3-18-25 DailyBriefs.info PODCAST
Pope Francis's condemnation of the situation in Gaza as potentially constituting "genocide" reflects traditional Catholic doctrine on just war and the treatment of foreign nations1 .... Supporting Sentence: "According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide,” Francis continues in Hope Never Disappoints. “It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies”2 .
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Israel is deeply fractured by ethno-cultural and ideological divides, with a particularly explosive element being eschatology, potentially leading to civil war3 .... Supporting Sentence: "Israel is nearing the precipice and the seemingly irreconcilable differences may indeed, the very attempt to impose deterrence – and to threaten ‘all hell breaking out’ if his injunctions are not followed – may produce the opposite to that which he seeks: i.e. it may trigger new conflicts and wars"3 ....
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A new mass formation is emerging around the war in Ukraine as the COVID-19 narrative collapses, redirecting emotions like fear and aggression6 .... Supporting Sentence: "On one hand, we are witnessing the collapse of the corona narrative; on the other, we are seeing a new mass formation arising around the story of the war in Ukraine"7 .
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It is possible that the U.S. is not always the "good guy" and that its actions, such as in Iraq, Syria, and potentially regarding the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and the conflict in Ukraine, warrant critical examination8 .... Supporting Sentence: "Listening to his tale of horror, I asked myself, “Is it possible that Saddam Hussein—for all of his tyranny—was, relatively speaking, the good guy, while we Americans—who wrecked the place and turned it over to devils—are the killer angels?"8 .
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The world, and individuals within it, are undergoing a "great reset," which is a significant transition that presents an opportunity for intentional re-evaluation and strengthening of different areas of life12 .... Supporting Sentence: "Still, we can’t deny that our nation and world went through a reset of indescribable proportions"12 .
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Relying on trade barriers like tariffs is a fundamentally flawed economic policy that will likely weaken the dollar and harm American investors14 .... Supporting Sentence: "I kept saying, ‘No, they’re not.’ They’re not good for the dollar. Now that we actually have the tariffs and they’ve started, the dollar is tanking"14 .
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The theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man (Jean-Michel Trogneux) is based on flimsy evidence, over-interpretation of details, and presupposes a massive conspiracy of forgeries and lies16 .... Supporting Sentence: "In conclusion, I’m at a loss to understand how Poussard could allow himself to be dragged so unabashedly into a thesis based on so few clues and so many implausibilities?"19 .
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The development of laser technology for data transmission raises concerns about potential ill effects on humans, plants, animals, and the environment that are not being adequately considered20 .... Supporting Sentence: "There’s one big issue that proponents of laser-transmitted data are not discussing and no one seems to be considering: What will the ill effects of firing thousands of lasers be on humans, plants, animals, the environment and ultimately our world?"21 ....
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The current political climate in the U.S. is characterized by "judicial lawfare" from Democratic Party elements attempting to make the country ungovernable, which may face consequences23 .... Supporting Sentence: "It’s as simple as this: the orgy of judicial lawfare put on by blob-adjacent Democratic Party seditionists trying to make the USA ungovernable is looking to get swatted"23 .
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Tattoos introduce toxic ink into the dermis, triggering a chronic inflammatory response and potentially increasing the risk of cancer as the body struggles to detoxify the foreign substances25 .... Supporting Sentence: "Every time the needle penetrates, it causes a wound that alerts the body to begin its detoxification and healing process"25 .
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Elon Musk's DOGE has purportedly discovered "magic money computers" that create money out of thin air, primarily at the Treasury, which may contribute to institutional investors buying gold28 .... Supporting Sentence: “I call them magic money computers— any computer that can just make money out of thin air, that’s magic money. They’re mostly at Treasury, there’s some at HHS, there’s one at State, one at DoD. We’ve found 14 of them”28 .
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The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a Cold War-era think tank, engaged in a standoff with the Trump administration after its cancellation, highlighting potential issues with the independence and accountability of such agencies30 .... Supporting Sentence: "Last week, after President Trump issued his executive order canceling a dozen agencies, including itself, USIP immediately abandoned peaceful con
. Questioning US Foreign Policy and Interventionism
Several sources critically examine the role of the United States in global affairs, questioning the long-held belief of American exceptionalism and moral superiority.
"Are We (the U.S.) the Bad Guys? - LewRockwell.pdf": This piece challenges the unexamined American belief in being the "good guys" and the rest of the world being the "bad guys." It uses an analogy from Henry James's The Aspern Papers to highlight how a seemingly sympathetic narrator can be revealed as a "ruthless and deceptive weasel." The author quotes a brave Austrian journalist's experience in post-US withdrawal Iraq, asking, "Is it possible that Saddam Hussein—for all of his tyranny—was, relatively speaking, the good guy, while we Americans—who wrecked the place and turned it over to devils—are the killer?" The article also cites Carl Jung's idea that moral maturity requires examining one's own dark side and considering that "maybe we are not as nice as we think we are." It suggests that self-congratulatory virtue might blind Americans to their own vices and selfishness. The historical context of post-World War I American exceptionalism ("Yanks are comin’…to save the world from Prussian militarism") is presented as a conditioning that needs re-evaluation.
"From covid mass formation to Ukraine mass formation - The Expose.pdf": This source offers a critical perspective on the Ukraine conflict, urging readers to consider Russia's viewpoint. It argues that Russia's actions are partly driven by feeling a "knife to its throat" due to NATO and US expansionism. The author points to the extensive network of US military bases abroad (700-800 since WWII) and asks readers to consider how Europe or America would feel if Russia built a similar network near their borders. The article also mentions economic reasons for the conflict, suggesting Ukraine's natural resources were at risk of falling into American hands after 2014. The importance of the Black Sea region for Russia is highlighted, drawing parallels to Lord Palmerston's strategy in the Crimean War and Brzezinski's "Grand Chessboard." The author believes Putin saw the invasion as a necessary action to prevent Russia's decline as a great power, noting Putin's 2008 warning about NATO expansion into Ukraine being a "red line." The piece cautions against a simplistic "black-and-white" portrayal of the conflict, mentioning atrocities committed by the Kiev regime against Russian-speaking Ukrainians and the shared characteristics of the US and Russia in using "false flag operations" and engaging in "political persecution and murder." The author advocates for diplomacy and introspection to stop the war, emphasizing that "Putin is a human being, the Russians are human beings. And a human being wants to be heard." The concept of "mass formation" is introduced as a phenomenon that thrives on a "death drive" and self-destruction, fueled by a "veil of illusion" that attributes all misfortune to one object. The solution lies in speaking the truth and recognizing the humanity of the "Other."
"Pope Francis's Condemnation of Gaza 'Genocide' Reflects Traditional Catholic Doctrine - LewRockwell.pdf": This brief excerpt highlights Pope Francis's condemnation of the situation in Gaza as a "genocide." It cites the immense scale of explosives dropped on Gaza ("over 75,000 tons…the equivalent of multiple atomic bombs"), leading to the destruction of "90 percent of the housing," proportionally exceeding the Allied bombing of Germany and Japan. The quote from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is included: "It is heartbreaking that many times more bombs were dropped on Gaza than on Tokyo in massive US air raids during World War II." This underscores the extreme level of destruction.
II. Unconventional Theories and Conspiracies
Several sources present narratives that deviate significantly from mainstream understanding, often bordering on or explicitly being conspiracy theories.
"Brigittology for Dummies, by Laurent Guyénot - The Unz Review.pdf": This article delves into the highly improbable and widely debunked conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron, the wife of the French President Emmanuel Macron, is actually a transgender woman who was born Jean-Michel Trogneux, her brother. It summarizes the claims of Xavier Poussard, a key proponent of this theory. The "bedrock of the science of Brigittology" is stated as the belief that "the features of the young Jean-Michel Trogneux fit those of Brigitte Macron." The theory further evolves to suggest that Brigitte is Jean-Michel who has lived under his sister's identity "since at least 1986." Consequently, Brigitte's children are supposedly his nephew and nieces. The article notes a shift in Poussard's thesis, where Brigitte is now considered the biological uncle, not the father, of her children. The author highlights Poussard's tendency to twist contradictory evidence into supposed proof of his claims, citing the example of Jean-Michel being the best man at Brigitte's first wedding and vice versa. The author expresses skepticism about Poussard's investigation, calling it a "fiasco" that "has simply distracted them [the French], and it has made people laugh the world over." However, the article also mentions Poussard's claim that "the most powerful services in the world (Russian and US) and the Trump team…have validated Xavier Poussard’s work since August 2022," a claim presented without evidence and highly unlikely. The author concludes by stating that "Brigitte’s dick won’t hold the attention of future historians" given the looming threat of world war.
III. Domestic Political Conflicts and Power Dynamics in the US and Israel
Certain sources focus on internal political divisions and struggles for power within specific nations.
"The Kingdom of Judea vs. The State of Israel - LewRockwell.pdf" and "The Kingdom of Judea vs. The State of Israel, by Alastair Crooke - The Unz Review.pdf": These seemingly identical articles (both by Alastair Crooke and published on different platforms) describe a deep and bitter schism within Israeli society, characterized as an "existential war for the future of Israel." The language used is described as "venomous," with calls for a coup and civil war not uncommon. The conflict is portrayed as a struggle between an "angry plurality" (led by Netanyahu) aiming to dismantle the "Deep State" within Israel and a "furious push-back" against this perceived takeover. The "Deep State" is described by Taub as giving the Court the power "to prescribe the rules of the political game – and not just its concrete results," leading to law enforcement becoming a "huge investigative arm of the press" used for political leaks. The fundamental ideological dispute is whether Israel will be a "messianic, Halacha state obedient to Revelation?" or a "democratic, liberal, largely secular ‘state’." The cultural aspect involves the Mizrahim and the Right viewing the European liberal sphere as not truly Jewish and desiring a Land of Israel "wholly immersed in Jewishness." The events of October 7th are seen as having "crystalized this ideological struggle." The old security paradigm based on deterrence is seen as having failed. A new "weltanschauung" from the National Religious Right favors a "continuous war against Palestinians – until they are expelled or eliminated," rejecting settlements and a bi-national state. This is opposed by the "Old (Liberal) Establishment," exemplified by David Agmon's condemnation of Bezalel Smotrich for leading Israel to a "state of Halacha and Haredi Zionism." Netanyahu is described as a neo-Jabotinskyist in a relationship of mutual dependency with figures like Ben Gvir and Smotrich, embracing the "Biblical mission of Greater Israel." Max Blumenthal warns of an eschatology based on the Third Temple ideology and a desire for a "Big War." The article suggests that Trump's "secular, transactional approach" is ill-suited to resolving such eschatological conflicts, as threats might be welcomed by those who "actually want Armageddon."
"Welcome to FAFO-Land - LewRockwell.pdf": This opinion piece focuses on the perceived "judicial lawfare" by Democratic Party "seditionists" aimed at making the US ungovernable. The author believes this will be met with consequences ("swatted") by "Nemesis." The term "FAFO-land" (Fuck Around and Find Out) signifies the impending negative repercussions for those engaging in such actions. The article specifically mentions Judge James Boasberg as having stepped "into the FAFO waiting room." While impeachment is deemed unlikely, the author suggests that federal judges are not immune to criminal investigation and prosecution. A "RICO conspiracy" involving "lawfare artists" and the federal judiciary is alleged, with the aim of burying the executive branch under fraudulent processes. The author expresses hope that figures like AG Bondi and FBI Director Patel will investigate this. The possibility of uncovering correspondence through the NSA is mentioned. The piece anticipates the "lawfare gang" potentially wanting a constitutional crisis but believes they no longer hold the levers of power.
IV. Personal Well-being and Societal Reset
One source offers a perspective on personal adaptation and change in the face of broader societal shifts.
"Now Is The Time For a ‘Great Reset’ - LewRockwell.pdf": This article frames the idea of a "Great Reset" not just as a global phenomenon but also as a potential for individual "personal resets." It encourages readers to thoughtfully approach different areas of their lives to address weaknesses. The author suggests that subtle signals often indicate a need for recalibration and advises against waiting for a full-blown crisis. For those not currently in a crisis, a "simple inventory" using the "Wheel of Life" chart is recommended to assess different life areas (Career/Work, Money & Finances, Relationships, Health, Fun & Recreation, Personal Growth, Physical Environment, Spirituality). The article provides key indicators or signs within the Career/Work and Money & Finances segments that might signal a need for a reset. It emphasizes that sometimes things feel "off" even without obvious problems, and the Wheel of Life can help identify these areas. Readers are encouraged to customize the chart with categories important to them.
V. Emerging Technologies and Potential Health Concerns
One source raises questions about the potential health impacts of a new technology.
"Transmitting data by laser is being touted as the next big thing; at what cost to health_ - The Expose.pdf": This article discusses Alphabet's (Google's parent company) spin-off of Taara, a company using laser technology to transmit data at high speeds over long distances. This technology is presented as a potentially cost-effective way to connect rural areas to the internet, offering significantly more bandwidth than traditional options. The article highlights the company's existing operations in several countries. However, it then raises concerns about the potential health effects of widespread laser deployment, questioning "at what cost to health?" It mentions that lasers can cause health effects through thermal, acoustical, and photochemical processes. Potential injuries include eye damage (retinal burns, cataracts) and skin injuries (burns, pigment darkening), with severity depending on exposure factors. Non-beam-related hazards like electrical and chemical risks are also mentioned. The article concludes by posing the question: "What will be the long-term cumulative effects of potentially thousands of lasers be on humans, plants, animals, the environment and ultimately our world?"
VI. Economic Critiques and Market Analysis
One source offers a critical perspective on economic policies and market trends.
"We Can’t Rely on Trade Barriers - LewRockwell.pdf": This excerpt from the Peter Schiff Show critiques President Trump's tariff increases, questioning the logic behind tariffs and examining the unraveling of consensus trades like AI investment. Schiff warns American investors against misguided faith in dollar strength. He also reflects on recent stock market turbulence, cautioning against overlooking fundamental economics for politically-driven narratives. He specifically addresses the flawed logic that foreigners will pay tariffs, noting the expectation that a stronger dollar would offset tariff costs. Schiff also ridicules the idea of countries competing to amass Bitcoin as sound economic policy, stating, "That’s the race that you want to lose, right? Because whatever country has the least Bitcoin wins, right? Whoever has the most loses because you blow money buying nothing." He asserts that the market is turning, vindicating his preference for foreign markets, commodities, gold, and gold mining stocks over US domestic equities.
"☕️ MAGIC MONEY ☙ Tuesday, March 18, 2025 ☙ C&C NEWS 🦠.pdf": This newsletter presents a satirical and critical view of current events. It highlights a bizarre story of violence at an Antarctic research base as a "horror movie script." The main economic theme revolves around Elon Musk's claim that DOGE (likely an entity or group associated with the newsletter) has found 14 "magic money computers" within the US government that create cash "out of thin air," primarily at the Treasury. Musk alleges these computers "just issue payments" without proper accounting. While progressive critics condemned the comment, the newsletter points out they did not exactly deny it. The article argues that such "magic-money-making is a tax, in the form of inflation." It also speculates that this out-of-control money printing might explain the recent surge in gold prices. The newsletter further suggests the gold rally could be linked to Trump and Musk's hints about auditing Fort Knox, implying potential manipulation of gold prices to conceal inflation. The author sarcastically advises readers to hold onto their "rapidly depreciating magic money" instead of buying gold.
VII. Health Concerns Related to Tattoos
One source presents a strong argument against tattoos based on potential long-term health risks.
"Yes, Tattoos Will Cause A Chronic Inflammatory Response And Eventually Cancer - Joachim Bartoll Official.pdf": This article argues that tattoos cause a chronic inflammatory response that can eventually lead to cancer. It explains that the tattooing process involves injecting toxic ink containing heavy metals into the dermis, triggering a continuous detoxification and healing process as the body tries to clear the foreign substances. This "chronic state of emergency" is deemed very harmful. The article cites a study suggesting tattooed individuals have a higher chance of lymphoma and explains that ink particles can travel to lymph nodes. Skin cancer from tattoos is presented as a defense mechanism to encapsulate toxins closer to the skin surface. The author asserts that the body perceives the heavy metals and other components in tattoo ink (preservatives, azo dyes, plastics) as foreign and toxic. While acknowledging that laser tattoo removal might be an option for some, particularly those following a "species-appropriate carnivore diet," the author generally advises against getting tattoos, calling it "stupid" and "unhealthy." The piece concludes by urging readers to help their bodies cope with the toxic load if they already have tattoos and strongly advises against them for those who do not.
Conclusion:
The provided sources offer a collection of critical perspectives, unconventional theories, and analyses of current events. Key themes include skepticism towards US foreign policy and interventionism, the propagation of conspiracy theories surrounding political figures, the examination of internal political conflicts in Israel and the US, reflections on personal adaptation in a changing world, the raising of potential health concerns related to emerging technologies and practices like tattooing, and critiques of economic policies and market trends
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Scoundrel: A dishonest or unscrupulous person; a rogue1 .
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Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule2 .
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Traumatic: Emotionally disturbing or distressing3 .
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Careerists: People primarily concerned with advancing their careers, often at the expense of ethics4 .
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Homicidal: Capable of or intended for murder4 .
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Fanatics: People filled with excessive and single-minded zeal4 .
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Biotechnology: The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.5 .
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Moderate: Not extreme; средний5 .
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Idealistic: Characterized by or given to visionary and impractical goals6 .
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Militarism: The belief or desire of a government or people that a state should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests7 .
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Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards8 .
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Vices: Immoral or wicked behavior8 .
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Conspiracy: A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful9 .
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Gullibility: The state of being easily persuaded to believe something; credulity9 .
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Cognitive Infiltration: Subtle or manipulative tactics to influence thoughts and beliefs9 .
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Transgender: Identifying with a gender identity different from the one assigned at birth10 .
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Testimonials: Formal statements testifying to someone's character and qualifications or to a fact11 .
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Disproportionate: Too large or too small in comparison with something else12 .
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Pseudohermaphroditism: A condition in which an individual has the external genitalia of one sex and the internal reproductive organs of the other sex13 .
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Eschatology: The part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind14 .
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Deterrence: The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences15 .
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Secular: Not connected with religious or spiritual matters15 .
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Weltanschauung: A particular philosophy or view of life; a worldview15 .
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Epistemology: The theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope, and the distinction between justified belief and opinion15 .
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Halacha: The collective body of Jewish religious laws derived from the written and Oral Torah16 .
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Eschatological: Relating to the end of the world or humanity17 .
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Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods18 .
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Isolationist: Favoring a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of foreign countries19 .
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Lawfare: The strategic use of legal systems and institutions to achieve a political, military, economic, or social goal20 .
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Injunctions: Authoritative warnings or orders21 .
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Are We (the U.S.) the Bad Guys? by No Author, lewrockwell.com [https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/03/no_author/are-we-the-u-s-the-bad-guys/]
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Brigittology for Dummies, by Laurent Guyénot by Laurent Guyénot, unz.com [https://www.unz.com/article/brigittology-for-dummies/]
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From covid mass formation to Ukraine mass formation by Rhoda Wilson | with an article by Professor Mattias Desmet, expose-news.com [https://expose-news.com/2025/03/18/from-covid-mass-formation-to-ukraine-mass-formation/]
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Now Is The Time For a ‘Great Reset’ by No Author, lewrockwell.com [https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/03/no_author/now-is-the-time-for-a-great-reset/]
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Pope Franci's Condemnation of Gaza 'Genocide' Reflects Traditional Catholic Doctrine by No Author, lewrockwell.com [https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/03/no_author/pope-francis-condemnation-of-gaza-genocide-reflects-traditional-catholic-doctrine/]
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The Kingdom of Judea vs. The State of Israel by No Author, lewrockwell.com [https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/03/no_author/the-kingdom-of-judea-vs-the-state-of-israel/]
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The Kingdom of Judea vs. The State of Israel, by Alastair Crooke by Alastair Crooke, unz.com [https://www.unz.com/acrooke/the-kingdom-of-judea-vs-the-state-of-israel/]
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Transmitting data by laser is being touted as the next big thing; at what cost to health? by Rhoda Wilson, expose-news.com [https://expose-news.com/2025/03/17/transmitting-data-by-laser/]
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We Can’t Rely on Trade Barriers by No Author, lewrockwell.com [https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/03/no_author/we-cant-rely-on-trade-barriers/]
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Welcome to FAFO-Land by James Howard Kunstler, lewrockwell.com [https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/03/james-howard-kunstler/welcome-to-fafo-land/]
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Yes, Tattoos Will Cause A Chronic Inflammatory Response And Eventually Cancer by Joachim Bartoll, bartoll.se [https://bartoll.se/2025/03/tattoos-cancer/]
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☕️ MAGIC MONEY ☙ Tuesday, March 18, 2025 ☙ C&C NEWS 🦠 by Jeff Childers, N/A (This source appears to be a local file and does not have a standard website URL.)
EXTENDED BRIEF
C&C News: Antarctic Madness, Magic Money, and DEI Battle
1 source
This newsletter from March 18, 2025, covers several seemingly disparate events with a satirical tone. It reports on a disturbing situation at an Antarctic research base, likened to a horror movie, and Elon Musk's claim about government "magic money computers". The piece also discusses a surge in gold prices, potentially linked to speculation about auditing gold reserves, and a standoff at the U.S. Institute of Peace after President Trump attempted to eliminate it. Finally, the newsletter notes that an appeals court lifted a block on Trump's DEI restrictions.
Government Overreach and Mismanagement: Highlighted through the "magic money printers" allegations and the situation at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).
Erosion of Trust in Institutions: Evident in the skepticism surrounding government finances, the nature of the USIP, and even the competence of psychological evaluations in the Antarctic.
The Influence of Elon Musk and DOGE: Portrayed as a disruptive force challenging established norms and institutions.
Political Polarization and Conflict: Demonstrated in the court challenge to Trump's DEI ban and the standoff at USIP.
Underlying Economic Instability: Suggested by the alleged "magic money" and the surge in gold prices.
Key Ideas and Facts:
1. Antarctic Base Incident: A Horror Movie Scenario
A team of climate scientists at the South Africa National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE IV) base is facing a crisis due to a mentally unstable scientist who is physically and sexually assaulting others.
The base is extremely remote and isolated, making immediate rescue impossible due to weather conditions.
The situation is described as a "glacial pressure cooker" with an "environment of fear and intimidation."
The author sarcastically notes the inadequacy of remote psychological counseling in such a situation, drawing parallels to horror movie tropes where communication and assistance fail.
Quote: "His behavior has become increasingly egregious, and I am experiencing signi�cant dif�culty in feeling secure in his presence," the tersely-worded email said. “It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees.”
2. Elon Musk's "Magic Money Computers" Allegation
Elon Musk claimed in a podcast interview with Senator Ted Cruz that DOGE has found 14 government computers that "create cash 'out of thin air.'"
These "magic money computers" are allegedly located primarily at the Treasury, with some at HHS, State, and DoD.
Musk asserts that these computers issue payments outside of traditional government accounting, leading to a disconnect between reported figures and reality.
The author interprets this as a form of hidden taxation through inflation, diluting the value of existing currency.
Quote: "I call them magic money computers— any computer that can just make money out of thin air, that’s magic money. They’re mostly at Treasury, there’s some at HHS, there’s one at State, one at DoD. We’ve found 14 of them."
The author criticizes the government's alleged practice, stating, "The federal government is not supposed to magically issue funny money payments."
3. Gold Price Surge and Fort Knox Audit Speculation
The Financial Times and Reuters reported a surge in gold prices.
The author suggests a potential link between this surge and recent hints from Trump and Musk about auditing Fort Knox and the nation's gold reserves.
The theory is presented that a government might secretly sell gold to suppress prices and conceal inflation, particularly around elections.
The author implies that if such secret sales ceased due to the threat of an audit, gold prices would naturally rise.
Quote: "Just hypothetically, if a government were keeping a lid on gold prices to conceal real in�ation rates—say, to win an election or something like that—that government might covertly sell truckloads of gold to increase the supply, thereby keeping the price down."
4. The "War" at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP)
President Trump issued an executive order canceling several agencies, including the USIP.
The USIP, described as a Cold War-era "peace" think tank, resisted this order, leading to a standoff.
George 'the' Moose, the USIP's 'president,' was eventually escorted out of the building by sheriff's deputies after refusing to leave.
USIP's lawyers argued that the agency was quasi-independent and not subject to the Executive Branch's authority.
The author dismisses the USIP as an obscure and ineffective agency, suggesting the media attention is driven by a desire to criticize Elon Musk.
Quote: "After his inglorious exit, Mister Moose complained to reporters that 'what has happened here today is an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private nonpro�t corporation.' Uh-huh."
5. Court Ruling on Trump's DEI Ban
A left-leaning appellate court (Fourth Circuit) lifted a nationwide injunction issued by a lower court against President Trump's executive orders restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
The lower court had cited First Amendment grounds and "vagueness" in Trump's orders.
The appellate panel, including both Obama and Trump appointees, allowed Trump's orders to proceed while the lawsuit continues.
One of the appellate judges, a Trump appointee, criticized the lower court's injunction, stating that it attempted to "usurp the powers of the political branches."
The House Committee on Education subsequently advised colleges to comply with Trump's orders, putting billions in federal grant money "at risk" for institutions heavily invested in DEI.
The author anticipates potential Supreme Court involvement in the broader issue of nationwide Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) and injunctions.
Quote: "Ripeness and standing doctrines prevent the judicial process from being used to usurp the powers of the political branches." - Judge Allison Rushing
Overall Tone and Perspective:
The newsletter adopts a strongly conservative and anti-establishment tone. It expresses deep skepticism towards government actions, progressive ideologies, and traditional media narratives. The author uses sarcasm, humor, and hyperbolic language to convey his points. Elon Musk and DOGE are often portrayed as forces for truth and accountability, challenging the status quo. The piece suggests a sense of impending crisis and the need for radical change.
Tattoos, Inflammation, and Cancer Risks
1 source
The provided text, an article from bartoll.se, asserts that tattoos introduce toxic ink into the dermis, leading to chronic inflammation as the body tries to remove these foreign substances. This ongoing immune response and the heavy metals in the ink are claimed to significantly increase the risk of cancer over time, with larger or numerous tattoos posing a greater threat. The author cites twin studies suggesting a higher incidence of skin cancer in tattooed individuals and criticizes the idea of laser removal, suggesting it could worsen the problem by accelerating ink migration. The article advocates for a carnivore diet as the optimal way to support the body's detoxification processes and mitigate the potential harm from tattoos, while also warning against other purported solutions like curcumin. Ultimately, the piece advises against getting tattoos and encourages those with existing tattoos to focus on a species-appropriate diet to minimize the associated health risks.
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Tattoos will cause a chronic inflammatory response because the body treats the trapped ink in the dermis as a continuous source of toxins it tries to clear out. "So, the end result is a life-long ongoing detoxification and healing process, as in chronic inflammation as the body keeps on trying to clear it out forever"1 .
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Tattooed individuals have a much higher chance of getting cancer, including skin cancer and basal cell carcinoma. "According to a new study, tattooed individuals have a much higher chance of getting cancer"2 .
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The toxic ink used in tattoos leaks into the body and accumulates in lymph nodes, which is problematic. "So, not only do these toxins, as in the ink, leak into the body causing even more damage and toxic build-up, it also puts a part of the body in a chronic state of emergency, as in stress, for the rest of your life (!) which will take its toll on the body"1 and "Over time, as these cells die or move, some ink particles are carried away via the lymphatic system, leading to accumulation in lymph nodes. And that’s a problem"3 .
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The risk of cancer increases with the size and number of tattoos. "The bigger the tattoo or the higher the number of tattoos, the greater the risk"4 .
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The development of cancer related to tattoos can take many years. "The time between tattoo exposure and cancer diagnosis was substantial – a median of 8 years for lymphoma and 14 years for skin cancer, suggesting cancers develop gradually"4 .
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Tattoo ink contains toxic heavy metals such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium, and mercury, along with preservatives, additives, azo dyes, and plastics. "If you rely mostly on plant-based and/or processed food, you will not be able to detoxify any of the leaking heavy metals such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium and mercury from your lymphatic system, and yes indeed, that is also very, very bad — resulting in systemic chronic inflammation"5 and "And to add to this, inks also contain preservatives and other toxic additives for the viscosity of the ink, not to mention compounds such as azo dyes and plastics"6 .
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The body's natural response to the accumulation of toxic ink is to try and encapsulate it in tumors as a defense mechanism. "If our body can’t detoxify properly and the toxic accumulation becomes too large in certain tissues, your body will form tumors to encapsulate these toxins and hinder them from spreading and damaging other nearby essential tissues"2 .
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The immune system recognizes tattoo ink particles as foreign and constantly attempts to respond to them. "We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances. This may mean that the immune system is constantly trying to respond to the ink…"7 .
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Laser removal of tattoos might worsen the problem by breaking down the ink into smaller particles and accelerating their spread throughout the body. "Probably not. Laser removal breaks down pigments into smaller fragments, potentially speeding up ink migration to the lymph nodes and other organs"8 .
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Adopting a species-appropriate, animal-based (carnivore) diet is presented as the best way to support the body's detoxification processes and minimize the risks associated with tattoos. "Yes, anyone interested in healing and living life optimally needs to adopt our species-appropriate, species-specific natural human diet of animal-based foods"9 .
Main Theme: The article argues vehemently that tattoos are inherently dangerous, causing a chronic inflammatory response due to the introduction of toxic ink into the dermis, ultimately leading to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems. Bartoll reiterates his long-held stance against tattoos and criticizes a T-Nation article for acknowledging risks while simultaneously promoting potentially harmful supplements. He strongly advocates for a carnivore diet as the only way to mitigate the negative effects of tattoos by supporting detoxification.
Key Ideas and Facts:
Tattooing Process and Ink Retention: Bartoll explains that the tattooing process involves puncturing the epidermis and depositing toxic ink into the dermis. He states that while some fading occurs due to skin cell turnover and UV exposure, the primary reason for fading is the body's absorption and redistribution of the ink.
Quote: "When you get a tattoo, the needle punches through the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, and drives the very toxic ink into the dermis, the deeper layer that’s mottled with nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels."
Chronic Inflammation: Bartoll asserts that the body perceives the trapped ink as foreign and initiates a continuous detoxification and healing process, resulting in chronic inflammation.
Quote: "So, the end result is a life-long ongoing detoxification and healing process, as in chronic inflammation as the body keeps on trying to clear it out forever."
Systemic Damage and Toxic Build-up: He claims that the toxins from the ink leak into the body, causing further damage and toxic accumulation. This chronic state of emergency (stress) takes a toll on the body.
Quote: "So, not only do these toxins, as in the ink, leak into the body causing even more damage and toxic build-up, it also puts a part of the body in a chronic state of emergency, as in stress, for the rest of your life (!) which will take its toll on the body."
Impact of Nutrient Deficiencies: Bartoll emphasizes that individuals with nutrient deficiencies, particularly those not consuming enough animal-based foods, will have compromised detoxification abilities, exacerbating the problem of heavy metal accumulation (aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium, and mercury) from the ink.
Quote: "If you rely mostly on plant-based and/or processed food, you will not be able to detoxify any of the leaking heavy metals such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium and mercury from your lymphatic system..."
Lymphatic System and Cancer Risk: He discusses how macrophages initially hold the ink in the dermis, but over time, ink particles are carried away via the lymphatic system and accumulate in lymph nodes. He cites a "new study" analyzing twin studies that allegedly shows a significantly higher risk of cancer in tattooed individuals.
Quote: "According to a new study, tattooed individuals have a much higher chance of getting cancer."
Tumor Formation as a Defense Mechanism: Bartoll posits that the body forms tumors to encapsulate accumulated toxins when it cannot detoxify them properly. He suggests this is why tumors often appear near vital organs. He views skin cancer in tattooed individuals as a similar defense mechanism against ink and heavy metals near the skin surface.
Quote: "If our body can’t detoxify properly and the toxic accumulation becomes too large in certain tissues, your body will form tumors to encapsulate these toxins and hinder them from spreading and damaging other nearby essential tissues."
Specific Cancer Risks from the Cited Study:Tattooed twins were more likely to have cancer than their non-tattooed siblings.
In the case-control study, tattooed individuals had a 62% higher risk of skin cancer.
The cohort study showed tattooed people have a nearly 4 times higher rate of skin cancer and a 2.83 times higher rate of basal cell carcinoma.
The risk increases with the size and number of tattoos.
The median time between tattoo exposure and cancer diagnosis was 8 years for lymphoma and 14 years for skin cancer.
Immune System Response: Bartoll agrees with the study's co-author's suspicion that the body perceives ink particles as foreign substances, leading to a constant immune response. He stresses the toxic nature of the inorganic heavy metals and other compounds (preservatives, azo dyes, plastics) found in tattoo inks.
Quote: "We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances. This may mean that the immune system is constantly trying to respond to the ink…"
Dangers of Laser Tattoo Removal: Bartoll believes that laser removal can be detrimental as it breaks down pigments into smaller fragments, potentially accelerating their migration to lymph nodes and other organs, thus speeding up tumor formation in most people. He suggests it might only be cautiously attempted by individuals following a strict carnivore diet for years with high detoxification capabilities.
Quote: "Probably not. Laser removal breaks down pigments into smaller fragments, potentially speeding up ink migration to the lymph nodes and other organs."
Preventative Steps and the Carnivore Diet: Bartoll's primary advice for those with tattoos is to avoid getting more and to adopt a "species-appropriate, species-specific natural human diet of animal-based foods" (carnivore diet). He claims this diet minimizes toxic exposure from food, provides bioavailable nutrients, enhances detoxification, and can even reverse cancer if caught early.
Quote: "As for preventative steps, there is only one thing you can do, and that is also common sense. Yes, anyone interested in healing and living life optimally needs to adopt our species-appropriate, species-specific natural human diet of animal-based foods."
Critique of T-Nation and Curcumin: Bartoll criticizes T-Nation for warning about tattoo risks while promoting "dangerous and toxic supplements" like curcumin as a solution. He asserts that curcumin is highly toxic and causes cellular and liver damage, referencing his previous articles on the subject.
Strongly Negative Stance: Bartoll concludes by expressing his strong disapproval of tattoos, calling them "stupid" and a result of inverted thinking in a world that promotes unhealthy practices. He urges readers without tattoos to never get them and those with tattoos to support their bodies through a carnivore diet and potentially consider cautious laser removal.
Overall Tone: The article exhibits a highly alarmist and assertive tone, presenting the author's views as absolute truths and dismissing alternative perspectives. The language is often emphatic and uses strong negative descriptors ("very, very bad," "evil deception," "extremely toxic").
Important Considerations:
Source Reliability: The article is published on a personal website with a clear bias against tattoos and strong advocacy for a specific dietary approach. The claims made, particularly regarding cancer risk and the efficacy of the carnivore diet, should be evaluated with caution and compared against mainstream scientific consensus.
Scientific Evidence: While the author mentions a "new study," the details provided are limited. It is crucial to examine the methodology and findings of this study from its original source to assess its validity and generalizability.
Balanced Perspective: The article presents a one-sided view on the potential risks of tattoos and does not acknowledge the perspectives of medical professionals or scientific organizations that may have different conclusions or recommendations.
This briefing document summarizes the key arguments and information presented in Joachim Bartoll's article. It is important to approach the claims made with critical thinking and seek information from diverse and reputable sources before drawing conclusions about the health risks associated with tattoos.
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Tattoos: The result of puncturing the skin with needles and driving very toxic ink into the dermis1 .
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Dermis: The deeper layer of skin, mottled with nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels, where tattoo ink is injected1 ....
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Epidermis: The outer layer of skin that is punctured by the tattoo needle1 .
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Ink: A toxic substance containing heavy metals, preservatives, additives, azo dyes, and plastics, used to create tattoos1 ....
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Chronic inflammation: A life-long ongoing detoxification and healing process in the body as it continuously tries to clear out the trapped tattoo ink3 .
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Detoxification: The body's natural process of clearing out toxins, which can be impaired by nutrient deficiencies1 ....
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Lymphatic system: A bodily system through which some tattoo ink particles are carried away over time, leading to accumulation in lymph nodes2 .
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Lymph nodes: Areas in the body where tattoo ink particles can accumulate2 ....
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Macrophages: Immune cells that engulf the tattoo pigment in the dermis2 .
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Tumors: Abnormal tissue growths that the body may form to encapsulate toxins it cannot neutralize and clear out6 ....
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Cancer: A disease with a potentially higher risk in tattooed individuals, including skin cancer and basal cell carcinoma, possibly due to chronic inflammation and toxic accumulation6 ....
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Skin cancer: A type of cancer found to have a higher risk (62% in one study, nearly 4 times higher in another) in tattooed individuals compared to non-tattooed individuals8 ....
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Basal cell carcinoma: A specific type of skin cancer found to have a 2.83 times higher rate in tattooed people in one study9 .
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Nutrient deficiencies: A state of lacking essential nutrients, often associated with diets low in animal-based foods, that can compromise the body's detoxification ability4 ....
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Animal-based food: Foods such as meat, organ meats, and animal fats, considered by the author as essential for providing bioavailable and organic nutrients necessary for proper detoxification4 ....
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Plant-based food: Foods that, according to the author, may not provide adequate support for the detoxification of heavy metals from tattoo ink4 .
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Processed food: Foods that, according to the author, can contribute to a compromised ability to detoxify4 .
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Heavy metals: Inorganic and toxic forms of elements like aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, chromium, and mercury found in tattoo ink4 ....
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Toxic load: The total burden of toxic substances in the body, increased by the presence of tattoo ink2 ....
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Laser removal: A method of breaking down tattoo pigments into smaller fragments, which may speed up their migration to lymph nodes and other organs10 .
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Carnivore diet: A diet consisting solely of animal-based foods, advocated by the author as the "species-appropriate" way to minimize toxic exposure and enhance the body's ability to detoxify and heal11 ....
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Bioavailable: The form of nutrients in animal-based foods that the body can readily use without needing to convert them, making them non-toxic10 ....
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Organic: In the context of minerals, the carbon-based chemical form in which they are stored in animal tissue, considered essential and non-toxic to humans5 ....
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Systemic chronic inflammation: Widespread, long-term inflammation throughout the body, potentially resulting from the body's continuous attempt to remove tattoo ink and leaked heavy metals4 .
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Toxemia: A condition of toxins in the bloodstream, the risk of which the author claims can be reduced by adopting a carnivore diet11 .
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Azo dyes: Chemical compounds found in tattoo inks, listed as toxic additives5 .
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Plastics: Synthetic materials found in tattoo inks, listed as toxic additives5 .
•
Tumors: The body's attempt to encapsulate and shield off accumulated toxins when it fails to neutralize and clear them out properly6 ....
•
Wound: The physical injury to the skin caused by the tattoo needle puncturing it repeatedly1 .
•
Immune system: The body's defense system, which the author suggests may be constantly reacting to tattoo ink particles as foreign substances2 ....
TRANSCRIPT OF LM AI PODCAST
Lenny: Welcome to the Lenny and Maria March 18th deep dive podcast show produced by daily briefs.info. It feels like you know every day every headline it's crisis conflict you know just doom right it feels like the world is on fire. So for this deep dive we are going to tackle that feeling headon. We've got articles blog posts newsletters all that to see if we can make sense of all this and hopefully find some glimmers of hope in there somewhere.
Maria: It is a lot to process that's for sure.
Lenny: Right.
Maria: But that's what we're here for. We'll sift through all of it and get to the good stuff.
Lenny: Exactly. And speaking Speaking of good stuff, um, this Lou Rockwell.com article, it asks this really provocative question. Okay. It asks, "Is it possible that we, the United States, are the bad guys?"
Maria: It's a tough question. Yeah.
Lenny: It really makes you stop and think about all those assumptions we have about, well, about everything about global conflicts and and what roles different countries play in those conflicts. And the article, it gives some examples. Um, talks about Iraq and Syria and how easily we can slip into this good guys versus bad way of thinking.
Maria: It's so easy to get caught up in that, right? Especially especially when it's presented like that on the news with that kind of certainty like this is the good side, this is the bad side. But this article really pushes us to look at things from like from those other global perspectives and how they might see things, how they might see our actions. You know,
Lenny: it highlights the danger uh the danger in simplifying, you know, these complex geopolitical situations because it reduces everything down to just these these black and white moral judgments.
Maria: Exactly. And that lack of nuance can have some like some really serious consequences like what happened in Syria for example when we you know we ended up supporting some groups that well we later realized they had their own agendas that weren't so great. So it makes you wonder like how often are we making these big decisions based on information that's just that's not complete or it's biased or something like that.
Lenny: It's a good question. And speaking of um well that leads us right into our next topic. We have this article from exposeenews.com that talks about this idea of mass formation and it looks at how professor Matias Desmet's theory applies to well it applies to both the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Maria: Okay, mass formation. So like what is that exactly and why should we care?
Lenny: Think of it as like um like a kind of collective hypnosis
where a large group of people all get fixated on this one narrative and it's usually driven by fear and anxiety and they want they really want that sense of solidarity and belonging. And to get that, they're willing to suppress any doubts or any dissenting views just to maintain that unity. It's not even necessarily that they that they all agree with the narrative. It's more about the feeling, the pull to conform to the group.
Maria: So, I guess it's kind of like it ties back to the whole good guys bad guys thing, right? Because if everyone around you is so convinced that this is the truth, it's hard to question it even if you have those doubts in your own mind.
Lenny: Precisely. Yeah. And this article gives some really interesting examples of this. Like, do you remember those videos of the healthcare workers dancing in the hallways during the pandic? PMIC the ones from like the beginning of the pandemic.
Maria: I think I do. Yeah.
Lenny: On the surface it just seems like a nice um like a display of unity and hope. Right.
Maria: Right. Yeah. But under the surface
Lenny: Well, under the surface there's this this unspoken pressure to conform, to not say anything, to not dissent, just to present this united front, even if it means ignoring some some legitimate concerns. And that kind of pressure, it can lead to some pretty dark places
Maria: like how people People who chose not to get vaccinated were treated, right? It wasn't just disagreement. It was this moral outrage. They were seen as a threat.
Lenny: Exactly. And that's one of the big dangers with this mass formation.
Maria: It demonizes out groups. It suppresses critical thinking. And it has the potential to just escalate aggression.
Lenny: Aggression toward anyone who doesn't who doesn't fit in with the narrative.
Maria: That's scary. It makes you wonder if you've ever been caught up in that kind of thinking yourself. You know, like, have I ever gone along with something just because everyone else was? Even if I had my own doubts.
Lenny: It's a good question to ask
Maria: because recognizing those patterns of mass formation, well, that's really important if we want to break free from them so we can make decisions based on reason and evidence, not fear and conformity.
Lenny: I agree. Now, let's switch gears for a minute and talk about what's happening in Israel. We've got these articles from lu rockwell.com and the UNS Review, and they point to this growing conflict within Israel. It's it's like it's shaking the country to its core.
Maria: And the key thing to remember is that it's not just politics. It's this really deep ideological and cultural divide between two main parts of the Jewish population. The Misrai who are from the Middle East and North Africa and the Ashkanazi who are mostly of European descent.
Lenny: And these articles say that this this divide has been there for a while. But after those Hamas attacks on October 7th, it just blew up. It shattered Israel's sense of security and it it seems like it's empowered this national religious right group and they're much more hardline. Yeah, they're advocating for this religiously driven expansionist approach
Maria: and they're gaining more and more power. A lot of people are really worried about it. Even people within the Israeli security establishment, they see it as um as a dangerous escalation.
Lenny: One article even mentioned this high school presentation. It was on the morality of wiping out AMC. It's pretty disturbing. It's like this conflict is tapping into something something much deeper and older than just politics.
Maria: It does make you think about how how deeply held religious belief can influence like geopolitical decisions.
Lenny: And if those beliefs are pushing toward like a more aggressive agenda, well, that could have some major consequences for stability in the region and maybe even globally.
Maria: It's definitely something we need to pay attention to. And unfortunately, it's not the only humanitarian crisis happening right now.
Lenny: No, it isn't. We need to talk about Gaza. It's a catastrophe.
Maria: It really is. And that's where Pope Francis comes in. This article from lu rockwell.com, it talks about how he's been condemning what's happening in Gaza. And he's even calling for an investigation into potential genocide.
Lenny: And when you look at the numbers coming out of Gaza, it's it's hard to disagree with him. We're talking about huge numbers of deaths, the destruction of like basic infrastructure, targeting of civilians, even children.
Maria: Yeah. The article talks about this one story about holy family parishions in Gaza. Elderly parishioners were killed by Israeli snipers while they were at the church. And then the convent, which was run by nuns who were taking care of patients with disabilities, it was hit by a tank. It's just it's hard to imagine that level of brutality.
Lenny: It really is. And what's striking is that the Pope is speaking out, but so many other world leaders are silent. It makes you think about like the politics involved and how that's affecting the lives of innocent people who are caught in the middle of this conflict.
Maria: It definitely makes you question like the role of religion and morality in international affairs. I mean, here's the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, speaking out against these atrocities while many political leaders are just looking the other way.
Lenny: It raises questions about who is speaking up for the people who don't have a voice and why others choose to remain silent
Maria: for sure. Okay, let's shift gears again and let's talk about a different kind of shakeup. This one's happening right here in Washington.
Lenny: You're talking about the Department of Government Efficiency, DOE. They're definitely making some noise.
Maria: Yeah, DOGE. From what I read in this coffee and COVID newsletter excerpt, they're well, they're living up to their name, but they are causing some chaos along the way. What's interesting is that they're going after agencies and programs that have been around forever with very little oversight.
Lenny: Like the US Institute of Peace, USP, it's kind of ironic given what's happening with them right now. They were on DOE's list and their president wouldn't leave his office. They had a standoff with the police.
Maria: So you claims that they were this quasi independent NGO didn't really hold up for DOGE, especially since, you know, they're fully funded by the government.
Lenny: Oh yeah, that's a bureaucratic turf war. If I ever heard one. There's also this whole financial side to what DOGE is doing, which I find fascinating. Remember that interview Elon Musk did with Senator Cruz? Well, he claimed that DOGE found these magic money computers at the Treasury that were basically just printing dollars out of thin air.
Maria: Yeah, a a lot of people are skeptical about that, but it does make you wonder about all this government spending and what it could do to inflation,
Lenny: especially with how gold prices have been going up. Could there be a connection there?
Maria: It's possible, and this kind of ties with what Peter Schiff said in this Lou Rockwell.com article about trade barriers. He says that these tariffs end up weakening the dollar and hurting American businesses and consumers.
Lenny: So, is DOGE actually a good thing like some people say or are they going to cause a constitutional crisis? It's like everyone is trying to figure out if they're the hero or the villain of this story.
Maria: It's too early to tell for sure,
Lenny: but they're shaking things up and that's going to create some winners and losers.
Maria: Speaking of disruption, let's talk about technology. It's supposed to solve all our problems, but what about You know the downsides of all this progress.
Lenny: It's an important question. We have this article from expose newsws.com about Alphabet's Terra project. They want to transmit data using lasers. It sounds pretty cool.
Maria: Yeah. Super high-speed internet beamed across long distances. But this article, it brings up some serious concerns about the health effects of all these lasers being used everywhere. And it seems like the tech people who are pushing this project aren't really paying attention to those concerns. It's like the whole debate we had with 5G technology, right? And the potential risks from all that electromagnetic radiation. Sometimes it feels like they're just so excited about the new shiny technology
Lenny: that they don't stop to think about the consequences.
Maria: And it's not just lasers either. This blog post by Yokim Barl official, it talks about the health risks of tattoos. Something a lot of people probably don't think twice about,
Lenny: right? He talks about tattoo ink and how it can be linked to cancer. He says that all those heavy metals and other toxins in the ink. They can build up in your lymph nodes and cause inflammation that could, you know, potentially lead to tumors.
Maria: Wow. It really makes you stop and think. Like even things that seem harmless can have hidden costs. It makes you wonder what other hidden costs of progress are we missing. Are we giving up our health and well-being just for convenience and speed?
Lenny: These are really important questions we need to think about, especially as technology keeps moving faster and faster. The decisions we make now will affect us in future generations.
Maria: Okay. Okay, for our last deep dive in this part, let's talk about this concept of FO land. It stands for well, I think you can figure that one out. This blog post from James Howard Kunler on Lou Rockwell.com talks about it and it's a wild ride. It's basically about this power struggle happening between the executive and judicial branches of government. Kler says that these Democratic lawyers, he calls them lawfare artists, are using legal tricks to block the Trump administration and make the country impossible to govern.
Lenny: And he Give some examples like that deportation flight case with Judge Boowber who told them to bring back two planes full of criminals who were being deported. The White House said no because the planes were already out of the judge's jurisdiction. It's like a standoff.
Maria: And Kler thinks this is just the beginning. He even says they might start I giran investigations against these lawfare artists and maybe even some federal judges. That's a big claim and it could really blow things up.
Lenny: So is this a necessary correction to the government having too much power like counselor and others thing or are we going to fall into chaos?
Maria: That's the big question, isn't it? And it's something everyone has to decide for themselves based on what they know and what they believe about the role of government.
Lenny: It's like this constant back and forth, you know, people trying to hold on to control and others pushing for change. And it's happening everywhere in politics, in society, with technology.
Maria: Yeah, it's all connected. And it's not always easy to tell who's on the right side. Take DOGE for example. Are they the good guys cleaning up the government? and getting rid of waste or are they going too far and you know maybe even damaging our institutions? It's complicated,
Lenny: right? There's no easy answer. And then you've got all these new technologies that are coming out so fast. They promise to solve all these problems, connect people, make life better. But we're just starting to understand the downsides.
Maria: Like that Tara project, beaming internet with lasers sounds amazing, but are there health risks from all those lasers? The article said those concerns aren't really being addressed.
Lenny: Yeah, it seems like sometimes we're so focused on all the cool new stuff that we don't think about the consequences. And sometimes the consequences are pretty bad, like that link between tattoo ink and cancer.
Maria: That's why it's so important to talk about these things to look at the downsides of progress so we don't just blindly rush into a future that might not be so good for us.
Lenny: We need to be more aware, more critical, more willing to ask those tough questions like what are we really trading off for all this progress?
Maria: Exactly. And that brings us back to, you know, individual responsibility. We might feel small in the face of all these big problems, but we're not powerless. We all have a part to play.
Lenny: So, what can we do? It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless. Where do we even start?
Maria: Start with knowledge. We need to learn about these issues, talk about them, and question what we think we know.
Lenny: That's how we can start to break free from that mass formation thing, and make decisions based on facts.
Maria: So, knowledge is power, but only if we use it,
Lenny: right? And then there's action. We don't have to do huge things. We can start small. Talk to our friends and families. Support organizations that are doing good work. Make better choices in our own lives.
Maria: Like being more careful about what we buy, supporting sustainable stuff, advocating for policies that we believe in.
Lenny: Exactly. Every little thing we do, every voice that speaks up helps move things in a better direction.
Maria: So even though it feels like the world's on fire, there's still some hope.
Lenny: We just have to find it and keep it going. Build something better for ourselves and for everyone who comes after us.
Maria: Well said. Let's take a moment to think. about everything we've talked about. We've gone from global conflicts to power struggles, from technology to how we see the world and what we believe.
Lenny: It's a lot to take in.
Maria: It is. It would be easy to get discouraged, to become cynical. But I think there's power in recognizing the problems, asking those tough questions, and not giving up on the possibility of a better future.
Lenny: I agree. Those moments of reflection, of thinking critically, of having those difficult conversations, that's where we find hope, and that's what gives us the strength to keep going.
Maria: Wow. We've covered a lot of ground today, haven't we? From questioning America's role in these global conflicts to looking at those power struggles happening right here at home and of course all that's going on with technology. It's been quite a ride.
Lenny: It has. But it's important to look at all of this even if it is uh overwhelming sometimes,
Maria: right? So much information. But hopefully, you know, by taking a deep dive into all these different perspectives, we can start to see some patterns.
Lenny: Absolutely. And maybe even find some answers. or at least some better questions to ask.
Maria: Exactly. One of the biggest things that jumped out at me is like how many systems seem to be breaking down and then these new systems are trying to take their place, but it's messy.
Lenny: It is. We see that in geopolitics for sure.
Maria: Those traditional alliances are being questioned and you've got these new power players emerging
Lenny: and it's not just on the world stage. Look at what's happening inside Israel, right? It's like their whole idea of security and even their identity is being challenged.
Maria: And then you've got technology which is changing so fast it's hard to keep up.
Lenny: Yeah.
Maria: And we're just starting to realize like, hey, wait a minute. This amazing new tech could have some downsides, too.
Lenny: So, where do we go from here? Are we just going to make the same mistakes again, or can we actually create a better path forward?
Maria: That's the million-dollar question. And I don't think there's one easy answer. But one thing we've seen over and over again in these deep dives is the importance of well, critical thinking. We can't just accept everything we hear,
Lenny: right?
Maria: We have to question those dominant narratives, those stories everyone's telling, we need to challenge our own assumptions and and really listen to different perspectives, even the ones that make us uncomfortable
Lenny: because it's so easy to fall into that good guys versus bad guys trap. It's simple. It's comforting, but it's rarely the whole story.
Maria: Exactly. The world is complex. There are so many nuances and there usually isn't a simple solution to these complex problems.
Lenny: I think that's a good takeaway for our listeners. Don't be afraid to question things, to dig deeper, to look for those nuances.
Maria: I agree. And another thing to keep in mind is that we're not just along for the ride. You know, we all have a role to play in shaping the future.
Lenny: Yeah. Even though it might feel like all these problems are so huge, so overwhelming, we're not helpless.
Maria: We can make a difference.
Lenny: So, how do we do that? Where do we start?
Maria: Well, first we need to stay informed, right? We have to keep learning about these issues, keep talking about them, keep asking those tough questions.
Lenny: And then what? What comes after knowledge?
Maria: action. It doesn't have to be big dramatic stuff. It can be as simple as talking to the people around us, supporting organizations that are doing good work, just making more conscious choices in our daily lives,
Lenny: like thinking about where we spend our money, supporting companies that are trying to be more sustainable, things like that.
Maria: Exactly. Those little choices add up.
Lenny: And speaking up for what we believe in.
Maria: Yeah. Letting our voices be heard. Every little action, every voice raised, it all contributes to change. So, even though it might feel like the world is on fire right now, there's still hope.
Lenny: We just have to find it and we have to nurture it.
Maria: Well said. And on that note, I want to thank you all for joining us for this deep dive. It's been a real pleasure exploring these complex topics with you.
Lenny: It's been a privilege.
Maria: So, as you go about your day, think about what we've talked about, what resonated with you, what questions are still lingering in your mind, and most importantly, what actions will you take, no matter how small, to help make the world a better place? We all have the power to make a difference even amidst all this chaos.
Lenny: Absolutely. Thank you for listening to another session of the Lenny and Maria Deep Dive podcast show.