8 chapters across the catalog
A discussion on the Prevnar 13 pneumonia vaccine leads to a remembrance of Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder John Perry Barlow. Barlow reportedly blamed medical errors at Stanford for his declining health before eventually succumbing to pneumonia-related complications.
Listener Feedback on COVID-19 Severity and Seasonal Flu Comparisons
A letter from a listener in New York expresses distress over the perceived dismissive tone regarding COVID-19 deaths, citing personal losses in Miami. The response highlights that high mortality rates from seasonal flu in previous years, such as the strain that killed John Perry Barlow, were often ignored by the media during the Obama administration.
John Perry Barlow Obituary and EFF Legacy
John Perry Barlow, the Grateful Dead lyricist and co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), has passed away following complications from a 2015 heart attack. His complex political history, including managing a campaign for Dick Cheney and his role in early internet activism, is recounted alongside personal anecdotes about his poetic nature and past disputes over the MTV.com domain.
Speculation on FBI Strategy and Terrorism Exploitation
The FBI is accused of using the San Bernardino terrorist attack as a "publicity stunt" to gain a legal precedent for bypassing iPhone security features. The theory suggests the government is less interested in the specific data on the shooter's phone and more interested in obtaining a "trick" to unlock a backlog of 175 other iPhones currently in their possession. This is compared to the TSA's mission creep, where anti-terrorism measures are frequently used to prosecute non-terror related crimes like drug possession.
The hosts theorize that a massive "turf war" is occurring between the CIA, NSA, FBI, and the White House. They express deep distrust of Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) co-founder John Perry Barlow, labeling him a CIA operative. They analyze a clip of Barlow expressing "underlying faith" in the Obama administration, which they interpret as a sign that he is working to protect the establishment while appearing to support Julian Assange.
John Perry Barlow, Grateful Dead and EFF Background
The hosts delve into the biography of John Perry Barlow, questioning how a retired cattle rancher and Grateful Dead lyricist became a central figure in cyber-libertarianism. They mock his "Super Smart Musician" designation by Time Magazine and his various fellowships. Dvorak recounts a personal story of a near-fistfight between Barlow and journalist Greg Paschal, reinforcing his view of Barlow as a "liar."
The hosts analyze a Sky News interview with Julian Assange that featured John Perry Barlow sitting prominently in the frame. They argue the "two-shot" was a deliberate piece of visual messaging to the intelligence community, signaling that the CIA still "owns" or supports Assange. They compare this to how celebrities like George Clooney are managed by handlers to ensure they stay "on the rails."
Adam Curry recounts his legal dispute with MTV over the MTV.com domain name, which he had registered with the company's initial permission. He expresses disappointment with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for refusing to assist in the case. The conflict was eventually settled out of court with a non-disparagement agreement, and Curry reflects on how modern ICANN rules would have handled the situation differently.
