Topic: Rubber Bullets

The discussion turns to the potential for a wider regional war involving Lebanon and Iran, referencing General Wesley Clark's "seven countries in five years" memo. Richard Engel reports on protests at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the use of rubber bullets by Israeli troops in the West Bank. The hosts question who benefits from the hospital strike, suggesting it could serve as a "triggering mechanism" to draw the United States into a conflict with Iran.

Phoenix police officers reportedly created a commemorative challenge coin to celebrate a 2017 incident where a protester was shot in the groin with a rubber bullet. The coin features the phrase "Goodnight Left Nut" and "Make America Great Again One Nut at a Time," sparking a discussion on the history of military and intelligence challenge coins.

The New York City Police Union boss issued a statement rejecting the actions of the officers in Minneapolis while criticizing the media and legislators for vilifying the profession. Meanwhile, a report from San Jose describes an anti-bias trainer, Derek Sanderlin, who was shot in the groin with a rubber bullet while trying to de-escalate a protest. The hosts find the "human interest" framing of the story questionable.

Montgomery County, Texas, has received permission to fly drones and is considering arming them with rubber bullets. The hosts discuss a viral video of a Russian man attaching a machine gun to a drone. They debate the legality of shooting down drones that fly below 500 feet over private property.

Reports from Cairo describe protesters being blinded by rubber bullets and suffering from severe CS gas exposure. One activist reportedly lost both eyes in separate incidents. The hosts question why protesters are not wearing protective goggles and suggest a "Goggles for Egypt" initiative to prevent further permanent injuries.

Mikhail Gorbachev has warned that Russia could face an Egypt-style uprising due to dissatisfaction with the Kremlin's governance. Protests have also targeted Barclays bank in Britain over tax avoidance issues. In response to global instability, the U.S. Army is reportedly planning to deploy machine guns capable of firing rubber bullets for more effective crowd control during violent demonstrations.