Topic: Radio Liberty

Author Masha Gessen, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, argues that the Russian leader uses anti-gay sentiment to encourage xenophobia and label dissenters as "foreign agents." Gessen, who previously worked for the State Department-funded Radio Liberty, claims Putin has dismantled Russia's electoral system. The hosts compare these criticisms to actions taken by American presidents, suggesting a double standard in political rhetoric.

Adam Curry plays a station identification clip from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty in Prague (Praha). The hosts discuss the sparse programming on the channel and the pronunciation of the city's name in the local language.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss a physical meeting where they exchanged silver pieces, including a KGB challenge coin and a Liberty Dollar. Adam expresses frustration that his portable ham radio failed to pick up any signals from John's vehicle during his drive into San Francisco. John explains he opted not to drive his electric car due to bridge traffic and toll issues.

President Obama signed nine bills into law during the Iowa Caucus, including the Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act. The legislation authorizes the U.S. to support democratic movements and fund international broadcasting like Radio Liberty and Voice of America to Belarus. The hosts suggest this is a geopolitical move involving propaganda and internet interference.