The Anthrax Threat I 3. Collateral Damage

In Manufacturing Consent, authors Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman explore how the American media frames events and creates narratives that serve the interests of the nation’s political, economic, and social elite. They argue that control of the media in the United States does not take the form of direct state censorship or a formal conspiracy to manage the news. Rather, there is a powerful set of informal restrictions and controls that limit what journalists cover—and how they cover it.

In this guide, we’ve streamlined and updated the authors’ 1988 analysis of the mainstream media to incorporate themes, topics, and examples that are more relevant for today’s audience, including the internet, social media, and the rise of “fake news.”

The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein is a study of the history of economic shock therapy, which aims to quickly improve a country’s economy through rapid privatization, deregulation, and severe cuts in government spending. She also describes how it gave rise to the disaster capitalism complex: a privatized system of destruction and rebuilding that funnels billions of dollars into corporate pockets. The book discusses the incredible harm that economic shock therapy and disaster capitalism have caused to millions of people all over the world.

Klein is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and activist. She’s dedicated her life to studying the personal and environmental harms that result from wars and unchecked capitalism.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI is about the Osage Reign of Terror—the 1920s organized killings of members of the oil-rich Osage Indians. Powerful and bigoted whites systematically exploited and murdered the Osage people to expropriate their wealth, showing us the horrors that result when racism and greed align. The murders were also a major catalyst for the growth of the FBI, and the triumph of its rational and scientific vision of law enforcement—and a shift away from the era of frontier justice, corrupt and incompetent local sheriffs, and rogue “lawmen.”

In Caste, Isabel Wilkerson argues that the racial tensions in the United States are better explained through the lens of caste, not race—a 400-year-old hierarchy placing white people at the top and Black people at the bottom. Wilkerson examines the different caste systems around the world and how they damage the lives of everyone involved, even those at the top. She believes that to understand how to move forward, we must examine the past and the racial structures that keep progress as a nation at bay.

In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of Wilkerson’s caste theory, the eight tenets of a caste system, how the caste system affects the lives of people in the upper and lower castes, and how we can move away from caste and create a more equitable society. We’ll also compare Wilkerson’s ideas to those of other books on the subject of race, such as Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow.

In the latest gripping episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, delve into a riveting dialogue with Sarah Adams, the key figure who discusses the alarming details and the aftermath of the Benghazi attacks. Adams brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, providing a raw and candid recount of events that unveil the intricate web of global terrorism. The episode transcends ordinary discourse, critiquing the responses of the CIA and the Obama administration during the harrowing incident, while illuminating the daunting complexities faced by U.S. counterterrorism efforts.

Shawn Ryan raises the stakes as he and Adams tackle topics ranging from the operational prowess of Al Qaeda to the misinterpreted Libyan Revolution driven by terrorist factions. As Sarah Adams opens up about her mission to seek justice and accountability post-Benghazi, the podcast also pays homage to the tireless dedication of American counterterrorism professionals. With exclusive content for Vigilance Elite Patrons and continuous support for veterans and active-duty military, this episode is essential listening for those who aspire to understand and engage with the deeper nuances of international politics and security. Subscribe to the Shawn Ryan Show and gain access to more thought-provoking episodes, underscoring the critical need for public vigilance and knowledge.

In this insightful episode of NPR News Now, Korva Coleman explores the impressive global response of the climate protests in New York during Climate Week. She brings in Emma Beretta to discuss the significance of these protests on future political outcomes such as President Biden's re-election in 2024. Touching on the urgency for decisive action against fossil fuels, they shine a light on the rising power of the youth in shaping climate policies.

Simultaneously, a parallel narrative unfolds beneath the surface as Coleman and Daniel Estrin delve into industrial disputes, business controversies, and international political relations. Key aspects include the United Auto Workers strike, Elon Musk's counteraction to anti-Semitic accusations, and the Israeli Prime Minister's unconventional interaction with President Biden. Furthermore, Kristin Wright from NPR illustrates the ongoing fight for civil rights and judicial fairness, focusing on the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ battle against a classified government watch list that targets Muslims.

Dive into the heart-wrenching yet hopeful accounts of sacrifice and solidarity in REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal, featuring Travis Ervin, an ex-Marine who served in Afghanistan, and Mohammed Hamdard, an Afghan interpreter. This episode unravels the raw emotions and experiences of serving on the front lines, as Travis recalls his deployment to the Taliban hotbeds and Mohammed speaks to the terror imposed by the extremists, shining a light on the devastating psychological impacts of war and the deep bonds that can form in the heat of battle.

From harrowing frontline memories to the desperate U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, this discussion explores the profound effect of left-behind allies and their compromised safety. Bernthal presents the inspiring tale of how, from the safety of Tennessee, Travis orchestrated a daring escape plan for Mohammed's family, demonstrating the power of determination and community support. Mohammed's journey doesn't end with his flight from conflict; listen as he and his family embrace American life, knitting themselves into the fabric of their new homeland with resilience and hope. This compelling narrative personified by Travis’s unwavering loyalty and determination, along with Jon Bernthal's platform, underscores the transformative impact of steadfast camaraderie and human courage.

In this gripping episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, former CIA intelligence analyst Sarah Adams offers an unfiltered glimpse into the clandestine world of intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and geopolitical chess. Shawn Ryan, a veteran himself, navigates the conversation through Adams' startling entry into the CIA in 2006 and the high-stakes operations that punctuated her career. With Adams sharing frank experiences of bias, internal agency politics, and the repercussions of skewed intelligence—such as the Camp Chapman incident—the podcast illuminates the often fine line between national security and the perils of misinformation.

As the episode unfolds, Adams and Ryan dissect the rigorous and sometimes controversial roles of analysts versus targetters, revealing the intense processes behind critical captures like that of Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Diving deeper, the duo explores the U.S. government’s response to the Benghazi attacks and President Obama’s handling of concurrent crises. The show also touches on the geopolitical reverberations of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, China’s strategic moves to secure valuable resources like lithium, and the Belt and Road Initiative's implications. With Ryan's call to his audience for financial independence and engagement, this episode sets the stage for a series of in-depth interviews and analysis that promise to both inform and provoke thought.