Navigating Antitrust: A Consumer-Centric Approach with Tirzah Duren | Let People Prosper Ep. 143🎙️

Why the Consumer Welfare Standard Still Matters

Hello Friends!

Can the government really protect consumers better than markets?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I discuss this question and much more with Tirzah Duren, president of the American Consumer Institute, who brings a unique background in anthropology and economics to public policy.

Together, we explore the future of antitrust regulation, the consumer welfare standard, and how artificial intelligence and content moderation intersect with politics, tech, and personal freedom. Tirzah offers a robust case for why consumer-focused policy—not government control—is the best path forward.

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🔑 Key Highlights from the Episode

1. A Consumer-Centric View of Antitrust

• The consumer welfare standard focuses on outcomes like lower prices, better products, and innovation.

• The idea that “big is bad” ignores the efficiencies and benefits many large companies offer.

• Weaponizing antitrust to punish political enemies threatens every sector of the economy.

2. Understanding AI and Government Overreach

• AI brings exciting opportunities, from productivity gains to better service delivery—but it’s misunderstood.

• Federal and state governments are rushing to regulate without fully grasping the tech.

• Content moderation pressures from the government create invisible censorship that hurts innovation.

3. Tirzah’s Unique Lens on Policy

• With a background in anthropology, she brings a cultural and global awareness to policy reform.

• Market failures may exist, but government failures often do more harm.

• Empathy and humility are essential when creating a policy that affects real people and markets.

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⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro to antitrust, Tirzah’s journey, and why consumer focus matters

• 06:02 – Global insights and the role of anthropology in shaping policy

• 12:01 – Understanding how government disrupts market dynamics

• 15:11 – Why the consumer welfare standard is still the best antitrust tool

• 23:17 – AI’s promise, pitfalls, and how to regulate it wisely

• 32:43 – Federalism and AI: What role should states play?

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🔚 Closing Thoughts

Whether through the lens of AI, antitrust, or anthropology, Tirzah Duren’s message is clear: The government should serve consumers, not dictate outcomes. To protect innovation, we must trust people to make choices, allow markets to adapt, and resist politicized regulation.

📘 Learn more about her work at the American Consumer Institute.
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Let’s keep fighting for policies that work because nothing is free, and freedom matters. For more timely insights, visit my website at vanceginn.com and follow me on X.