6 chapters across the catalog
Analysts and politicians, including Senator Tom Udall and Admiral James Stavridis, debated potential Iranian retaliation targets, such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or U.S. Ambassadors. While Iran cannot match the U.S. in conventional military strength, they are recognized as masters of asymmetric warfare.
Philip Seymour Hoffman Death and the Heroin-Fentanyl Crisis
Following the breaking news of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman's death, the hosts discuss a surge in heroin overdoses linked to fentanyl-laced batches. They note the arrest of Senator Mark Udall's son for heroin possession and reports of "deadly batches" in Maryland. The discussion links the increased heroin supply to the ongoing military presence in Afghanistan's poppy fields.
Congressional Immunity and the Pentagon Papers Precedent
The hosts discuss Senator Mike Gravel's precedent of reading the Pentagon Papers into the Congressional Record. They argue that Senators Ron Wyden and Mark Udall, who have hinted at NSA abuses, could use their constitutional immunity to reveal classified secrets on the Senate floor but have lacked the courage to do so, leaving the task to Edward Snowden.
Cybersecurity Act of 2012, Senate Backroom Meetings
Senators Mark Udall and Chuck Grassley debate the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, with Udall comparing the threat to a "cyber 9/11." Grassley criticizes the lack of transparency, noting the bill was introduced and rushed to the floor without committee debate or public access to the text. The legislation is being handled through "huddled backroom meetings" despite promises of government transparency.
Senators Ron Wyden and Mark Udall sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder criticizing the Justice Department's reliance on secret interpretations of the Patriot Act. The senators argue that there is a significant gap between public understanding of the law and the government's secret claims of authority. The hosts praise the senators for challenging the lack of transparency in intelligence operations.
Secret Patriot Act, Business Records Provision
Senators Ron Wyden and Mark Udall have hinted at a "secret" interpretation of the Patriot Act that the public has not seen. The concern focuses on the business records provision, which allows the FBI to seize tangible items deemed relevant to security investigations. The extension of these powers was slipped into a small business bill (S-990) to expedite passage.
