# Waxman Is A Dick > Legislative maneuvers in the House of Representatives trigger a Capitol phone system collapse while the Federal Reserve fights to block transparency and audit efforts. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 108 - **Published:** 2009-06-28 - **Length:** 1h 2m - **Topics:** [Cap and Trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [Ben Bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), Billy Mays, [Monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), Carbon Derivatives, [Federal Reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [Michael Jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick ## About this episode The House of Representatives passed the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act following a contentious floor debate where Representative John Boehner utilized a magic minute to condemn a 300-page amendment introduced at 3:09 a.m. Representative Henry Waxman faced sharp criticism for attempting to interrupt the hour-long opposition speech as the Capitol phone system reportedly crashed under the weight of constituent protests. The legislation establishes complex carbon derivative markets under Federal Reserve oversight while integrating Green Banking Centers into national housing laws. Secondary developments include Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifying against Representative Ron Paul and his proposal to audit the central bank, claiming such oversight threatens monetary independence. Energy data reveals Canada and Mexico remain the primary suppliers of U.S. crude oil, contradicting political rhetoric regarding Middle Eastern dependence. In the legal sphere, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas faces scrutiny over his historical ties to Monsanto following a landmark 2001 seed patenting decision. Meanwhile, the sudden death of pitchman Billy Mays in Florida adds to a string of high-profile celebrity passings including Ed McMahon and David Carradine. Frustrations with mainstream media mount as a two-hour interview with Charles Gibson at ABC World News results in a mere twelve-second clip regarding the Michael Jackson investigation. Skepticism surrounds the Jackson cardiac arrest narrative, with fringe theories emerging from Russian satellite data involving electromagnetic pulse weapons and mandatory vaccinations. The program concludes with observations from the San Francisco Pride Parade and the logistical efficiency of the JFK AirTrain over the Van Wyck Expressway. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/transcript.md. ### 1. San Francisco Pride Parade, Proposition 8 Petition Efforts (0:01–3:09) The hosts discuss the annual Pride Parade in San Francisco, specifically the Dykes on Bikes group leading the event. Observations are made regarding the city emptying out during the festivities and the heavy presence of activists gathering signatures for a new ballot petition. This petition aims to address same-sex marriage in California following the passage of Proposition 8. Keywords: [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [pride parade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pride-parade.md), dykes on bikes, [proposition 8](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/proposition-8.md), [same-sex marriage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/same-sex-marriage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Billy Mays Death, Infomercial Pitchman Celebrity Deaths (3:10–3:54) Television pitchman Billy Mays was found dead in his Florida home, marking another high-profile death in a short period. The discussion links his passing to other recent celebrity deaths, including Ed McMahon and David Carradine. A theory is proposed regarding the "rule of three" for celebrity deaths, specifically categorizing Mays and McMahon as pitchmen. Keywords: billy mays, ed mcmahon, [david carradine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-carradine.md), [infomercials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infomercials.md), celebrity deaths [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/2.md) ### 3. ABC World News, Michael Jackson Interview Frustrations (3:54–7:46) A host recounts a frustrating experience being interviewed by ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson regarding the death of Michael Jackson. Despite filming for two hours in a high-end hotel setup, the final broadcast only featured twelve seconds of footage. The segment highlights the perceived hypocrisy of mainstream media coverage of Jackson and the failure of the network to include a promised plug for Mevio.com. Keywords: [abc world news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-world-news.md), charles gibson, [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [mevio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mevio.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Waxman-Markey Bill, House Floor Debate Tactics (7:46–14:56) The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, commonly known as the cap and trade bill. Representative John Boehner utilized a "magic minute" privilege to deliver a speech lasting over an hour, criticizing the 300-page amendment added at 3:09 a.m. Representative Henry Waxman is criticized for his attempts to interrupt the speech and his inquiries regarding parliamentary time limits. Keywords: [henry waxman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/henry-waxman.md), [john boehner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-boehner.md), [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [house of representatives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-of-representatives.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Congressional Phone System Outage, Constituent Feedback (14:56–16:23) During the vote on the cap and trade legislation, the phone systems at the U.S. Capitol reportedly crashed due to a high volume of calls from concerned citizens. The hosts suggest this was a convenient failure to avoid listening to constituent opposition. Doubt is expressed regarding the Senate's ability or willingness to act as an impediment to the bill's final passage. Keywords: [washington dc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-dc.md), [house of representatives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-of-representatives.md), phone system, constituents, [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/5.md) ### 6. EPA Bureaucracy, Cap and Trade Agency Chart (16:23–19:07) Representative John Boehner presented a complex organizational chart on the House floor illustrating the massive bureaucracy created by the cap and trade bill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sits at the center of a web involving the Department of Energy, the Department of Labor, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The hosts argue the bill expands government oversight into nearly every federal department. Keywords: [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [department of energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-energy.md), commodity futures trading commission, [bureaucracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bureaucracy.md), climate bill [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Steny Hoyer, Global Warming Sea Level Claims (19:08–21:50) House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is criticized for his floor remarks supporting the climate bill, which he framed as a necessary action for the future. Hoyer claimed that global heating would lead to rising sea levels that would "drown out" what the Navy refers to as "the literals" or seashores. The hosts mock his delivery and the terminology used to describe coastal flooding risks. Keywords: [steny hoyer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steny-hoyer.md), [maryland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maryland.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [navy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/navy.md), literals [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/7.md) ### 8. US Oil Imports, Canadian Energy Dominance (21:50–23:29) Contrary to political rhetoric regarding "foreign potentates," the primary supplier of crude oil to the United States is Canada, followed by Mexico. Data indicates that Alberta provides 83% of the crude oil used in California. The hosts question why politicians focus on Arab oil interests when the majority of North American energy is sourced from neighboring allies. Keywords: [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [alberta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alberta.md), [oil imports](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-imports.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), potentates [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Legislative Process, Late Night Bill Amendments (23:30–26:03) The hosts contrast Steny Hoyer's claims of legislative "compromise" with John Boehner's report that a 300-page amendment was dropped into the hopper at 3:09 a.m. on the day of the vote. They argue that ramrodding thousand-page bills through Congress without time for review has become a standard tactic, similar to the earlier stimulus package. Keywords: [john boehner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-boehner.md), [steny hoyer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steny-hoyer.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [legislation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legislation.md), amendments [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Green Banking Centers, Affordable Housing Act Amendments (26:03–29:49) The cap and trade bill includes provisions for "Green Banking Centers" and amendments to the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Representative John Boehner questioned why an energy bill is modifying housing laws and building material requirements. Representative Mary Bono Mack is singled out for criticism for voting in favor of the bill despite being a Republican. Keywords: green banking, [building codes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/building-codes.md), [mary bono mack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mary-bono-mack.md), [riverside](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riverside.md), [legislation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legislation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Carbon Derivative Markets, Federal Reserve Oversight (29:50–32:55) A critical section of the climate bill, found on page 210, establishes carbon derivative markets and amends the Commodity Exchange Act. The legislation allows for the trading of emission allowances and offset credits, overseen by the Federal Reserve. The hosts argue this repeals existing regulations and creates a new market for "phony baloney" trading similar to the credit default swaps that caused the financial crisis. Keywords: carbon derivatives, [cftc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cftc.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), commodity exchange act, [financial regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-regulation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Nancy Pelosi, Jobs Jobs Jobs Speech (32:55–34:51) Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi delivered a brief floor speech urging colleagues to vote for the climate bill, emphasizing the future and economic growth. She concluded her remarks by repeating the word "jobs" three times as the primary justification for the legislation. The hosts mock her delivery and the simplicity of the messaging. Keywords: [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [speaker of the house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/speaker-of-the-house.md), [climate legislation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-legislation.md), [employment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/employment.md), floor speech [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve Audit Opposition (34:52–37:49) Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before Congress, expressing strong opposition to a bill introduced by Ron Paul to audit the central bank. Bernanke argued that a GAO audit of policy decisions would constitute a congressional takeover of monetary policy and threaten the independence of the Fed. He claimed the Federal Reserve is already transparent through its website and monthly reports. Keywords: [ben bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [gao](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gao.md), [monetary policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetary-policy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Clarence Thomas, Monsanto Legal Background (37:51–41:37) A conversation with a Jamaican taxi driver leads to a discussion about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his ties to Monsanto. Thomas previously served as an attorney for Monsanto before his appointment to the court. In 2001, he cast the deciding vote in JEM AG Supply v. Pioneer Hi-Bred, which legitimized the patenting of genetically modified and conventional seed varieties. Keywords: [clarence thomas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clarence-thomas.md), [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), seed patents, jem ag supply [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/14.md) ### 15. JFK AirTrain, New York Transit Efficiency (41:38–44:03) The hosts discuss the efficiency of the AirTrain system for reaching JFK Airport from Manhattan. By taking the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Jamaica Station, travelers can reach the airport in approximately 35 to 40 minutes. This is contrasted with the unpredictable and often lengthy travel times associated with taking a car service over the Van Wyck Expressway. Keywords: [jfk airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jfk-airport.md), [airtrain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airtrain.md), penn station, [long island railroad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-island-railroad.md), jamaica station [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Michael Jackson Death, Cardiac Arrest Skepticism (44:04–46:26) The sudden death of Michael Jackson due to cardiac arrest is met with skepticism regarding his health and the official narrative. The hosts argue that a performer of his caliber would have undergone a rigorous physical examination for insurance purposes before the O2 Arena concerts. Questions are raised about the three-week delay for the coroner's toxicology results. Keywords: [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [cardiac arrest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cardiac-arrest.md), demerol, [o2 arena](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/o2-arena.md), physical exam [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Michael Jackson, Electromagnetic Pulse Conspiracy Theory (46:26–48:43) A fringe theory suggests Michael Jackson was targeted by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon to prevent him from using his UK concerts to warn against forced swine flu vaccinations. This claim, attributed to Russian military satellite data from Cosmos 2450, suggests Jackson had made a deal with the King of Bahrain to expose a mass genocide event. The hosts present this as a "wacky" alternative theory. Keywords: [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [bahrain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bahrain.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [electromagnetic pulse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electromagnetic-pulse.md), cosmos 2450 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Paying Wages in Gold, IRS Tax Implications (48:43–50:21) A listener inquiry explores the legality of paying employees in gold coins to lower their reported income for tax purposes. While a $50 gold coin is technically legal tender for its face value, the IRS requires taxes to be paid based on the fair market value of the asset. The hosts conclude that the government would not allow such a loophole to function in practice. Keywords: [gold coins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold-coins.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [legal tender](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legal-tender.md), [tax brackets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-brackets.md), [wages](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wages.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/18.md) ### 19. US Embassy Currency Hoarding, Financial Foreboding (50:21–52:11) Reports from the Harry Schultz Letter and MarketWatch suggest that U.S. embassies worldwide are being advised to purchase massive amounts of local currency. This hoarding of cash suggests a sense of foreboding within the State Department regarding a significant financial event expected within the next 120 to 180 days. The hosts link this to potential bank holidays or currency devaluations. Keywords: [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), us embassies, [currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/currency.md), [marketwatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketwatch.md), harry schultz [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Binary Weapons, GMO Food and Vaccines (52:11–53:49) The discussion turns to the concept of binary weapons, where two seemingly harmless substances become lethal when combined. A theory is proposed that GMO foods, such as McDonald's french fries, could interact with H1N1 flu shots to cause sudden death. This is discussed in the context of Presidential Directive 51, which grants the president authority over forced vaccinations during emergencies. Keywords: binary weapons, [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), presidential directive 51 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/20.md) ### 21. FreeCreditReport.com Commercials, Credit Score Hiring Trends (53:49–55:40) A popular commercial for FreeCreditReport.com is analyzed for its subtext regarding the increasing power of credit agencies. The hosts discuss the trend of employers checking credit scores for low-level jobs, such as fast food service. They argue that credit reports are becoming a dominant and potentially unfair factor in determining an individual's ability to secure housing and employment. Keywords: freecreditreport.com, [credit scores](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/credit-scores.md), [hiring](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hiring.md), [employment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/employment.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/21.md) ### 22. United Nations Global Tax, SDRs and Local Taxation (55:40–58:22) The United Nations is reportedly moving forward with plans for a global tax system to finance international initiatives, supported by the Obama administration. This would likely involve Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) as a form of indirect taxation. The hosts also complain about the high level of existing local taxes on cell phone bills, hotels, and car rentals in the United States. Keywords: [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [global tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-tax.md), sdrs, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), cell phone taxes [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Producer Donations, Oil Industry Support (58:23–59:50) The hosts read a list of donors who have contributed to the show, including several $50 and $100 contributions. One donor, Spongberg Enterprises, is identified as being involved in the oil and gas exploration industry. A $51 donation is noted as a reference to Presidential Directive 51, a recurring theme in the program's coverage of executive power. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [crowdfunding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdfunding.md), spongberg enterprises, [oil and gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-and-gas.md), presidential directive 51 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Fundraising Dinners, TSA Security, Outro (59:51–1:02:01) The hosts discuss potential future fundraising initiatives, such as exclusive $500-a-plate dinners. A host shares a story about passing through TSA security multiple times without being checked, despite the strict rules for other passengers. The show concludes with a technical note about using an AT&T USB modem for the broadcast and a sign-off from San Francisco. Keywords: [fundraising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fundraising.md), [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), usb modem, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/108-waxman-is-a-dick/chapter/24.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/107-health-insurance-dot-gov.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/109-forced-vaccinations.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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