14 chapters across the catalog
Venezuela Missile Strikes, ACLU Lawsuit and High Seas Act
The ACLU is suing the Trump administration over missile strikes on boats off the coast of Venezuela that killed over 130 people. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of families in Trinidad, utilizes the "Death on the High Seas Act" to bypass government immunity claims regarding the extrajudicial killings of alleged narco-terrorists.
Joe Biden 1989 Speech, War on Drugs and International Strike Forces
A 1989 clip of then-Senator Joe Biden shows him advocating for a more aggressive "War on Drugs" on behalf of the Democratic Party. In the speech, Biden called for an international strike force to attack drug lords where they live and eliminate safe havens for narco-terrorists. The hosts contrast this historical stance with modern political reactions to the Maduro capture.
Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw has introduced legislation to "declare war" on Mexican drug cartels in response to the fentanyl crisis and border security issues. Crenshaw released a video in Spanish and English specifically naming cartel leaders and threatening to seize their assets and mansions. Critics of the congressman, sometimes referred to as "Eyepatch McCain," remain skeptical of his legislative motives.
The internal logic of Grammy nominations is questioned, specifically why winners of specific genre categories like Best Rock Album are not automatically candidates for Album of the Year. The hosts conclude the awards are a "scam" driven by industry insiders with arbitrary voting criteria that often exclude classical or new age artists from top honors.
Afghanistan Opium Trade, UNODC Report, Eradication Failure
Opium production in Afghanistan has reportedly risen by 43% in the last year despite billions spent by the U.S. on eradication efforts. The hosts suggest that the military is effectively protecting poppy fields rather than destroying them, as the trade now accounts for 90% of the world's supply.
War on Drugs Origins and Nixon Administration Claims
A report surfaces featuring claims from former Nixon aide John Ehrlichman that the War on Drugs was designed to target black people and anti-war protesters. The hosts discuss how this historical context frames current drug policy and Hillary Clinton's cautious stance on marijuana research. They suggest the federal government has been intentionally duplicitous regarding the medicinal benefits of cannabis.
John Stossel on Spending Cuts, Marijuana Policy Hypocrisy
John Stossel critiques President Obama's claim of $2 trillion in spending cuts, explaining that they are actually reductions in projected increases. The segment also highlights Obama's hypocrisy regarding marijuana, noting that his administration has conducted more dispensary raids than the Bush administration despite earlier promises of decriminalization.
Daniel Chong, a student at UC San Diego, was accidentally left in a DEA holding cell for five days without food or water after a drug raid. Chong survived by drinking his own urine and is now suing the government for $20 million. The hosts highlight that such settlements are paid by taxpayers and rarely result in the firing of responsible officials.
Former Governor Gary Johnson delivers his acceptance speech for the Libertarian presidential nomination. He pledges to submit a balanced budget, veto deficit spending, and advocate for the "Fair Tax." Johnson also calls for ending the wars in Afghanistan and the war on drugs, positioning himself as the only candidate supporting both "gun rights and gay rights."
Guatemala Drug Legalization Proposal and Pat Buchanan
The President of Guatemala proposed legalizing drugs and seeking compensation from the U.S. for seized narcotics. On the McLaughlin Group, Pat Buchanan discussed the failure of the War on Drugs, contrasting Milton Friedman's legalization stance with Mao Zedong's execution policy. The hosts suggest a shift in conservative rhetoric regarding drug policy is underway.
African American Support for Ron Paul and Drug War Reform
The discussion focuses on growing support for Ron Paul within the Black community due to his stance on ending the War on Drugs. The hosts cite statistics regarding the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans and compare the modern prison system to a form of state-sanctioned slavery. They argue that Paul's message resonates more than President Obama's lack of action on criminal justice reform.
Ron Paul's appearance on The Daily Show is analyzed, with the hosts claiming the most substantive part of the interview—concerning the war on drugs and the pharmaceutical industry—was cut from the broadcast. They argue Jon Stewart is beholden to corporate sponsors and drug advertising.
The segment explores the book "The New Jim Crow," which details how the war on drugs has led to a massive increase in the incarceration of Black Americans. The hosts discuss the use of prison labor as a form of modern slavery and the political implications of disenfranchising felons.
National Guard Car X-Rays, Schenectady Drug Enforcement
The New York National Guard is deploying portable car X-ray technology in Schenectady to assist local police in the "war on drugs." The equipment can scan vehicle undercarriages and swab surfaces for trace amounts of narcotics or explosives. This domestic use of military personnel and technology for routine policing is criticized as a violation of the US Constitution.
