This week, we examine the foundations of the American celebration of Independence Day, its relationship to 21st-century American politics, and the influence of the coronavirus pandemic. 

As we lead off this week, items up for discussion include China's communist party celebrating a century in power, and what this means for the future of geopolitics, as well as the surprising release of comedian and accused sexual offender Bill Cosby from prison. In similar news, actress Allison Mack has been sentenced to three years in prison for her involvement with the NXIVM cult, and we analyze the NYT's strange phraseology with its reporting of the story. We also look at the current developments regarding criminal charges brought against former President Trump's business empire.

Then turning our attention toward the recent Fourth of July holiday, we reflect on the U.S. and its position on the current global stage, as well as how this relates to foreign policy, the influence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a host of other issues. Finally, we also note the passing of two-time former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and his troublesome dealing with, as he termed it, "knowns and unknowns."

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Betty June
• Daniel Baumberger 
• Charles Baldwin 
• Sean O’Neal  
• Elizabeth Hove  
• Robert Westfall
• Brett Giles 
• Stacia Schwartz 
• Robert Walshe 
• Daniel Richard 

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

 

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

• CCP 100: Xi warns China will not be 'oppressed' in anniversary speech 
• COSBY: Bill Cosby released from prison after court overturns his conviction 
• NXIVM: Actress Who Recruited Women for Nxivm Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison
• CRIMINAL: Donald Trump’s Business Empire Hit With Criminal Charges
• ID4: The U.S. Prepares for a Blockbuster July Fourth 
• Capitol, symbol of democracy, off-limits on Independence Day 
• Georgetown students struggle to say is they're proud to be from US 
• RUMSFELD: Donald Rumsfeld, Defense Secretary During Iraq War, Is Dead at 88

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.