In this episode journalist John Duffy joined me to discuss his latest podcast series Origins: Birth of a Pandemic. This series explores the likelihood that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). John talked about the mysterious pneumonia cases of six men in Yunnan Province back in 2012, and the theory that these were the first recorded cases of what would become known as COVID-19. We discussed how Dr. Shi Zhengli of the WIV sequenced this virus, and the odd issues surrounding this. We talked about the connection between Peter Daszak, the Eco Health Alliance, and the WIV. Specifically, we looked at the conflicts of interest between these groups. We also talked about the work of Dr. Jonathan Latham of the Bioscience Resource Project and D.R.A.ST.I.C. in bringing public attention to the lab leak theory. John and I also touched on gain of function research and the controversy over Dr. Anthony Fauci’s denials regarding U.S. funding for this research. We finished our conversation by discussing the politicization of the lab leak theory and how the media, politicians, and scientific institutions have labeled this as a dangerous right-wing conspiracy.
Pearse and JP have been absent from the show recently. Tonight we get both of them on a Tuesday broadcast.
With one eye on the strangeness of New York and the other on global concerns, Porkins and Chuck discuss the state of many states. May the Fourth be with you.
JP explained his recent adventures in the belly of the American healthcare beast. Is the mentality of the system driven by the idea that only those with the right amount of money deserve to live? Do we live in a place where buying results in any established system is the only way to get access to what is alleged to be the best of things in the world?
Does all of this make sense to you? Can’t we do better? Is survival of the fittest bank account, what should count?
Great Post from our LIVE Chat:
Twixt the likes of Chairman Joe and Comrade Donny we’re all fucked I guess. Best get used to it
Tuesday was a bit different this week. Porkins took Mike Swanson’s slot and after an update on The Epstein saga, Chuck and Pearse answered chat questions and gave the audience a rundown on US political corruption in the one-party system.
Our Media Death Star is almost back to a fully operational battle station. In other words, Chuck is nearly better from what may have been the Coronavirus.
No Mike Swanson this week. So keeping with the Tuesday tradition on the show of being highly informative, Chuck and Pearse packed as much news and information into two hours as they could
From Bill Barr on Capital Hill to Explosions in Iran, Porkins and Ochelli covered the wild world on sportsman-like conduct without touching upon organized sports.
How are you doing in the new lockdown reality? Regular Joe discusses his social distancing and updates on Kentucky. He is playing guitar more than ever and the golf courses are closed. Joe wants to see if Chuck can get Alan Kay back on the show. Chuck made a counteroffer regarding Mr. Kay and we’ll see how that goes.
Mike Swanson could not make it this week, but he is scheduled to return next Tuesday. Chuck and Joe compared notes about how their lives have been during Covid19 and managed to talk about whiskey a bit.
Pearse Redmond joined Chuck in the second hour to give an update on the New York State of mind during the Covid19 Pandemic. Porkins also told us a bit about the alleged alternative media and other Fear Porn producers.
This week Jon Atack and Sam Atack joined me to discuss their new videos series Think Like a Cult Leader. Jon and Sam described how their criteria for being a “successful cult leader” matches up with so many people currently in positions of power today. We also talked about Sam’s prank creation his own cult “The Unification Church of Saminanity” and how he was able to persuade 50 people to join. We then discussed the issue of impulsivity among cult leaders and how this affects their actions. We talked about how this behavior, and the trend of extreme boredom. We closed out the first hour by focusing on how this might influence future generations and cult groups alike.
In the second hour, we discussed the destructive influence of the Christian fundamentalist group “The Family” and their late leader David Coe. We talked about how the group developed a far-reaching influence in America and abroad. We finished off the hour by talking about the political situation in Xinjiang. We talked about the repression of Uighur’s and the use of re-education camps by the Chinese government. Jon and I discussed the cult-like devotion among the political left when discussing China. We also talked about the real threat of extremist groups like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and how the Chinese government exploiting them.
Mike Swanson discusses the Fall of The American Empire and how it compares to the collapse of the Roman Empire. Is there a Goldfinger-Style plan in play regarding the current rough waters on the financial seas? Is There Gold in them their shills?
Pearse Redmond discussed with Chuck the strange actions observed in the protests shown on the streets of Hong Kong? Is this merely business as usual? Can anyone really sort out the real story behind the street action?
The show could have gone on, but we needed to stop somewhere.
This week I opened up the phone lines and did a call in show. We had friend of the show Jon Gold call in to discuss the recent attacks on Ilhan Omar and the continued exploitation of 9/11 trauma. Jon talked about the recent spate of politicians and media figures invoking 9/11 and the “Never Forget” mantra to score political points. Later Kai called in to talk about the political situation in Sudan. We discussed the recent coup which has removed long time leader Omar al- Bashir, and the grassroots protest movement that fomented this change. Kai and I touched on the lack of overt western interference in Sudan and speculated on what this may mean. We also touched on the politics of water and the importance of the Nile River. Kai also talked about the background role that Israel and the Gulf are playing in Sudan.
Friend of show JG Michael of Parallax Views also called in to discuss Julian Assange and the strange media fascination with the Notre Dame fire. JG and I touched on why we dislike Assange but also fear the repercussions of extraditing him and the threat to journalism that it poses. I rounded out the show by talking with listener Thor in Switzerland. We discussed the role that private finance and corporations are playing in Africa and the negative effect they can have. Thor and I also touched on the concept of micro-financing. I finish the show by answering some listener questions from good friend of the show Curtis.
In the first hour I go solo and talk about the recent elections in Pakistan and Imran Khan’s rise to power. I talk about Khan’s political party and how they they were able to take 116 seats in Parliament and elevate Khan to Prime Minister. I discuss Khan’s colorful life as well. I also discuss my major takeaways from the election: why the military backed Khan, how Khan will interact with the Taliban going forward, and the complex relationship with China and their China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. I also address the question over whether Khan is Pakistan’s Donald Trump.
In the second hour Kevin Gosztola joins me to talk about the strange case of James A Wolfe who has been accused of lying to the FBI about conversations he had journalists. Kevin explains why the FBI is going after the former head of security for the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the larger implications behind this case. We discuss the indictment against him and the extreme measures the FBI has taken against journalist Ali Watkins. Kevin talks about Watkins career and the troubling fact that the FBI seized years worth of her phone, email, and text records. Later we talk about Watkins three year relationship with Wolfe and the nasty way in which the media has discussed this salacious aspect of the case.
Professor Isa Blumi joins me for part 2 of our series on Yemen. We pick up in the late 90’s after Ali Abdullah Saleh has come to power in a unified Yemen. Isa discusses Saleh’s strategy of sowing chaos all over the country in order to maintain absolute power. Isa talks about Saleh’s use of extreme violence, and his reliance on US power. We then explore how the so called Arab Spring played out in Yemen. We discuss the orchestrated nature of the movement, and how is sought to control the very real desires of the Yemeni public. Isa touches on people like Tawakkol Karman and her role as a US proxy during the Arab Spring. Isa brings us all the way to Saleh’s assassination and the current state of Yemen.
Later we talk about the role that Al Qaeda plays on Yemen as a bogey man. We discuss how the US used Yemen as playground for their eventual global drone program. We address the fight going on between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen. Isa also explains the political history of Ansar Allah (Houthis) and how they are not an Iranian proxy force.
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