Episode 915: The Trillion Dollar War Machine

Newt talks with William Hartung and Ben Freeman about their new book, "The Trillion Dollar War Machine.” They discuss the profits of militarism, highlighting the role of traditional Pentagon contractors and high-tech firms in promoting destabilizing technologies. They also examine the influence of politicians, lobbyists, media, and think tanks in perpetuating the war machine, enriching a wealthy elite at the expense of global peace and domestic stability. Their conversation further explores the inefficiencies in the defense acquisition system, where increased spending does not equate to increased security, and they highlight the wasteful nature of current military expenditures. They also discuss the evolving nature of military technology and the challenges posed by new defense tech firms verses traditional defense contractors. They conclude with a call for a national discussion on military strategy and spending, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan effort to address these systemic issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Steve Israel about his new novel, “The Einstein Conspiracy.” Steve is a former congressman for New York's second and third districts. He transitioned from politics to literature and entrepreneurship after retiring from Congress in 2017. He opened Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay, New York, named in tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, whose home was nearby. Israel has authored two political satires, "The Global War on Morris" and "Big Guns," and recently published "The Einstein Conspiracy," a historical mystery centered around Albert Einstein and the Nazi threat during World War II. The novel explores Einstein's pivotal role in alerting the U.S. government to the potential of an atomic bomb and the Nazi efforts to assassinate him, set against the backdrop of pro-Nazi activities in the U.S. Israel's research for the book involved balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. His bookstore, Theodore's Books, actively participates in community events, such as Small Business Saturday, promoting local shopping and civil discourse. Visit Theodore’s Books at theodoresbooks.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Professor Avi Loeb about the latest news on 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object discovered passing through our solar system. Loeb highlights its unusual characteristics and the possibility of it being a technological artifact rather than a natural object. He emphasizes the importance of scientific curiosity and the need for academia to embrace risk-taking and exploration beyond conventional boundaries. He advocates for a broader search for intelligent life in the universe, suggesting that the discovery of alien technology could significantly alter human priorities and investments in space exploration. Their conversation also touches on the cultural and institutional challenges within the scientific community, urging a shift towards a more open-minded and exploratory approach to science. He concludes with a reflection on the potential of science to inspire and engage the public, particularly the younger generation. Avi Loeb is the Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University. He serves as Director of the Institute for Theory and Computation within the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and also heads the Galileo Project. His blog about 3I/ATLAS is avi-loeb.medium.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Stephen Hunter, a renowned author and former chief film critic for The Washington Post, about his latest book, "The Gun Man Jackson Swagger." This novel is a prequel set in the 1890s, focusing on Jack Swagger, an ancestor of the famous Bob Lee Swagger character. Hunter, who won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism, shares insights into his career, including his transformative experience at The Baltimore Sun during the 1970s, where he was part of a movement to modernize the newspaper. Their conversation explores Hunter's writing style, which is heavily influenced by his extensive background in film, resulting in novels that often read like movies. "The Gun Man Jackson Swagger" is described as a tribute to the American Western, filled with cinematic references and innovative portrayals of gunfights. Hunter also discusses the cultural significance of the gunfighter myth and his intent to restore this figure's place in American culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Mayor Scott Singer of Boca Raton, Florida. Boca Raton has a strong business presence, with a focus on attracting businesses from high-tax states like New York, leveraging its low property tax rate and business-friendly environment. Mayor Singer’s leadership style focuses on nonpartisan collaboration, pushing bold ideas, and maintaining a cordial city council environment. Key issues in Boca Raton include development, infrastructure, and affordability. The city is working on introducing affordable housing to ensure accessibility for middle-class families and young professionals. Mayor Singer also chairs the America First Policy Institute's Mayor's Council, aiming to implement common-sense solutions at the local level. The Mayor's Council supports the America First agenda and emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to address issues like keeping cities safe and affordable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with IRS special agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler about their new book, “The Whistleblowers vs. The Big Guy: Two Special Agents, the Biden Crime Family, and a Corrupt Bureaucracy.” They describe the testimony they gave before Congress about political interference and obstruction in the Hunter Biden criminal case, revealing how the IRS, FBI, and DOJ failed to act independently. Despite overwhelming evidence, they faced retaliation and isolation for exposing corruption. Their investigation led to Hunter Biden's federal conviction, but President Joe Biden later pardoned his son and issued blanket pardons to other family members. Shapley and Ziegler's experiences are detailed in their new book, profits of which will support future whistleblowers. They emphasize the importance of treating all taxpayers equally and ensuring no preferential treatment in investigations. Their actions highlight the potential for citizens to influence government and address corruption, embodying the American tradition of truth and justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Matt Palumbo about his new book, “The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros.” Their discussion centers around the transition of the Soros empire from George Soros to his son, Alex Soros, who is perceived as more radical than his father. Alex Soros officially took over in June 2023, continuing the legacy of contributing billions to left-wing causes. The influence of Soros funding has impacted left-wing movements across the U.S. The Soros network's penetration into political systems is discussed, with significant figures in the Biden administration having ties to Soros-funded organizations. The strategy of electing district attorneys with Soros funding is described as a deliberate move to influence law enforcement and criminal justice policies. They also discuss Alex Soros' involvement in Ukraine, where his influence is seen as potentially shaping post-war social policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Michael Pack about his PBS documentary, "The Last 600 Meters," which focuses on the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War in 2004: the Battle of Najaf and the Battle of Fallujah. The film presents these battles through the perspectives of those who fought, without political commentary. It highlights the experiences of Marines and soldiers, emphasizing their courage and the challenges of urban warfare. The documentary aims to honor the heroism of veterans, particularly in light of Veterans Day and the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary. Despite initial resistance from PBS due to perceived pro-military content, the film is now recognized for its authentic portrayal of ground combat. Their conversation also touches on the broader implications of storytelling in documentaries and the importance of preserving veterans' stories for future generations. “The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah,” premieres on PBS on Monday, November 10th at 10pm/9c.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Brenda Hafera about the Heritage Foundation's new initiative, the Heritage Guide to Historic Sites, launched ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary. The guide, available at historicsites.heritage.org is an interactive online map designed to help tourists, especially families and educators, rediscover America’s Heritage by exploring significant historic sites across the original 13 colonies, with plans to expand nationwide by 2026. The guide provides detailed information about each site, including historical significance, book recommendations, and considerations for family visits. It also evaluates sites for historical accuracy and ideological bias, addressing concerns about the portrayal of American history. Hafera discusses the challenges of preserving historical accuracy amidst efforts to revise history through a modern ideological lens. The guide aims to foster a deeper understanding of American history and values, encouraging families to plan educational trips that celebrate the nation's heritage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Robert Enlow, president and CEO of EdChoice about the 2025 edition of EdChoice's Schooling in America Survey. The survey examines trends in public opinion on K-12 education, parent experiences and school choice. This year, the survey reveals significant dissatisfaction with K-12 education in the United States, with over two-thirds of Americans believing it is on the wrong track. Now in its 13th year, the survey highlights concerns about school safety, bullying, and the effective use of educational funding. Despite these issues, there has been a notable increase in school choice options, with 19 states now offering universal choice programs. This shift is attributed to a growing demand for educational reform and parental choice, driven by dissatisfaction with traditional public schools. The report suggests that increased awareness and understanding of educational choice options, such as vouchers and education savings accounts, significantly boost public support for these initiatives. The findings indicate a potential renaissance in educational approaches, emphasizing customization and innovation, such as micro schools and competency-based learning, to better meet diverse student needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.