Topic: Rico Act

There is a growing political push to waive or repeal the Jones Act of 1920 to lower shipping costs for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. The act requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be carried on American-built and crewed vessels. ABC News reported that some shippers oppose the waiver but failed to explain their reasoning, leading to criticism of the network's journalistic depth and editorial standards.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse asks Attorney General Loretta Lynch if the Department of Justice will pursue a RICO action against the "climate denial apparatus," similar to past actions against the tobacco industry. Lynch confirms that the matter has been referred to the FBI for review. The hosts mock the idea of a "climate denial scheme" and the potential for criminalizing dissent.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and a group of 20 scientists propose using the RICO Act to prosecute climate change deniers, drawing parallels to 1990s tobacco litigation. Radio host Thom Hartmann is featured interviewing Paul Dreesen, calling him a "criminal" for accepting fossil fuel industry funding. The hosts defend the legality of industry tax breaks like the oil depletion allowance and criticize the call for jailing political opponents.

The Obama administration proposed modernizing the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to include cybercrime under RICO racketeering laws. The new provisions would criminalize the trafficking of passwords and the possession of certain electronic interception devices, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison. Critics argue these laws could unfairly target system administrators and white-hat hackers.

Actor Wesley Snipes faced legal trouble over $7 million in back taxes, leading to a discussion on the legality and constitutionality of the IRS. The hosts examine the power of the IRS compared to other government departments and the history of the RICO Act. The segment notes that while some protesters claim there is no law requiring income tax, the agency's enforcement power makes such protests practically futile.