This week friend of the show Kevin Gosztola of Shadowproof.com joined me to discuss the latest developments with Julian Assange. Kevin explained the charges that have been brought against Assange and the spin they have received in the media. He talked about the use of term “hacking” and why that is, in fact, an incorrect definition of what Assange has actually been charged with. Kevin also talked about Chelsea Manning who is still in jail after losing a recent appeal. Kevin also talked about the 2017 FBI affidavit which is the theory for the government’s case against Assange, should he be extradited back to the US. Kevin talked about the language used in the affidavit and its similarity to the Espionage Act. We also talked about the government’s theory that Assange aided the enemy through the publication of the Afghanistan War Logs. We discussed how this could set a dangerous precedent for all journalism. Later Kevin and I explored the larger implications of the US government’s attacks on Assange and journalism in general. We touched on the criminalization of basic journalistic practices like eliciting information from sources and protecting sources. We also talked about how this could be used against foreign and Americans journalists across the world. We closed out the first hour by talking about Ecuadorian president Moreno.
In the second hour, I talked about CIA director Gina Haspel’s recent speech and Q&A at Auburn University. I talked about Haspel as the director of the CIA and how she has differed from recent directors. I also touched on the doublespeak and doublethink used throughout her speech encouraging young people to join the intelligence services. Later I talked about comments made by the moderator Lt. Gen. Ronald Burgess regarding Guantanamo Bay.
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.
Tom Secker of Spy Culture joins me to discuss the season 7 premiere of Homeland. We start off by giving a quick recap of the previous season which saw a faction of the deep state attempt to assassinate President Elect Elibazeth Keane. Tom and I then dive into this season, which breaks with Homeland protocol, and picks up 52 days after the events of season 6. We talk about where we are: President Keane locking up the supposed coup plotters, Carrie trying to expose her overreach, and Brett O’Keefe trying to “tell the truth.” We discuss our general thoughts on this griping first episode and discuss why we are excited for the season progression. We then move onto one of the main themes of this season, the various characters defense and love of the state. Tom and I look at Carrie and Saul and how they represent the “good” CIA trying to restore democracy and civil liberties. We talk about the clever way show runner Alex Gansa and the CIA have inserted this idea without even mentioning the agency once. Tom and I also talk about my favorite character Brett O’Keefe, also known as Alex Jones. Later on we explore the real world parallels that Homeland is introducing including: fractured political state, the threat of an omnipresent deep state after the president, and how Homeland mimics the way families are being torn apart by Trump’s America.
In the second hour Tom and I talk about the interesting mention of 4chan by O’Keefe. I also talk about my theory that they are obliquely referencing Qanon in this episode. We then move onto the climactic scene where coup plotter General McClendon is assassinated inside a federal prison. Tom and I theorize as to who was behind this. I lay out my theory that this may have been a third unknown actor, most likely the Russians. Tom and I finish off by touching on a very revealing interview Alex Gansa gave to Variety. We talk about Gansa’s comments that the CIA is working with the New York Times and the Washington Post, as well as his own reference to the deep state going after Trump. I round out the episode by going off about the recent cornstarch anthrax letter that was sent to Donald Trump Jr. I talk about Jack Posobiec’s idiotic comments and lack of historical knowledge about the government orchestrated 2001 Anthrax attacks, as well as Julian Assange’s claims that he received a letter with white powder.
Tom Secker and Robbie Martin join me for a very wide ranging discussion on everything from Reality Winner to Dennis Rodman. Tom and I start off the conversation by talking about the Wikileaks Twitter account tweeting about our issue on The American Journal of Economics and Sociology. We talk about the obvious divide right now between Assange and Wikileaks not just in terms of Twitter, but in terms of their media strategy. The three of us then dive into the bizarre case of NSA leaker Reality Winner. We theorize as to whether she is a true leaker, or a truly disgruntled employee. We discuss the possibility that Winner was set up to leak, and if this is really a move by the Trump administration to ward off future potential leakers. Robbie and Tom also touch on the strange behavior of The Intercept and how they mismanaged this entire story and their lack of protection of Reality Winner.
In the second hour we ponder the question as to whether Reality Winner represents a bookend to the celebrity culture of leakers and whistleblowers. We take a close look at Chelsea Manning and her recent media interviews. The three of us talk about the media’s obsession with Manning as a trans celebrity, and the ways in which they have sexualized and fetishized her since her release from prison. We discuss how the media has largely ignored or forgotten the true reasons for why she was imprisoned in the first place: leaking thousands of government documents. We talk about the notion that Bradley Manning and the actions associated with him are now dead and therefore are no longer a topic of discussion among the media. We round out the conversation by talking about Dennis Rodman’s most recent trip to North Korea. We talk about the possibility that Rodman is being used as either a back-channel or some form of intermediary between Kim Jong-Un and US intelligence. Robbie, Tom, and I also touch on the cryptocurrency Potcoin which has sponsored Rodman’s trip to the Hermit Kingdom.
On today’s episode I lay out my predictions for 2017. In the first hour I look at geopolitics and the places I think will be important in 2017. I begin by focusing on a possible resolution in Syria and how this may play out for the future. I also talk about a few other hot-spots in the middle east to pay attention to: Israel and Yemen. I discuss why these are both important for the future of the region and on a global scale. I also explore Asia, focusing on China and North Korea. I discuss how president Trump may handle these countries and how geopolitics and foreign policy will change under his administration. I also touch on the idea that the CIA will become even more bold and out of control under Trump.
In the second hour Chuck Ochelli (and Frankie) joins me for more 2017 predictions. We talk about where the alt-media is headed. Whether or not Wikileaks is actually going to release some bombshells this year. If Trump really knows any secrets about cyber security. The future of marijuana legalization and the drug war. Will comedy get better? And the possibility of Ivanka as First Lady.
My guest with week was the one and only Chuck Ochelli of The Ochelli Effect. Chuck and I had a wide ranging discussion about the current state of affairs here at home and around the world. We began by touching on the recent fall out from the Trump tapes and how this is being interpreted by the public. Chuck and I mention that the lawsuit against Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein for raping a 13 year old is no where to be seen. Chuck and I talk about the hypocrisy from both sides when it comes to talking about sexual violence. We also talk about how the neo-cons will be the big winners this election. Later we discuss how the rise of artificial intelligence and how this is being normalized in society and culture. Chuck and I talk about the recent statements from Bill Gates warning about the dangers of AI. In the second hour we expand on the AI discussion and move into the realm of surveillance. Chuck and I also touch on the recent coverage of Wikileaks and Julian Assange. We end by offering up some of our own solutions for the problems we face.
The one and only Ed Opperman joins us today on a special pre-recorded episode for a wide ranging conversation. We start off with some unavoidable election news: the latest Hillary Clinton health scare. Ed discusses his recent interviews with Dr. Ted Noel and former Secret Service agent Gary Byrne. We explore the role that the Secret Service plays in deep-state events such as JFK, and the Reagan shooting. Ed discusses his PI work which has focused on Secret Service malfeasance. We also discuss a what if scenario, in which Hillary is incapacitated in office and Bill steps in.
In the second hour Ed and I commiserate a bit about the alt-media. We talk about the strains that it can put on your life as well as why it is so necessary in your society. Ed and I both discuss why the alt-media needs to grow up and start doing serious work. Later we talk about the “moral dilemma” that many have over the use of advertisers in alt-media. We also touch on the notion that Russia and other foreign powers may be infiltrating and massaging certain sectors of the alternative movement. We finish off by talking about one of my favorite New York characters, private investigator Bo Deitl.
PFC. Bradley Manning today admitted that he did in fact leak thousands of documents to Wikileaks. In the 35 page statement Manning also provided his justification for why he leaked these documents to Julian Assange. Manning felt that the American people deserved to be informed about what there government purported to do in their name. Things such as murdering children, allowing torture, killing journalists, you know the usual. One interesting little tidbit that came out during his statement was that Manning had approached The New York Times, Washington Post, and Reuters. All three organizations seemed to either not care or never got back to him. It was only then, after the corporate/controlled media declined to help, that Manning approached Wikileaks.
For some more of on Manning and his unjust imprisonment, now reaching over 1,000 days with out trial, go and pick up the first issue of Emma Magazine. I have two articles that deal both with Manning and Assange. There is another Emma magazine out there but this one is not the German feminist one. This one was created by two of my good friends and it features a lot of really amazing new artists and critical thinkers. It’s also gorgeous looking so don’t read it online buy it in print form.
Porkins Policy Review 