This week on Middle Theory, we look at the recent Democratic Debates, and the distractions in America that are taking away from more substantive discussion and debate. 

Stop the presses... hold the phone... Nike has pulled a new sneaker design that would have featured the 13-star "Betsy Ross U.S. Flag", after former NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he, and other NFL players, were offended by the flag since its adoption (and appropriation) by extremist groups.

Well... now that we've covered "Topic A," we move on to more important issues, which include the recent round of Democratic Debates, in which a few surprises, and a fair amount of contention emerged... which has shifted expectaions as we head into the Iowa Caucuses. However, there was one politician who participated in the debates that stood out among the rest, and who the mainstream media simply won't touch... all we can say is that, since the debates, she's had us singing "Take Me Back to Tulsi."

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

* Betty June 

* Daniel Baumberger

* Grimerica

* Jill Ellis

* John Lipartito

* Robert Walshe

* Jessica Zuccarello

* Kathleen Hunter

* SteveDave

* Brian Davis

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* ID4: Trump orders tanks for Independence Day parade

* BAD FLAG: Nike pulls Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers After Kaepernick Comments

* DEM 'BATES: Kamala Harris Surges as Biden and Bernie Slump After Debates

* Biden, Kamala in virtual tie, new poll show

* TAKE ME BACK TO TULSI: Internet Searches for Tulsi Gabbard Surge After Debates

This week on Middle Theory, in addition to news about Facebook's new Libra cryptocurrency, we examine the latest developments between the U.S. and Iran, and why sanctions without diplomacy is not a viable strategy. 

We, the people, do have a right to know certain information... and as we lead off this week, we take a moment to examine the difference between secrets that protect us, versus those which are kept from the public against their best interest. Bureaucracy in government is one area where this becomes an issue, although in the information age, leaked information and transparency does seem to have increased slightly (this is particularly evident in the current Trump Administration). However, because of this, surveillance is also an issue in modern times, as well as the threat of things like identity theft and a host of other invasive problems.

But what happens when we remove government from the picture, and we have online platforms like Facebook that not only want to "connect the entire world," but also institute their own digital micro-economies... right down to their own currency? With the announcement of the social media giant's new Libra cryptocurrency, many privacy experts are warning that this could become one of the company's most invasive nightmares yet.

Then, after looking at news updates pertaining to the NXIVM cult, as well as the ongoing saga of radio host Alex Jones, we shift our attention to the current crisis with Iran, which escalated to new levels this week after a chain of events led to further sanctions by the U.S. against the country; and that only after limited air strikes nearly brought the conflict to the battlefield, before Donald Trump called off the attack. This was in response to Iran shooting down a U.S. surveillance drone, and this after U.S. intelligence supplied information linking Iran to an attack on two oil tankers last week. Opting for more sanctions against the country, the Iranian government now argues that there is no path to future talks or diplomacy... which are the key elements that have remained missing during Trump's presidency.

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

* Jennie Vongvith

* Jamie Craven 

* Ali Buchan

* Jessica Riley

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* LIBRA ALONE:

This week we look at a controversial arms deal with Saudi Arabia, for which Donald Trump is citing a "National Emergency" in order to bypass Congress. 

Happy Father's Day everyone... and as we lead off this edition of the program, we look at the recent raids that occurred with regard to journalists in Australia, which have many journalistic institutions deeply concerned. Ironically, one ABC reporter whose home was raided by Australian police was targeted over what appears to have been widespread surveillance programs instituted by the government.

We also look at the latest news pertaining to extradition attempts by the U.S. against former head of Megaupload, New Zealander Kim Dotcom, who famously claimed to have knowledge about the 2016 DNC email leaks. Dotcom's bizarre claims of having communications that proved the involvement of murdered staffer Seth Rich only make the situation odder... especially since The Mueller Report and the Special Counsel's findings appear to contradict Dotcom and Assange's claims about Seth Rich.

Finally, we turn our attention to the controversial arms deal with Saudi Arabia proposed by Donald Trump, who is citing a "National Emergency" in order to bypass Congress on the issue. We look at the history of similar deals, the precedent for citing a "national emergency," and why the idea of a Saudi arms deal is deemed politically unfavorable right now, both by Trump's enemies, and even many of his political allies.

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

* RUNE

* Sascha Neubauer

* James Malone 

* Jamie Craven

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* CRACKDOWN: Raid cracks down on the ABC in Australia

* COM ON OVER: Kim Dotcom fights US extradition in New Zealand's top court

* The Seth Rich conspiracy theory needs to end now

* IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN SAUDI ARABIA: The Trump Administration is Declaring a Fake Emergency to Sell Weapons to Saudi Arabia

* FLASHBACK: CFR WEIGHS IN: Is Big Saudi Arms Sale a Good Idea?

This week's podcast looks at the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the beach landing at Normandy in 1944, the events of which dramatically shifted the outcome of the Second World War. 

Leading off this week, is there a crisis of loneliness in America, and if so, how are changes in our culture and society affecting this? In terms of changes in cultural attitudes, Democratic front-runner Joe Biden seems to have been struggling lately with the shifting definition of "progressivism." Is he able to meet the demands of a Democratic base that may see him as being less than what his campaign statements have claimed? We also take a look at YouTube's recent decision to ban Neo-Nazis and Holocaust deniers, and why updating their policies is a good thing.

Then later in the program, we turn our attention toward the date in question, with the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. Officially given the codename "Operation Neptune," the more commonly-known celebration of D-Day marks the largest seaborne invasion not just during the Second World War, but in all of history. The success of the operation not only spurred the liberation of then-German-occupied France, but also marked a turning point in the war that demoralized the German power structure, and ultimately led to the triumph of the Allied Powers.

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

* Betty June 

* Daniel Baumberger

* Robert Westfall

* Lauren Turinetti

* Robert Walshe

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* LONELY IN THE USA: Loneliness in America Is Caused by Our Broken Culture

* BIDEN’S PROGRESSIVISM: Biden defends having 'the most progressive record of anyone running'

* YOUTUBE BANS: Vice: YouTube has finally banned Neonazis, Sandy Hook truthers

* D-DAY 75: D-Day at 75: Nations honor veterans, memory of fallen

* 5 Compelling First-Hand Accounts From D-Day

This week on Middle Theory, Robert Mueller's statement before the media stirs controversy, as the partisan debate over the interpretation of his Special Council Report continues. 

It's that time of year again... when the world's elite all gather together to discuss the future of humanity. That's right, it's time for the annual Bilderberg summit, which is being held in Montreaux, France this year; we go over the history of the event, and what's on the table for discussion in 2019. We also look at why some political activists are worried about Bernie Sanders... and what that could mean for the Democratic Party in 2020.

Also, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited public statement has come and gone... and only more questions have been left in the storm that followed. We examine partisan attitudes toward Mueller's statement and the ongoing debate about his Special Counsel Report, along with contrasting views in the American media that followed in the wake of his brief public statement.

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

* Jill Ellis

* Grimerica

* SteveDave

* Jessica Zuccarello 

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* BILDERBERG: '19: The Future of Capitalism, Weaponization of Social Media

* WORLD ELITE MEET IN SWITZERLAND

* BERNING DOWN THE HOUSE: Bernie backers see DNC-media sabotage

* MUELLER STATEMENT

* AUDIO: Mueller’s complete statement

This week on Middle Theory, Julian Assange's critics chime in on why the recent indictments brought against the whistleblower could present serious problems for journalists around the world. 

The sky is falling... for secret agent James Bond "007". A number of recent setbacks in the filming of the forthcoming Bond film, dubbed "Bond 25" until a better name can be decided, have the Bond franchise mired in controversy... add to that the pressures of modern attitudes toward gender roles, which at times seem to conflict with the iconic secret agent and his history... is the sky indeed about to fall on the James Bond film franchise?

Then, on the subject of secret agents and espionage, we shift our attention over to the discussion of how an NSA program that was leaked online is wreaking havoc in many major U.S. cities, which are being held hostage by cybercriminals thanks to the activities of a secretive group called the "Shadow Brokers." Elsewhere, a trove of secret recordings held by the FBI may change history if they are ever released, as they may offer a very different perspective on the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

We then turn our attention to Julian Assange, and the recent addition of 17 charges brought against the Wikileaks founder under the U.S. Espionage Act, 16 of which have to do with the communication of classified information. If the charges were applied broadly, they would seemingly implicate journalists around the world for engagement in similar activities that are considered fundamental to their profession... has the Department of Justice bitten off more than they can chew in this instance?

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

* Jennie Vongvith

* Ali Buchan

* Mark Hankins II

* Lauren Turinetti

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* JAMES BOND: The Sky is Falling on 007

* SOCIAL SLURRING: Doctored video of Nancy Pelosi has social media giants ill-prepared for 2020

* BALTIMORE IN A BIND: In Baltimore and Beyond, a Stolen N.S.A. Tool Wreaks Havoc

On this edition of Middle Theory, we cover a campaign stop with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, after which we weigh in on the economic implications of socialism. 

This week, we begin with a look at items in the news including an "update" on the ongoing saga of Ben Shapiro's swift departure from a recent BBC interview, as well as how one Democratic pollster has argued that Trump's approval rating is one of the most consistent of any U.S. President in history. We then turn our attention to the hot-button issue of Alabama's recent abortion law, and what its broader implications may be.

Then we return from the field at a recent campaign stop with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who was in North Carolina drumming up support for his 2020 presidential bid. This roughly coincides with a special issue of the conservative magazine National Review giving a breakdown of the issues with socialism, why it has never worked, and why they feel it is wrong for America. Would Bernie's vision of socialism in the United States be the same that has failed so many times in the past, often with devastating consequences?

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

* Rune Erickson

* Shelly Orlandini

* Sascha Neubauer

* Jessica Riley

* Kathleen Hunter

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* STEADY ROLLING: Trump's approval more 'steady' than any other president in history

* ABORTIONATION: Alabama's near-total abortion ban has no exceptions for rape or incest

* Alabama Aims Squarely at Roe, but the Supreme Court May Prefer Glancing Blows

* These Statements From Alabama’s Abortion Vote Are Infuriating

* Alabama 'has gone too far' with 'extreme' abortion bill, Pat Robertson says

* FEELIN’ THE BERN: Bernie Sande...

This week on Middle Theory, we look at the "Iron Triangle," and the reasons that corruption in various agencies of government persist as a result of bureaucracy.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there... and after looking at a bit of the history of the holiday (and critically examining how corporate it, like so many other holidays, has become, we look at recent news pertaining to conservative firebrand Ben Shapiro, who has been a recent item of discussion after allegedly cutting short an interview he did on the BBC. Is there more to this story than what most commentators are reporting, and why are we seemingly living in an "age of rage"?

Then during the latter half of the program, we turn our sights toward government corruption and measures within the last several years to curtail the effects of such things as lobbying, "dark money", gerrymandering, and a host of other political practices that help those in power stay that way. However, while elected officials often take the center stage when it comes to issues in government, there is a sort of "sub-government" that works from behind the scenes which many contend to be the real government. Hence, we examine the idea of the "iron triangle," and how broad corruption in various government agencies might be remedied on this edition of the program.

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

* Robert Westfall

* James Malone

* Jamie Craven

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* MOTHER’S DAY: Why American moms are seriously struggling

* FACING THE MUSIC: Farrakhan rails against 'Satanic Jews' in wake of Facebook ban

* SHAPIRO CUTS IT SHORT: Ben Shapiro cuts short BBC interview after tough grilling

* 'I'm popular and no one has ever heard of you'

* ALL THE RAGE: Age of rage: Are we really living in angrier times

On this edition of Middle Theory, things get heated between old friends in Washington, as communications between Attorney General William Barr and Special Counsel Robert Mueller take center stage. 

This week on Middle Theory, we lead off with the news about a controversial mural of George Washington that one town says is "traumatizing" their students... in this era of safe-spaces and trigger warnings, are there nonetheless some instances where calls for removal of such historical representations are for the better, and if so, what are the consequences nonetheless? We also have a social media dep-platforming update, in which an early version of an article about Facebook's decision to ban extremists from its online communities appears to have shown an obvious bias on part of the Washington Post.

Then later in the program, William Barr's recent testimony before the Senate was just the latest in an ongoing series of high-profile televised hearings of the Donald Trump presidency. However, questions about a letter sent to Barr by Robert Mueller (whose long-awaited report on investigations into Russian meddling in the last U.S. election is now on the bestsellers list) led to some heated exchanges and seemingly contradictory statements made by Barr. We look at all of the details on this edition of the podcast.

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

* Betty June 

* Daniel Baumberger

* Grimerica 

* Jill Ellis

* EMILIO

* John Lipartito

* Jessica Zuccarello

* Steve Dave

* Robert Walshe

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

[email-subscribers namefield="YES" desc="" group="Public"]

Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* TRAUMATOWN: High school may erase mural of George Washington: 'Traumatizes students'

* PAIN IN THE NECK: A 28-year-old man had a stroke popping his neck

* NO BS: Man stopped with moose poop at Alaska airport told agents it’s for politicians, TSA says

* BANNING DOWN THE HOUSE: Facebook bans extremist leaders

On this edition of Middle Theory, we talk with Vincent Cefalu, a former undercover ATF agent, whistleblower, and author of the forthcoming book Ratsnakes about his time with the agency.

Leading off this week, Joe Biden has officially announced that he's running for president, and his official campaign announcement video sells his ideas on fear and loathing... specifically the tragic events at Charlottesville, WV, which involved a white nationalist rally that resulted in the death of a young counter protestor. However, among the questions being asked about Biden's Presidential bid are his age, whether he will be "far left" enough to beat Trump, and what his running for the position of highest office will say about the legacy of Barack Obama's administration.

Then later in the program, we are joined by Vincent Cefalu, a former undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and a Special Response Team member with experience in hostage negotiations. Having worked with law enforcement for several decades, he also has a Master’s Degree in the of Psychological sciences, and received media attention in the past for his role as a whistleblower exposing Operation Fast and Furious, appearing on programs like Democracy Now, CNN, and Fox News. Vincent joins us to talk about his new book, Ratsnakes, as well as to give his perspectives on a number of pivotal issues that occurred with the ATF during his time under the agency's employment.

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

* Conrad Perfett  

* Jennie Vongvith 

* Ali Buchan 

* Mark Hankins II  

* Lauren Turinetti 

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

[email-subscribers namefield="YES" desc="" group="Public"]

Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* BIDEN'S BID: Joe Biden officially announces his 2020 Presidential Bid

* RATSNAKES: Vincent Cefalu's new book (available in bookstores in May 2019)

* CARRYWEAR: Women's fashion and the rise of "Carryware"