4 chapters across the catalog
Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev issued a surprise apology during his sentencing hearing, which the hosts find suspicious and "awkwardly phrased." They suggest the apology was a scripted bureaucratic move to prevent conspiracy theories about FBI involvement from gaining traction. They predict Tsarnaev will remain on death row for years due to a lengthy appeals process.
Lisa Monaco and the Comprehensive Prevention Model for Radicalization
White House counter-terrorism advisor Lisa Monaco appeared on PBS with Gwen Ifill to discuss identifying radicalized individuals within local communities. Monaco advocates for a "comprehensive prevention model" where parents, teachers, and religious leaders monitor children for behavioral changes. The hosts critique the proposal as a form of state-sponsored surveillance that encourages citizens to report their neighbors and family members to the government.
Sandy Hook Demolition, Missing 911 Tapes, Media Secrecy
A prosecutor in Connecticut is blocking the release of 911 calls from the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, even as the school building is completely demolished. The hosts compare this lack of transparency to missing footage from the Pentagon on 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the recent LAX shooting. They advocate for all court proceedings to be broadcast on C-SPAN for public accountability.
The controversy surrounding the Rolling Stone cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is characterized as a publicity stunt that successfully riled up both the left and right. An NBC News report on the matter is criticized for its "snide" delivery when quoting Rolling Stone's commitment to "thoughtful coverage." The hosts argue that the media is participating in a "lynch mob" mentality regarding the trial.
