Topic: Secret Law

Experts describe the three rings of security typically present at high-level political events and question why the third perimeter failed. Reports indicate a breakdown in communication between local law enforcement and the Secret Service after witnesses spotted the gunman. The failure to secure a roof with a direct line of sight to the podium is identified as a primary lapse.

The hosts reiterate the show's donation policies for new listeners, explaining that only notes accompanying donations of $200 or more are read on air. This policy was established to prevent the show from being overwhelmed by long notes from smaller donations. They discuss the history of "numerology" in donations, where listeners use specific numbers to signal birthdays or other significant dates.

German media outlet Deutsche Welle provides an analysis of the potential Trump indictment, noting the logistical complexity of the Secret Service accompanying a former president through a mugshot and fingerprinting process. Legal questions arise regarding whether the Secret Service, as a law enforcement agency, would be required to execute an arrest warrant or defend the former president.

A theory is posited that two versions of Barack Obama exist to handle different presidential duties, potentially enabled by secret laws. The discussion references the secrecy of the FISA Court and National Security Letters as evidence of a hidden legal infrastructure in the United States.

Senators Ron Wyden and Mark Udall sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder criticizing the Justice Department's reliance on secret interpretations of the Patriot Act. The senators argue that there is a significant gap between public understanding of the law and the government's secret claims of authority. The hosts praise the senators for challenging the lack of transparency in intelligence operations.

President Obama issued an executive order amending the Manual for Courts-Martial, but the specific annexes detailing the changes remain unavailable to the public. The hosts speculate these "secret laws" are being implemented to influence the upcoming court-martial of Bradley Manning in the WikiLeaks case.

Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Mark Udall are challenging the "secret law" interpretations of the Patriot Act, specifically Section 215. Wyden warns that the government's classified legal interpretations allow for the sweeping collection of innocent Americans' communications, which will eventually undermine public confidence in the law.

An anonymous report from a rig worker via Above Top Secret claims that Navy Intelligence and commandos have taken control of certain offshore platforms. The rumor suggests the Deepwater Horizon blowout may have been a planned event to destroy an unprofitable well and clear the way for more lucrative drilling in the same reserve, though the hosts remain skeptical of a deliberate sabotage.