11 chapters across the catalog
The segment provides updates on civil unrest worldwide. In Bolivia, military forces tear-gassed a funeral procession following the ouster of Evo Morales. Colombia experienced a massive national strike against President Iván Duque. In Iran, a total internet blackout continues amid protests over fuel price hikes, with reports of over 100 deaths.
Value for Value, Edward Snowden and the Ecuadorian Plane
Executive Producer Shana Alaka shares an exchange with Edward Snowden on Twitter regarding the 2013 grounding of Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane. While Snowden propagated a report that France took the blame, Alaka provided audio links of tower communications to refute the "forcing down" narrative. The hosts discuss why Snowden might continue to support certain narratives while living in Russia.
Bolivia Referendum and National Endowment for Democracy
Bolivian President Evo Morales faced a referendum regarding presidential term limits, which would allow him to run for a third term. Morales accused the United States and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) of funding a "dirty war" on social media to influence the vote. The hosts link the political pressure to Bolivia's natural gas contracts and Chinese infrastructure projects.
South American Leaders Denounce CIA Interference
Leaders from Bolivia, Venezuela, and Argentina issued coordinated statements threatening to close U.S. embassies and expelling the DEA. The rhetoric focuses on alleged CIA infiltration and the "hostage" situation involving the Bolivian President's plane in Europe. The hosts suggest that Vladimir Putin is orchestrating these diplomatic tensions to undermine U.S. influence in South America.
Bolivian Presidential Plane Forced Landing Analysis
The forced landing of Bolivian President Evo Morales's plane (Fox Alpha Bravo 001) in Austria is analyzed using air traffic control transcripts. Despite claims of being denied airspace due to Edward Snowden, the pilot cited a "precautionary" fuel indication problem. The hosts characterize this as "pilot humor" or a tactical lie used to make an unscheduled stop, suggesting the entire incident was a staged ruse.
Bolivian Presidential Plane, Passport Revocation Myths
Adam Curry disputes Glenn Greenwald's claims regarding the forced landing of the Bolivian presidential plane and the mechanics of passport revocation. He argues that a revoked passport does not prevent international travel but rather ensures arrest upon return to the United States.
Glenn Greenwald and the Bolivian Presidential Plane Narrative
The hosts critique Glenn Greenwald for continuing to claim that Bolivian President Evo Morales's plane was "downed" by the U.S. and its allies. They reiterate that cockpit recordings prove the plane requested to land in Austria due to a technical malfunction, rather than being forced down by external military pressure.
The hosts criticize Glenn Greenwald's reporting on Edward Snowden, specifically the claim that a revoked passport prevents international travel. They cite State Department rules suggesting a revoked passport only affects re-entry to the U.S. and discuss the grounding of Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane as a significant escalation in the hunt for Snowden.
The 2013 grounding of Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane in Austria is re-examined using air traffic control recordings. While Glenn Greenwald and other media outlets characterized the event as a "forced landing" by the U.S., the audio suggests the pilot requested to land due to a fuel indication discrepancy. The segment argues that the incident was a staged political maneuver involving Russia and Bolivia.
Evo Morales Plane Diversion and South American Sovereignty
Bolivian President Evo Morales had his flight diverted to Austria amid rumors that Edward Snowden was on board. While South American leaders in Venezuela and Argentina condemned the incident as a violation of sovereignty, flight data suggests the landing was requested by the pilot due to a "fuel indicator" issue. The event is analyzed as a potential piece of geopolitical theater orchestrated by Vladimir Putin.
Coca Leaf Cultivation and South American Drug Laws
Bolivian President Evo Morales has defended the traditional use of coca leaves and ordered the DEA to leave the country. One host shares a personal anecdote about traveling in the Andes and chewing coca leaves to combat altitude sickness. They argue that the leaves are a mild stimulant and that U.S. drug laws regarding the plant are irrational.
