Flashback Friday | #210: The Playbook For Destroying America

Many people, from hedge-fund managers to Reddit commentators, are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of runaway inflation, fueled by fiscal stimulus and a pent-up spending spree as the pandemic winds down. Fortunately, the chances of hyperinflation are low: inflation rates are below 2% and unemployment is high. The bigger danger is that the Fed overreacts to any hint of inflation by raising interest rates and accidentally plunges the economy into recession.

While Jekyll Island might sound like something out of horror fiction, the island is a real place—and popular resort—in the state of Georgia. But author Edward Griffin argues that it was also the birthplace of a horrifying finance cartel disguised as a government agency: the Federal Reserve System. Griffin believes the Fed destabilizes the economy and encourages banks to engage in fraudulent practices that harm the general public and benefit elite financiers.

In our guide to The Creature from Jekyll Island, we’ll consider Griffin’s theories about the conspiracy of financiers that he says created—and continues to control—the Federal Reserve. Then we’ll review his criticism of how the Federal Reserve actually operates and his arguments that it’s detrimental to regular citizens. Finally, we’ll consider Griffin’s proposed solution to the problems he identifies. Throughout, we’ll compare Griffin’s perspective with the perspectives of economists like Thomas Sowell (Basic Economics), Saifedean Ammous (The Bitcoin Standard), and Henry Hazlitt (Economics in One Lesson).

In a thought-provoking episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan joins forces with journalist Luis Chaparro to delve into the dark underbelly of drug cartels and the innovative strategies employed to counter their influence. As they unravel the complexities of psychological operations (psyops) against notorious factions like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, listeners gain insight into the clandestine tactics of causing internal strife within these criminal enterprises, potentially crippling their foundations from within. The duo meticulously explores how exploiting the vulnerabilities of such organizations might just be the key to disintegrating their legendary power.

As they switch gears, Ryan and Chaparro tackle the alarming rise of synthetic opioids, exemplified by a new menace, Nidacin, discussed for its catastrophic potency surpassing even fentanyl. The episode casts a spotlight on the cartels’ ingenuity in manufacturing and distribution practices, which demand a renewed approach in hindering their financial and operational frameworks. The conversation also maps out the global expanse of cartel networks, revealing their silent but steady encroachment into Europe, Africa, and South America, foretelling an impending shift in organized crime dynamics. The Shawn Ryan Show invites its audience to an engaging and crucial discourse, dissecting the profound societal ripple effects of cartel activities and considering the role of investigative journalism in combating misinformation and public deception.

Border state governors are busing thousands of immigrants to northern cities to pressure the Biden administration to stop a surge of border crossings. Critics call the gambit cruel and inhumane. But neither side has a plan to fix the underlying problem.

What should the US do with an unprecedented influx of immigrants seeking asylum? While many advocate deportation, research suggests the US could benefit economically by allowing immigrants currently in the US to stay and work.

The election of Donald Trump has sparked a great deal of discussion about the fate of American democracy. How Democracies Die explores some key questions that have become paramount in the Trump era. Does the election of a figure like Trump—an inexperienced outsider with obvious authoritarian instincts—suggest that democracy in the US is backsliding? Are we doomed to suffer the fate of other 21st-century democracies, like Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey, where true democracy ceased to exist? By what processes was democracy killed in those and other countries—and how might we prevent it here?

A Warning is an inside look at the chaotic Trump administration by a senior Trump administration official writing anonymously. It’s a follow-up to the author’s September 5, 2018, New York Times op-ed piece describing internal efforts to control Trump’s impulses. This is no longer working, “Anonymous” writes. The book depicts an impulsive and corrupt president, who puts his self-interest above the country’s interest, in the process undermining the foundations of democracy and putting national security at grave risk.

“Anonymous” describes the increasingly futile efforts of a handful of principled White House officials to stave off disastrous, often illegal actions. The author warns that the “guard rails” have come off—the principled staffers have mostly been driven away and Trump is uncontrollable. If he wins another four years, he may sink the ship of democracy.

Mass surveillance has become a daily part of life, as corporations and governments around the world openly collect data about who we are and how we live our lives. But has this always been the case? And if not, how did we get here?

In the riveting PBD Podcast episode, Patrick Bet-David along with guests Erin Friday, Oli London, Luka Hein, and Tom Ellsworth embark on an explorative conversation about the rarely discussed and challenging experiences surrounding gender de-transitioning. Amidst an era where gender identity and transitioning are front and center, this episode courageously lifts the veil on the darker, less spoken about realities of de-transitioning, analyzing its complex social, medical, and political facets. By giving a platform to personal stories and scrutinizing the societal pressures that play a role in these deeply personal journeys, the PBD Podcast ushers in a necessary dialogue with bravery and openness.

Through heartfelt narratives and critical discourse, the speakers, including a parent advocate and individuals who share their own intimate encounters with identity, navigate the murky waters of a society and healthcare industry intertwined with commercial interests. The episode challenges the listener to consider the ethical implications for minors, the questionable oversight within medical procedures, and the significance of community support. Ultimately, the PBD Podcast does not shy away from the controversy or censorship that often surrounds these conversations but instead propels them into the mainstream. This is a call to listen, understand, and support those whose voices and experiences are often cast aside, suggesting resources and fostering much-needed awareness and advocacy.

Immerse yourself in a thought-provoking conversation about freedom of speech, censorship, and the impact of cancel culture on society in an episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast. The dialogue between Greg Lukianoff, a First Amendment specialist and Lex Fridman, uncovers the complex challenges surrounding these issues, further highlighting the significance of fostering understanding and congenial discourse amid divergent viewpoints. From exploring the organizational commitments towards freedom of speech to the consequences of viewpoint discrimination, tune in for an engaging exchange that delves into the core of our societal fabric.

This enlightening discourse also scrutinizes the role of digital media in shaping contemporary perspectives. It dissects the challenges of living in the digital age and its impact on mental health, personal growth, and the potential dangers of silencing opposite views. Lukianoff and Fridman also discuss the current issues in the academic and education sector, while reflecting on personal experiences and the implications on mental health. This episode brings to light the critical issues that are often overlooked in our rapidly evolving society.

In American Marxism, Mark Levin argues that Democrats and leftist organizations are fueling a Marxist revolution against American culture and society. They’re indoctrinating the public with radical Marxist ideologies like Critical Race Theory through public education; reinforcing these ideas through the media and entertainment; and censoring opposition with “cancel culture.” Levin asserts that if American patriots fail to expose this left-wing brainwashing, Democrats will gain dominion over the American government and society. Ultimately, they’ll create a totalitarian regime in which American values like freedom of speech, free-market capitalism, and private property rights are non-existent.

This guide will relay Levin’s exposé of the rise of Marxism in America by discussing who the American Marxists are, the ideologies they’re pushing, how they’re indoctrinating the public, and what American patriots can do to maintain their freedom. Throughout the guide, we’ll contextualize Levin’s argument with information from economists, scientists, and other experts.

In Woke, Inc., entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy discusses what he calls Wokenomics, in which American corporations hide their corruption and greed behind the disingenuous virtue signaling of liberal values. He argues that by engaging in Wokenomics, corporations go beyond selling a product; they are selling Americans a new standard for the right way to think and live. He contends that their false alliance with social causes allows them to influence legislation, manipulate consumers, and silence dissent. He argues that Wokenomics’s deceptive practices are weakening democracy—polarizing citizens and concentrating political power in the hands of a small group of corporate elites.

Ramaswamy uses personal anecdotes and examples of current events to supplement his arguments and proposes five solutions to counter wokeness. Our guide will put his key ideas into focus and position them in conversation with other economists and political analysts who both reinforce and dispute his perspective.

Dive deep into the pressing issue of global anti-Semitism with Ben Shapiro in "The Ben Shapiro Show," as he confronts the rise in hostile behavior towards the Jewish community and the media’s apparent indifference. In this intense discussion, Shapiro dissects incidents with anti-Semitic undertones at Harvard Law Review and Georgetown University, putting the spotlight on the lack of accountability in academic circles. Moving beyond academia, Shapiro seeks to untangle the complex web of public perception regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, strongly questioning the media's portrayal of anti-Semitic violence as rooted in Islamophobia and criticizing organizations like CAIR for their stances.

The episode further explores the far-reaching effects of ideological narratives on issues from military conflicts to domestic politics. Shapiro challenges the portrayal of military strategy in the Middle East, brings attention to the cultural sway of figures like Ta-Nehisi Coates, and navigates through the political maneuvering within the U.S. that affects foreign aid to Israel. Moreover, Shapiro juxtaposes the virtues of philanthropy through capitalism against socialism's shortcomings, echoing the thoughtful wisdom of Maimonides. Whether discussing cultural ideologies or political dynamics, the show invites critical thought and discourse, ending with a nod towards future topics and engaging listeners with a promotional invitation to stay tuned for more sharp insights.

In What Money Can’t Buy, philosopher Michael J. Sandel argues that market values have become society’s dominant moral framework, the lens through which we determine what is important or unimportant as well as right and wrong. Sandel warns that the logic and incentives of markets—where there’s no limit on what’s for sale as long as someone’s willing to buy it, and individual self-interest trumps the common good—have supplanted older value systems which held that some things were too important to be subject to the forces of supply and demand. He writes that this triumph of market values has had severe moral and social consequences.

In this guide, we explore Sandel’s chief moral objections to the market society—that markets inevitably lead to the inequitable distribution of essential goods, services, and experiences, and that the dominance of market values and market-based thinking corrupts our moral, civic, and social virtues. We also balance out Sandel’s perspective on market values with commentary from pro-capitalist writers who make the moral case for markets.

In "The Ben Shapiro Show," host Ben Shapiro delves into the latest political maelstrom surrounding Hunter Biden's indictment for federal gun violations, probing the broader ramifications it may hold for President Joe Biden's administration. With incisive commentary, Shapiro unveils a tapestry of political maneuvering and media bias, framing the narrow legal charges against Hunter as a potential façade for more damning allegations involving corruption and financial misconduct. As Shapiro converses with leading political figures such as James Comer, Mitt Romney, and Megyn Kelly, the episode casts light on the shadowed intents and subtexts of Democratic strategy and media coverage.

Shapiro's acumen also extends into the inner workings of the Republican Party, dissecting the infighting and strategic missteps that challenge GOP solidarity. From gauging Kevin McCarthy's campaign for House Speaker to critiquing Trump's ambiguous purview on election policies and voter strategy, Shapiro's narrative paints a vivid picture of tumultuous political landscapes. Touching on the complexities of government shutdowns, shifts in electoral dynamics, and even the authenticity of celebrity activism, this episode promises insightful discourse. Moreover, mentions of enticing subscriber perks and upcoming engagements with renowned authors like Douglas Brun add an extra layer of intrigue for fans eager to dive deeper into the diverse discussions offered in "The Ben Shapiro Show."

Be prepared to dive into the world of media bias, election controversies, and US politics as former Arizona broadcast journalist turned political candidate, Kari Lake, vividly narrates her experiences on the PBD Podcast. This intense dialogue burns the bridges between Lake's past in media and her future ambition, often searing the landscape of Arizona’s political field. Discover the trials and tribulations of a conservative journalist in the media industry, grapple with perceived election fraudulent activities, and explore Lake's unwavering commitment to public service and American ideals.

In the second part of the discussion, join Patrick Bet-David and the panel as they dissect current US issues, analyze key political figures, and unveil the subtle manipulations of media shaping public perception. Packed with an engaging blend of sharp criticism, informative insights, and predictive theories, this episode becomes a compelling snapshot of the shifting landscape of US politics. Witness as Kari Lake navigates through political hurdles, challenging the status quo, and revealing her future plans committed to bettering society and improving the integrity of the democratic process.

In "Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News," a captivating episode tracks the historical and ongoing struggle against voter suppression in the United States. Rachel Maddow along with a lineup of noted speakers including Lyndon Johnson, Jen Psaki, Rick Perlstein, and more explore unsettling chapters of right-wing tactics aimed at dissuading Black and minority communities from exercising their voting rights. Maddow and guests delve into the details of the 1964 election, uncovering not only intimidation tactics used by factions, but further revealing the establishment of Operation Eagle Eye - a methodically orchestrated attempt to suppress votes.

In this insightful dialogue, the legacy of influential figures like William Rehnquist in Operation Eagle Eye are dissected, shedding light on their roles and how today's political environment continues to grapple with their unsettling legacy. Connecting these historical skirmishes with present-day conflicts, the podcast explores how racial bias and voter suppression have been reignited post the 2020 elections. Throughout the discussion, Maddow and speakers champion various measures including public awareness campaigns, legal battles, and legislative action as essential strategies to secure and uphold voting rights for every citizen.