's anarcho-capitalist, but pretty close. He seems to take the attitude of, "let's get the government down to defense, police, and courts and then we can talk about getting rid of it."
Back to the show, I would highly recommend it, especially if you're looking to share the message with others in an entertaining way. Again, I wouldn't be a libertarian if it weren't for Penn, so although I now see him as somewhat inconsistent and confused on a few issues, I see him and the show as doing a lot of good.
Does anyone even know what Teller thinks?
Wikipedia says both Penn and Teller are fellows of Cato.
CATO is the most powerful (politically) "libertarian" think-tank, though not the most popular. I actually think the Mises Institute should learn a bit from them, somtimes we need to compromise with the powers at be - or else we'll stay on the so-called lunatic fringe. Now, that doesn't mean selling our souls. In the end, it is the population that needs to be convinced, not the policy makers.
Only because you're pro-free market doesn't mean you're an Austrian. New classicals, monetarists, and even new Keynesians can all be pretty free market. Cato is mainly made up of neoclassicals and their macro friends (new classicals, monetarists, supply siders, etc.).
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Just to add something, Cato pretty much helped black out Ron Paul. Whenever they talk about school choice, free market health, etc. they always ignored Ron Paul, they didn't even mention him.