Topic: Bullets

The discussion turns to the potential for a wider regional war involving Lebanon and Iran, referencing General Wesley Clark's "seven countries in five years" memo. Richard Engel reports on protests at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the use of rubber bullets by Israeli troops in the West Bank. The hosts question who benefits from the hospital strike, suggesting it could serve as a "triggering mechanism" to draw the United States into a conflict with Iran.

Former Secret Service agent Paul Landis, who was present during the JFK assassination, has come forward with new claims that challenge the "magic bullet" theory. Landis alleges he found a bullet in the back of the presidential limousine and placed it on a gurney at the hospital. This new account potentially discredits findings of the Warren Commission and is discussed in the context of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign.

Thierry Baudet expresses pessimism regarding the Dutch farmer protests, predicting that the government will eventually break the unity of the protesters with financial offers. The hosts speculate on the future of a fully urbanized Netherlands, featuring high-speed rail and a "work from home" culture that could lead to societal shifts.

Phoenix police officers reportedly created a commemorative challenge coin to celebrate a 2017 incident where a protester was shot in the groin with a rubber bullet. The coin features the phrase "Goodnight Left Nut" and "Make America Great Again One Nut at a Time," sparking a discussion on the history of military and intelligence challenge coins.

Reports of ammunition shortages and inflated pricing are attributed to the U.S. government making bulk purchases, which reduces market supply. Similar trends were noted in 2008 when agencies like the IRS reportedly acquired billions of rounds. This market pressure, combined with fears of new taxes on bullets, often leads to panic buying among private citizens.

The New York City Police Union boss issued a statement rejecting the actions of the officers in Minneapolis while criticizing the media and legislators for vilifying the profession. Meanwhile, a report from San Jose describes an anti-bias trainer, Derek Sanderlin, who was shot in the groin with a rubber bullet while trying to de-escalate a protest. The hosts find the "human interest" framing of the story questionable.

The hosts confirm that audio of a Chinese social credit warning on bullet trains is legitimate, despite their initial skepticism. The announcement warns passengers that their social score will decrease if they are caught without a ticket. The segment transitions into a request for the "Al Sharpton Jitty" jingle from an Australian producer who donated $333.

Hillary Clinton expressed interest in regulating Artificial Intelligence, citing China's rapid advancement in the field. She discussed the Chinese social credit system, which uses AI to track and penalize citizens for behaviors like traveling without a ticket. A viral video from a Chinese bullet train warning passengers about social credit penalties was referenced, though some observers suspect the English-language audio in the clip may be a hoax.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell and other media figures are criticized for their technical descriptions of AR-15 ballistics. The discussion deconstructs claims regarding "bullet speed" and "overripe melon" tissue damage, arguing that the reporting is designed to create fear rather than provide accurate data.

The BBC News Pidgin service provides updates on the return of Chibok girls in Nigeria and a judicial crisis in Kenya. Other reports include India's first bullet train project funded by Japan and upcoming female basketball matches in Africa. The hosts express admiration for the dynamic production style and linguistic flair of the Pidgin broadcasts.

New police body camera footage from the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando has been released. The hosts revisit their theory that many casualties may have resulted from police crossfire during the confrontation with Omar Mateen. An audio glitch in the news clip featuring a "gong" sound is noted.

China's largest train maker has been contracted to build a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The project aims to reduce travel time to 80 minutes, though critics question the necessity of the train given the availability of cheap flights and the dominance of European and Canadian manufacturers in the rail market.

A rare fatality occurred on Japan's high-speed bullet train after an individual committed suicide by self-immolation. Additionally, the world successfully navigated the "leap second" adjustment without the widespread computer failures predicted by some tech analysts.

Former counterterrorism official Richard Clarke appears on Democracy Now! to discuss his novel, "The Sting of the Drone." He describes technology where drones or missiles could be designed to disintegrate upon impact, leaving no forensic evidence and making an attack look like a gas explosion. The hosts link this to "fractal bullets" used by air marshals and the suspicious death of journalist Michael Hastings.

Australian police issued a stern warning against 3D printing "The Liberator" plastic handgun, claiming they successfully manufactured a version for $35. The police warned that even "thinking about considering" making such a weapon is dangerous and illegal. The hosts dismiss the panic as a "war on printers," noting that zip guns have always existed and that the real threat to authorities is the decentralized nature of the technology.

A report from The New York Times regarding mysterious bullet markings on ammunition used by North African rebels is discussed, with evidence pointing toward Iranian manufacturing. The segment also covers new restrictions on the ATF's ability to authorize the importation of older military surplus weapons based on their age and potential for criminal use.

Montgomery County, Texas, has received permission to fly drones and is considering arming them with rubber bullets. The hosts discuss a viral video of a Russian man attaching a machine gun to a drone. They debate the legality of shooting down drones that fly below 500 feet over private property.

Reports from Cairo describe protesters being blinded by rubber bullets and suffering from severe CS gas exposure. One activist reportedly lost both eyes in separate incidents. The hosts question why protesters are not wearing protective goggles and suggest a "Goggles for Egypt" initiative to prevent further permanent injuries.

Chinese authorities attribute a deadly high-speed rail collision to a lightning strike that caused a signaling failure, preventing a red light from appearing. Skepticism is expressed regarding the lack of redundant radar or automated braking systems on such advanced transportation technology.

Mikhail Gorbachev has warned that Russia could face an Egypt-style uprising due to dissatisfaction with the Kremlin's governance. Protests have also targeted Barclays bank in Britain over tax avoidance issues. In response to global instability, the U.S. Army is reportedly planning to deploy machine guns capable of firing rubber bullets for more effective crowd control during violent demonstrations.