6 chapters across the catalog
Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani currently under indictment, reportedly paid Giuliani $500,000 to help model a company called Fraud Guarantee after the identity theft protection service LifeLock. Information from a DC lobbying firm suggests Parnas was attempting to raise his political profile through these business dealings. The discussion characterizes Parnas as a fraudster whose primary legal troubles stem from bribing officials for marijuana licenses.
The social and political bubble of Washington DC is compared to the elite enclave of Palm Beach, Florida. The hosts discuss how events like Tim Russert's funeral serve as networking and lobbying opportunities for the political class.
Grid 21 and Association Management Strategies Lobbying
An investigation into "Grid 21" reveals it is managed by Association Management Strategies (AMS) at 1155 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C. The address is shared with the International Claim Association and other lobbying fronts. The hosts allege these organizations are shell entities designed to facilitate lobbying and condition the public for higher energy pricing.
American Public Transportation Association, High-Speed Rail Lobbying
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a survey claiming 67% of Americans support high-speed rail, which the hosts characterize as a biased lobbying effort. APTA is identified as a major Washington D.C. pressure group receiving significant funding from industrial giants like Siemens. The discussion suggests the survey is designed to manufacture consent for massive public spending on rail infrastructure.
Environment America, Go 60 MPG Campaign, Federal Advocacy
The "Go 60 MPG" campaign, which advocates for higher fuel efficiency standards by 2025, is identified as a project of Environment America. The hosts look into the organization's funding and its expensive federal advocacy offices in Boston and Washington, D.C. They suggest the group is part of a larger corporate-funded environmental lobbying network.
Congressional Phone System Outage, Constituent Feedback
During the vote on the cap and trade legislation, the phone systems at the U.S. Capitol reportedly crashed due to a high volume of calls from concerned citizens. The hosts suggest this was a convenient failure to avoid listening to constituent opposition. Doubt is expressed regarding the Senate's ability or willingness to act as an impediment to the bill's final passage.
