Topic: Sadism

A philosophical question is raised regarding why modern warfare relies on lethal chemical agents like sarin gas instead of non-lethal drugs like LSD. The hosts speculate that "drugging" a population would be more humane than killing them, but conclude that the military-industrial complex requires "redundant systems and big backups" that favor traditional weaponry and destruction.

The hosts provide historical context for waterboarding, noting its roots in the Spanish Inquisition and the Tower of London. They argue that the current media normalization of torture is a regression toward medieval sadism. The discussion suggests that if waterboarding is acceptable, there is little logical barrier to reviving other forms of physical torment like the Iron Maiden.