Overcoming the Divide: Nonpartisan Politics

Today's episode with Robert Eringer focuses on his past experiences going undercover for several organizations. Robert, first, describes his encounter with the KKK. This account originates in the United Kingdom but took Robert State side to South Carolina to pursue the story. Robert then discloses an occurrence in Europe while partnering with former CIA Director of Operations Clair George. Soon after, Robert explains the details regarding his existence being questioned in case that was presented by the Supreme Court. Finally, a covert account with the FBI is explained where Robert lured a turned Soviet Agent to be apprehended by the authorities in Europe. I hope you enjoy!

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Robert Eringer is an author, investigative journalist and private sector counter-intelligence operative. Robert has specialized in infiltrating extremist groups. This has included Neo-Nazis, Violent Anarchists and the KKK. In 1993, Robert embarked on a ten year undercover operation for the FBI intelligence, some of these experiences are laid out in his 2008 book Ruse. Through 2002-2007, Robert created the first intelligence service for Prince Albert of Monaco. Robert currently writes for the Santa Barbara news under The Investigator column, released every Sunday. About thirty years ago, a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (Liberty Lobby v. Jack Anderson) questioned Robert Eringer’s existence. 

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded:  4/5/22

Today's episode commences with Cannon providing his thoughts on the current state of the White House press coverage. He details what he believes is most drastically different between today and a decade or two ago. Cannon then lends his opinion on what speaking to the White Press Secretary is like compared to the President himself. To close, Cannon explains how imperative it is for journalists and the media to accurately cover stories and even the people they are at political odds with. I hope you enjoy!

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Carl Cannon is currently the Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics and the Executive Editor of RealClear Media Group. Cannon has been a recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting and the Aldo Beckman Award. Two awards for his distinguished White House Press Coverage. Cannon is a former president of the White House Correspondents’ Association And in 2007 was a fellow-in-residence at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. Cannon is also a published author.

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded:  4/1/22

Today's episode, with Professor Scott Gehlbach, commences by the Professor providing his thoughts on Putin saving face at home if a withdrawal from Ukraine comes to fruition. Shortly after, we discuss the hold that state-run media has on the general Russian populous. This discussions segues into the broader topic of Putin oppressing any signs of dissent throughout society. The Professor then lends his thoughts as to why Putin invaded in the first place and believes the NATO issue was a red herring for Putin who held ulterior motives to invade the country. I hope you enjoy!

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Dr. Scott Gehlbach is a professor in the Political Science and Public Policy department at the University of Chicago as well as the director of the University’s new PHD program in Political Economy. His research has focused on Post-Communist States such as Ukraine and Russia and he has made several contributions to the study of Autocracy, Economic Reform and Political Connections.

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded:  3/4/22

Today's episode, with Thom Hartman, focuses on  Hartman's most recently published book The Hidden History Big Brother in America: How the Death of Privacy and the Rise of Surveillance Threaten Us and Our Democracy.  We first address that state surveillance and brutal control has a well established history in America, dating back to the pre-revolutionary war era. Shortly after, Hartman provides critical insights regarding how intrusive a simple smart thermometer is and how certain data points could be used against you.  We take a look at the far reaching hand of Big Tech which is present in everyone's daily lives. I raise the question if  people were aware of these practices as well. Later, Hartman and I examine the Chinese Social Credit system and the dystopian reality that exists in their society.  We close by giving our concerns on the new age of cyber warfare. We confer that both the private and public sector are in a need of robust cybersecurity system to repel attacks. I hope you enjoy

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Thom Hartmann is a progressive political commentator, author to several books, businessman, former psychotherapist, and host of the Thom Hartmann Program. Below you can find the link to the book that was the topic of today's showThe Hidden History Big Brother in America: How the Death of Privacy and the Rise of Surveillance Threaten Us and Our Democracy.
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-History-Big-Brother-America/dp/152300102X
 
Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded:  3/3/22

Today's episode, with Dr. John O'Loughlin, commences by the Professor providing a hierarchy of values in Russian society seen throughout several research studies. The conversation then proceeds to examine the danger of implementing a no-fly zone over Ukraine as well as the rhetoric being put forward by the media and politicians alike. Shortly after, we discuss the long-term affect of sanctions that affect both Russia and the global economy, including here in the United States. We give our thoughts behind the utilization of such broad sweeping sanctions and how they could be problematic down the line. To close, the Professor lends some of his personal experiences from his time in the former Soviet Union and his takeaways. I hope you enjoy!

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Dr. John O’Loughlin is a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder who has spent the past 30 years in the former Soviet Union conducting research.
 His focus areas include the Political-Geography of the Post-Soviet Union specifically Russian Geopolitics, Eurasian de-facto states, Ethno-Territorial Nationalisms and Post-Conflict Societies. 
The Professor is an author at the Foreign Policy Research Institute where he has published on the Diffusion of Democracy, Electoral Geography, the Geography on Conflict, and the Political Geography of Nazi Germany. 

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded:  3/10/22

On today's episode, Philippa discusses her Blueberries and Cherries initiative that commenced following the 2016 Presidential election.  This entailed Philippa inviting Trump voters to her residence for a home cooked meal and an opportunity to engage in civil discourse.  At times, Philippa (a progressive) had stark disagreements with her guests but her experience is one of encouragement and progress. Shortly after, we look at the extreme politicization of our society and how one's identity has morphed into one's political beliefs. To close, we examine some of the root causes behind the current state of affairs in America and what can change. I hope you enjoy!

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Philippa Hughes is a Social Sculptor and Social Strategist. She is the creator of Blueberries and Cherries and spearheads the projects CuriosityConnects.us  and Looking for America. Two creative enterprises aimed at bringing people together and mending the cultural as well as political fractures.  Check out her Website down below!
https://www.philippahughes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/philippahughes_/?hl=en

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded:  2/15/22

Today's episode, with The Honorable Tony Clement, begins by Clement lending his expertise as to what led to the current situation in Canada. The former MP discusses, what he believes, to be tactical errors on the side of the truckers as well as what led Prime Minister Trudeau to invoke The Emergencies Act of 1988. Clement gives his insights as how to Canadians feel about the protest as whole and why the invoking the of the act is a major mistake on behalf of the Prime Minister. We later discusses how American politics, media and average citizens play into the situation as well. We close by giving our thoughts on  the vitality of protecting civil liberties and how even though people may disagree with one another it is imperative that the citizenry defend the rights of their political rivals. I hope you enjoy!

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Before entering federal politics,  The Honorable Tony Clement served as a Cabinet Minister for Ontario which included the Minister of Health and Long Term Care. Clement went on to win the 2006 federal election, serving as a conservative parliamentary member until 2018. during that the time the former MP was appointed to the Minister of Health as well as the Minister of Industry. Clement later went on to become the President of the Treasury Board.

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded:  2/21/22

On today's minisode, the CDC withholding substantial amounts of Covid-19 data is the primary focus. What exact information that is being withheld is answered as well as the CDC's reason as to why. My opinions regarding their response are put forward.  The lack in trust Americans have in government health agencies is discussed as well. To close, I give my take on the change that needs to occur in our politicians and elections to avoid these situations. I hope you enjoy!

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Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded:  2/23/22

On today's episode, with Diana, it begins by Diana strongly questioning the false flag attack idea that the US State Department has put forward. Diana goes on to share her thoughts as to why the US and NATO are conducting themselves in this manner. We later compare the international media's differing response to the situation. To close, we look at what part the Russians play as well as the motivations behind Putin's actions. I hope you enjoy!

Diana Johnstone is political writer based out of Paris, France who mainly focuses on European Politics and Western Foreign Policy. Diana was the European editor for 'In These Times' from 1979-1990 as well as the press officer of the Green Group in European Parliament from 1990-1996. Diana also wrote the controversial book 'Fool's Crusade: Yugoslavia, NATO and Western Delusions'.

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Recorded:  2/15/22

In today's minisode, recent developments in escalations between Ukraine and Russia are given. Then a deep dive into the why this happening,  the history behind it, and why Ukraine joining NATO is such a redline for Putin is provided as well. Diana Johnstone a political writer based out of Paris focusing on Western Foreign Policy and European politics will be featured on the show next week to give her thoughts on the matter. I hope you enjoy!

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Music: Coma-Media (intro)
                 WinkingFoxMusic (outro)

Recorded: 2/12/22