Feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of news andopinions? Take a breath with "Who Knew." This week, host BVans steps back from the immediate fray to contemplate America's role in an increasingly complex world. With so much noise and uncertainty, we're hitting pause on deep dives, opting instead to observe and reflect.

BVans shares thoughts on the impact of tariffs and thepersistent challenges of federal governance, questioning why Washington can't seem to manage resources as effectively as state governments. He revisits the recent insightful episode on Hamas and acknowledges the difficulty of unbiased discussion in such fraught times.

Looking outward, BVans draws on years of discussions withglobal thinkers, exploring the argument that the US has lost its standing as the leading voice of modern government due to unresolved internal issues. While acknowledging America's foundational ideals, he reflects on the inherent messiness of governing a diverse nation and navigating a turbulent global landscape. Join us for a moment of considered reflection in a world demanding constant reaction.

Sources:

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United States foreign aid -Wikipedia

Marshall Plan (1948) | NationalArchives

The Marshall Plan and PostwarEconomic Recovery | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans

The Marshall Plan: Design,Accomplishments, and Significance - EveryCRSReport.com

The Marshall Plan: Definition, Date& Cold War - HISTORY

Truman Doctrine (1947) | NationalArchives

This Day in History: TrumanDoctrine Announced

The Truman Doctrine, 1947 -Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations - Office of the Historian

Harry Truman and the TrumanDoctrine | Harry S. Truman - Truman Library

US Occupation Assistance: Iraq,Germany and Japan Compared - Naval History and Heritage Command

GARIOA - Wikipedia

GARIOA Program - (History of Japan)- Vocab, Definition, Explanations | Fiveable

How the US and Japan Went FromEnemies to Allies After WWII - History.com

Decolonization of Asia and Africa,1945–1960 - Office of the Historian

A Short History of U.S.International Food Assistance - State.gov

U.S. Occupation Assistance: Iraq,Germany, and Japan Compared - Every CRS Report:

GARIOA meaning: Financial aid forpost-war Japan - OneLook

Brace yourselves. This week on Who Knew!, BVans dives headfirst into a subject so volatile it's practically a powder keg: Hamas, also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement. Prepare for a potentially uncomfortable but undeniably crucial conversation that cuts to the quick of global divisions.

For many Americans, sheltered by vast oceans, the world can seem a reasonably stable place. But the reality is far more complex. Deep ideological rifts exist, and for some, America and its allies are not beacons of freedom, but oppressive forces to be resisted fiercely.

True to the Who Knew! spirit, we're cutting through the noise and the fury. Forget the soundbites and the social media echo chambers. This episode delivers a facts-only exploration of Hamas, meticulously researched and presented within a historical context. We're not here to tell you what to think, but to equip you with the information you need to form your own informed opinions. Consider this episode your starting point for understanding the intricate and centuries-long engagement between the Middle East and the West, with future episodes set to delve deeper into this critical region.

Given the sheer volume of sources that underpin this discussion, they won't be read aloud, but you'll find a comprehensive list in the podcast description. Join BVans as we attempt to piece together the complex puzzle surrounding Hamas, offering clarity where mainstream and social media have often created more confusion. This is Who Knew!, and this week, we're tackling the tough stuff.

Sources

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terrorist group Hamas - National Counterterrorism Center | Groups

Hamas - Wikipedia

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The Hamas Networks in America: A Short History - Program on Extremism

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What Is Hamas? | Council on Foreign Relations

researchgate.net

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designated HAMAS as a foreign terrorist organization -National Counterterrorism Center

tandfonline.com

Full article: From jihad to resistance: the evolution ofHamas's discourse in the framework of mobilization

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en.unav.edu

Hamas in perspective: Origins and evolution - University ofNavarra

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The Road to October 7: Hamas' Long Game, Clarified -Combating Terrorism Center

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Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) Publishes Newwashingtoninstitute.org

For All That Changed, Hamas Is Still Hamas - The WashingtonInstitute

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Hamas-Israel War: Views From Wilson Center Experts

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Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, US Policy, andOptions for Congress | CRS Reports

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Herzog: 'The war has two objectives – it does not have to bean either-or situation'

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Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation inthe Middle East, including the Palestinian question  

 tandfonline.com

EU Policy towards the Israel-Palestine Conflict: TheLimitations of Mitigation Strategies

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Demystifying How the Hamas Leadership Works

There are no stories worth discussing in the National conversation this week so, rather than take one of these non-stories and bring it closer to you, I thought I wouldn’t waste your time and simply let my mind wander on America, today’s America, and see where it all goes.

Welcome to Who Knew, the podcast from the Research Team at CareerNet, hosted by Bvans. On April 17th, 2025, we're dedicated to bringing you clarity amidst the chaos of national discourse. We're weary of the misinformation plaguing mainstream and social media and believe informed citizens are crucial for America. Our goal is simple: to educate our listeners with real information, empowering you to form your own opinions. This week, we dive into Trade Deficits and the US economy, challenging the narrative that it needs "fixing" and advocating for necessary changes to better serve Americans. We call out the pundits who prioritize political posturing over factual analysis, using the example of US trade. But mainly, we give you accurate information so that you can form your own decisions. Join us to gain valuable economic insights often overlooked.

Yelling and misinformation won't change the world. But effective, organized protests can. This week, we're tackling the touchy subject of Protests and Protesting in America, exploring how they've shaped our nation and why recent efforts often miss the mark. We know this is a hot topic, but by understanding the history and the essential elements of successful movements – from dedicated leadership to clear messaging – you can improve your impact. Forget taking sides, just listen and learn how to participate and lead protests that truly make a difference. It's time to reclaim the power of collective action and ensure your efforts contribute to a better future.

Ever sent a text you regretted? We all have. This week, we're diving deep into the world of instant messaging, a technology we use hundreds of times a day, yet understand shockingly little. It's not just about texting; it's about everydigital message you send – and the permanent footprint it leaves.

We'll tackle the recent "Signal-Gate" controversy, breaking down the facts and exploring the broader implications. Even our highest government officials seem to be grappling with the basics, highlighting just how crucial it is to understand the power and potential pitfalls of these platforms.

This isn't just about pointing fingers. It's about empowering you. We'll examine your own usage, offering practical recommendations to help you navigate this digitallandscape with discipline and awareness. Drawing from our experience developing educational courses on this very topic, we'll offer unique perspectives and insights.

Expect to hear my opinions, but more importantly, expect to be challenged to think critically about your own digital habits. Let's turn "Signal-Gate" into a wake-up call and transform how we use instant messaging, for good.

Ever feel like the internet has replaced critical thinking with clickbait? We're on a mission to change that. As dedicated listeners of "Who Knew," we're unpacking complex issues, starting with the US Budget. You'd be amazed how many people, even experts, struggle with the basics. We'll reveal why this matters to your future, your kids' future, and your vote. Prepare for a dose of reality beyond the polls.

Now, beforeyou roll your eyes and mutter to yourself, I know what inflation is because I am paying higher prices for eggs, credit card fees, rent, car payments, or mortgages, Netflix, pretty much everything.

We hear you.

But why is that the case?

I mean, isn’t a core component to capitalism theidea that markets will always find cheaper, better ways to produce better goods and provide better services in order to stay competitive?

We also update you on the Ukraine.

Who Knew! Season 1, Episode 3: Tariffs - Funding Freedom. A thriving economy is the bedrock of our freedoms. But maintaining that economy, and funding government services, is a costly endeavor. Today, we examine tariffs, a key historical tool for government revenue. We'll also preview the upcoming congressional budget debate and its impact on our democratic society. Recorded March 13, 2025. Created by the CareerNet Companies, hosted by BVans

Who Knew? Season 1, Episode 2: Immigration - Beyond the Headlines. Recorded March 5, 2025. The recent media barrage on immigration feels like an assault. But this is not a new battle. We trace the roots of the immigration debate back to the Civil War, providing historical context to understand the current national conversation. We cut through the noise and deliver the facts. Created by the CareerNet Companies hosted by BVans.