Topic: Confucius

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized MIT for refusing to host his speech regarding the threat of the Chinese Communist Party on American campuses. Speaking at Georgia Tech, Pompeo warned that Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes and student associations are used to monitor students and suppress academic freedom. He argued that university administrators are self-censoring out of fear of losing Chinese funding.

The CCP is accused of using Confucius Institutes to co-opt American academic institutions and silence discussions on topics controversial to Beijing. Bill Barr urged universities to protect academic integrity and resist the suppression of diverse voices. These institutes are described as government-funded nodes that pressure host schools to align with Chinese state interests in exchange for financial support.

Rochelle Peterson of the National Association of Scholars explains how Confucius Institutes serve as propaganda centers on global campuses. While there were once 110 institutes in the U.S., the number has dropped to 75 following a societal backlash. Schools like the University of Texas have cut ties, but others like the University of Arkansas maintain active programs despite concerns over CCP-vetted teachers.

Attorney General Bill Barr and Secretary Mike Pompeo have highlighted the "Thousand Talents Plan," a Chinese program used to recruit U.S. scientists for intellectual property theft. The Department of Justice has indicted professors at Harvard and other universities, while many schools are closing "Confucius Institutes" due to their role as CCP propaganda and monitoring hubs.

Confucius Institutes on American campuses are allegedly funded by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to promote Chinese culture and influence. While Bannon called for shutting them down, it was noted that the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) similarly funds pro-freedom movements in Hong Kong. The current unrest in Hong Kong is also linked to massive rent increases and liquidity issues within Chinese banks operating in the territory.

Senator Marco Rubio raised concerns about Chinese "Confucius Institutes" at U.S. universities, alleging they are used to covertly influence public opinion. Simultaneously, Afghanistan has broken ground on the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline. The project, which has been in development for decades, is seen as a strategic move to thwart Chinese and Iranian energy influence in the region.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak celebrate the ninth anniversary of the No Agenda show on October 27, 2016. Dvorak introduces a new opening joke format using Plato and Aristotle to avoid accusations of cultural appropriation regarding his previous Confucius-style jokes. The hosts reflect on their long-term partnership and acknowledge the contributions of the show's producers over nearly a decade of broadcasting.

The program opens with a "Confucius say" joke regarding jackhammers making noise. An anecdote is shared about an Irish writer who provides these jokes and a listener's email criticizing the host's delivery style.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 867 from Austin and New York City. They discuss a series of Confucius-themed puns written for the show by comedian Martin Higgins. The hosts debate whether the ongoing "pun feud" is genuine or a comedic bit.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 866 of the No Agenda show from Austin, Texas and Northern Silicon Valley. Dvorak continues his bit of reading numbered Confucius sayings, noting he has enough to last until episode 1000. Curry announces his upcoming trip to New York to speak on a media panel at Syracuse University's Newhouse School.

The hosts open the program with a discussion about a vintage Confucius joke book purchased in Chinatown and the potential for reprinting public domain jokes. They transition into media observations, noting that while CNN and Fox focused on the Charlotte shooting, MSNBC broadcast the Global Citizen concert from Central Park.

A collection of "Confucius Say" puns from a vintage booklet purchased in Chinatown is shared. The jokes rely on visual and linguistic wordplay typical of mid-century humor. The hosts debate the entertainment value of such content for the modern audience.