14 chapters across the catalog
Covert Training in Syria, Chlorine Gas, Bill Nelson
During a Senate hearing, Senator Bill Nelson questioned General Dempsey about published reports of "covert training" for Syrian rebels. Senator McCain interjected to discuss the use of chlorine gas and the humanitarian disaster in the region. The exchange highlighted the tension between public testimony and classified operations.
US Military Advisors, Iraq Counterterrorism Fund
President Obama and Senator Carl Levin discuss the deployment of 300 "non-military" advisors to Iraq. The segment claims these are private contractors funded by a new $5 billion counterterrorism partnership, and questions reports of ISIS stealing $400 million in gold from a Mosul bank.
Senator Carl Levin discusses the transfer of Russian-made weapons to the Syrian regime and the potential for these arms to fall into rebel hands. He argues that the U.S. must provide anti-tank weapons to the vetted opposition to counter Assad's forces. The hosts debate whether Obama's strategy is a brilliant geopolitical maneuver or a naive gamble.
Senator Carl Levin's comments on PBS regarding "companies" joining the U.S. in Syria are scrutinized. The hosts jokingly suggest he might be referring to oil giants like Exxon and Chevron rather than "countries." The discussion centers on the overlap between military intervention and corporate energy interests in the region.
Overseas Base Closures and German Extortion Claims
During a Senate hearing, Senator Carl Levin discusses the failure of the Department of Defense to secure reimbursement from allies for improvements made to overseas bases. The hosts interpret this as a form of "extortion," where the U.S. threatens to leave a country unless they are paid for the property improvements, while the host nations want the bases to stay for the economic benefits.
Adam Curry demonstrates how to "sweeten" boring C-SPAN footage of Senator Carl Levin by adding music from the Bohunks and sound effects. The segment features the Senate passing resolutions for American Diabetes Month and National Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Week. The hosts sign off, promising to return on Thursday with improved audio equipment.
Senate Unanimous Consent, National Nurse Managed Health Clinic Week
C-SPAN footage shows Senator Carl Levin using unanimous consent to pass various resolutions, including the designation of "National Nurse Managed Health Clinic Week" and "American Diabetes Month." The hosts argue that these procedural actions waste public time and are used to slip minor provisions into the record without debate.
Senate Money Laundering Hearing, Mexican Drug Cartels
A Senate Homeland Security hearing led by Senator Carl Levin investigated the ongoing laundering of Mexican drug proceeds through U.S. financial institutions. Treasury official David Cohen testified that despite new regulations in Mexico, illicit funds continue to be "layered" into legitimate trade transactions and moved through Central American countries to enter the U.S. system.
NDAA, Indefinite Detention, and Obama Administration Requests
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) moves toward the President's desk, including the 1033 program for militarizing local police. Senator Carl Levin reveals that the Obama administration specifically requested the removal of language that would have exempted U.S. citizens from indefinite detention provisions. The hosts express shock that the administration actively sought the power to detain citizens as "supporters of Al-Qaeda."
Jon Stewart NDAA Segment, Indefinite Detention Debate
The show concludes with a clip from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart regarding the Senate debate over the NDAA. The segment highlights the speed with which the Senate voted to authorize the indefinite detention of American citizens. Senators Lindsey Graham and Carl Levin are shown defending the provisions against objections from Rand Paul.
Senate Bill 1867, National Defense Authorization Act, Detainee Matters
Senate Bill 1867, sponsored by Senators John McCain and Carl Levin, contains provisions allowing the military to detain American citizens suspected of supporting Al-Qaeda or the Taliban. The legislation potentially bypasses the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which historically prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. A military judge would determine the status of individuals as "unprivileged enemy belligerents" without traditional Miranda rights.
Carl Levin, General Petraeus, Afghanistan Withdrawal Deadlines
Senator Carl Levin addressed the Council on Foreign Relations regarding the July 2011 deadline for troop reductions in Afghanistan. The discussion highlights conflicting messages from General David Petraeus and Secretary Robert Gates regarding the permanence of the U.S. presence. The hosts speculate that the delay in withdrawal is tied to CIA interests and military contracting.
Afghanistan Troop Increase, British Public Dissent
Senators Joseph Lieberman and Carl Levin are urging the White House to double the size of Afghan security forces to 400,000. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, public opposition to the war in Afghanistan is growing following the deaths of several young soldiers. The segment also briefly addresses claims regarding Osama bin Laden's historical relationship with the CIA.
CIA Congressional Briefings, Waterboarding Documents, Bush-Clinton Control
Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Carl Levin, accuse the CIA of releasing documents about interrogation briefings to deflect blame for waterboarding. The hosts argue that the CIA remains under the influence of the Bush and Clinton families, and that Obama's decision to stop releasing detainee abuse photos indicates he has been "brought into the fold."
