6 chapters across the catalog
Anti-mandate protests in Wellington were recently cleared by police after three weeks of occupation at Parliament. Prime Minister Ardern condemned the protesters for succumbing to "disinformation" and "conspiracy theories." The hosts criticize Ardern's handling of the situation and the psychological impact of the long-term lockdowns on the population.
Producer Pablo, Ottawa Protest Logistics, and Audible Violence
Producer Pablo provides a detailed report from the front lines in Ottawa, describing how police use blockades to hide the true number of trucks from cameras. He addresses the "swastika flag" incident as a potential plant and discusses the new concept of "audible violence" regarding truck horns. Pablo expresses hope that the movement will successfully overturn all Canadian vaccine mandates.
Police Vaccine Mandates, Labor Resistance and Chicago Politics
Thousands of police officers and firefighters in New York City and Chicago are resisting vaccine mandates, with many facing unpaid leave for non-compliance. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara have engaged in a public standoff over the "dictatorship" of the mandate. Despite claims that COVID-19 is the leading cause of death for officers, data analysis of the Chicago Police Department suggests the actual death rate among the 12,000-person force does not statistically justify an emergency mandate.
Chicago Police Union, John Catanzaro, Vaccine Status Deadline
Chicago Police Union President John Catanzaro urged officers to ignore Mayor Lori Lightfoot's deadline for reporting vaccine status. Catanzaro predicted that up to half of the force might be placed on no-pay status, while the Mayor maintained that contingency plans are in place to ensure city safety.
Victoria Police Interpersonal Conflict, Just Following Orders
Leaked audio captures a conversation between a Melbourne police officer and a citizen regarding the enforcement of lockdown tickets. The officer expresses personal frustration with the situation, noting his own wife is unemployed due to the mandates, but claims he must continue his duties because he is not skilled for other work. The hosts compare this "just doing my job" defense to historical precedents of state enforcement.
Victoria Police in Australia are deploying high-powered drones with infrared cameras to monitor mask-wearing and travel restrictions. The Australian government is considering "incentive sticks," such as the "No Jab, No Pay" program, to ensure high vaccine uptake. These measures include restricting international travel and restaurant access for the unvaccinated.
