5 chapters across the catalog
The hosts discuss Mike Benz's recent viral critique of the book "Legacy of Ashes" by Tim Weiner. While Benz dismisses the book as a "limited hangout" that portrays the CIA as incompetent rather than nefarious, the hosts maintain the book's historical value while considering if the new criticism is intended to resurface the text.
Author Tim Weiner, known for "Legacy of Ashes," discussed the current counterintelligence investigation into the Trump administration. The investigation is described as a joint effort between the FBI, CIA, and NSA, moving significantly faster than the Watergate probe.
A review of Tim Weiner's book on the FBI challenges the popular narrative that J. Edgar Hoover was gay, claiming the rumor originated from a single British journalist without evidence. The discussion explores the historical "fractal" of government surveillance, noting that the FBI has maintained lists and conducted warrantless searches since the 1920s. The Clint Eastwood film *J. Edgar* is described as a "hit job" that the FBI attempted to suppress.
Author Tim Weiner appeared on The Daily Show to discuss his book "Enemies: A History of the FBI." The hosts criticize Jon Stewart for an unprepared interview and discuss the book's revelations about "black bagging" and warrantless arrests in the early 20th century. There is speculation that Weiner may have been compromised by intelligence agencies during his research.
Legacy of Ashes, CIA History, Pipeline Sabotage
The book "Legacy of Ashes" by Tim Weiner is reviewed as a definitive and often humorous history of the CIA's failures and practical jokes. One anecdote describes the CIA sabotaging a Russian pipeline by providing a faulty controller through a Canadian front company, causing the pipeline to explode. The book is characterized as a juvenile but sad account of 50 years of ineffective and violent global interference.
