4 chapters across the catalog
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.
Knighting Ceremony and Stimulus Money Donations
Several listeners donate their IRS stimulus money to the show, including Andrew Bloomer, who is knighted as Sir Andrew of the Unapologetic Pale Males. Another donor, "Hey Idiot," discusses the Light Phone 2 as a way to go semi-off-the-grid. The hosts debate the likelihood of future inflation and perform "de-douching" rituals for various contributors.
IRS Inflation Calculation Changes and Hidden Tax Increases
The Internal Revenue Service has reportedly altered the formula used to calculate inflation for 2019 tax regulations. This mathematical change affects the standard deduction and is expected to result in higher tax payments for citizens over the next 18 months. The hosts characterize this as a "hidden tax" implemented through administrative rule changes rather than legislation.
The hosts analyze coverage from Democracy Now! regarding the Trump tax story, focusing on the media's consistent use of "inflation-adjusted dollars" to make historical figures sound larger. They argue that wealthy individuals like Trump, Bloomberg, and Buffett operate under a different set of IRS realities than average citizens. The segment highlights a perceived bias where the media adjusts some numbers for inflation but not others to suit a specific narrative.
