# Surviving The Swine Flu > Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson faces a House committee as the United Kingdom replaces doctor visits with phone consultations and private military contractors surge in the Middle East. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 113 - **Published:** 2009-07-16 - **Length:** 1h 24m - **Topics:** [Swine Flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [Hank Paulson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hank-paulson.md), [Blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), RFID Tracking, [David Kelly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-kelly.md), [Monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [Cap and Trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu ## About this episode Former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson faced intense scrutiny from a House committee regarding his role in the financial crisis, while observers noted a distinct physical deformity in his left pinky finger. In the United Kingdom, Cherie Blair canceled public appearances following a swine flu diagnosis as health officials shift toward phone-based consultations for Tamiflu prescriptions. These developments coincide with a bishop in Essex ordering the removal of holy water from churches to mitigate viral transmission during the H1N1 outbreak. Private security contractors from firms like Blackwater and Triple Canopy now number 250,000 in Iraq and Afghanistan, marking a 30% increase under the Obama administration. SEC Chair Mary Schapiro defended the agency's failure to stop Bernie Madoff amidst concerns over the revolving door between regulators and Wall Street. Meanwhile, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers filed a federal lawsuit against AT&T to classify ringtones as public performances. In the technology sector, a former IBM employee alleged the analog-to-digital television transition was a maneuver to secure 800MHz frequencies for RFID tracking and Real ID integration. Thirteen British doctors are currently campaigning to reopen the investigation into the 2003 death of weapons inspector David Kelly, citing a lack of fingerprints on the scene. A Polish mother made international headlines by suing an Egyptian hotel over a claim that her daughter became pregnant from a swimming pool. The episode concludes with an analysis of the value-for-value model, where listeners are encouraged to remix and redistribute content to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/transcript.md. ### 1. Hank Paulson House Committee Testimony and Pinky Injury (0:01–2:07) Former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson appeared before a House committee for questioning. Observers noted a physical deformity in his left pinky finger, leading to speculation about arthritis, rheumatism, or more conspiratorial origins related to administrative "clubs." Keywords: [hank paulson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hank-paulson.md), [house committee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-committee.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [arthritis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arthritis.md), rheumatism [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Cherie Blair Swine Flu Diagnosis and UK Phone Consultations (2:08–6:18) Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, canceled public engagements after receiving a swine flu diagnosis and a prescription for Tamiflu. Reports indicate that doctors in the United Kingdom are increasingly diagnosing the virus over the phone based on symptom checklists rather than in-person examinations. Keywords: cherie blair, [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), liverpool hope university, [birmingham](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birmingham.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Analog Television Switch and RFID Tracking Frequencies (6:18–15:37) A former IBM employee claims the mandatory transition from analog to digital television was designed to clear bandwidth for powerful RFID scanners. These frequencies, specifically in the 800 megahertz to 900 megahertz range, reportedly align with new tracking capabilities for Real ID licenses and consumer products. Keywords: analog television, [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [ibm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm.md), uhf, [real id](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-id.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Private Military Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan (15:38–18:16) The number of private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan has increased by 30% to approximately 250,000 personnel since President Obama took office. This surge in contractors from firms like Blackwater and Triple Canopy is characterized as a privatization of war that continues despite official troop withdrawal plans. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [triple canopy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/triple-canopy.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [mercenaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercenaries.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court Confirmation and White House Emails (18:16–19:55) President Barack Obama sent mass emails urging citizens to contact representatives in support of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court nomination. Critics argue these hearings are a formality of "fake participatory democracy" given the Democratic majority in Congress. Keywords: [sonia sotomayor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonia-sotomayor.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [senate judiciary committee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/senate-judiciary-committee.md), [democrats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democrats.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Healthcare Bill Surtax on Millionaires and Wealth Distribution (19:56–24:06) The House Committee on Health and Human Services passed a healthcare bill featuring a 5.4% surtax on individuals earning over one million dollars annually. The tax plan utilizes a sliding scale starting at $500,000, drawing criticism regarding its impact on entrepreneurs and the definition of wealth in the modern economy. Keywords: [healthcare bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-bill.md), surtax, [millionaires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millionaires.md), venture capitalists, [middle class](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/middle-class.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/6.md) ### 7. ASCAP Ringtone Copyright Lawsuit against AT&T (24:06–26:05) The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) filed a lawsuit against AT&T in federal court. The legal action seeks to classify mobile phone ringtones as public performances subject to copyright royalties. Keywords: [ascap](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ascap.md), [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [ringtones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ringtones.md), [copyright](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copyright.md), public performance [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Mary Schapiro SEC Testimony and Revolving Door Concerns (26:07–32:25) SEC Chair Mary Schapiro faced questioning regarding the agency's failure to detect the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. The testimony highlighted the "revolving door" problem where SEC employees leave for high-paying roles at the financial institutions they previously regulated. Keywords: mary schapiro, [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [bernie madoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-madoff.md), [finra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finra.md), [revolving door](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/revolving-door.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Global Cooling Trends and Al Gore Interview Errors (32:26–34:57) Reports from Western Canada and the American Midwest indicate unseasonably cold temperatures and June snowfall, leading to concerns about crop stress. Meanwhile, Al Gore faced criticism in an Australian interview regarding nine significant errors found in his film, An Inconvenient Truth, by the British High Court. Keywords: [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [manitoba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manitoba.md), british high court [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Cyber Attacks Blamed on North Korea and UK Sources (34:57–37:36) A Vietnamese security researcher challenged claims by the US and South Korea that North Korea was responsible for major government website hacks. Evidence suggests the attacks may have originated from the UK, leading to speculation that North Korea is being used as a geopolitical scapegoat. Keywords: [north korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), [south korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-korea.md), [cyber attacks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-attacks.md), [washington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-post.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Monsanto Genetically Engineered Wheat and Argentina Seed Laws (37:37–42:45) Monsanto is resuming efforts to produce genetically engineered wheat five years after initial industry resistance. In South America, the company is pushing for legislative changes in Argentina to prevent farmers from saving seeds from previous harvests, effectively mandating annual purchases of transgenic technology. Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), genetically engineered wheat, [argentina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/argentina.md), [soybeans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soybeans.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Holy Water Removal in UK Churches due to Swine Flu (42:47–44:10) A bishop in Essex, England, directed priests to remove holy water from church stoops to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus. The directive aims to eliminate communal water sources as potential vectors for infection during the ongoing health crisis. Keywords: holy water, [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), essex, [catholic church](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/catholic-church.md), [infection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infection.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Bee Colony Collapse and Bat Fungal Infections (44:15–46:29) Researchers are investigating links between Monsanto's genetically modified corn and the disappearance of bee populations in Germany. Simultaneously, a mysterious fungus is killing bat populations across the United States, threatening natural mosquito control and agricultural pollination. Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [bees](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bees.md), [bats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bats.md), [colony collapse disorder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colony-collapse-disorder.md), white-nose syndrome [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Genetically Modified Food Health Risks and Suppression (46:30–48:56) The documentary "The World According to Monsanto" explores the health risks of Roundup Ready crops and alleges the suppression of critical research. Critics claim the film has been kept off mainstream television stations like PBS, finding a home only on alternative platforms and the internet. Keywords: [roundup ready](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roundup-ready.md), [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [genetically modified organisms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/genetically-modified-organisms.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/14.md) ### 15. David Kelly Suicide Verdict and Assassination Theories (48:57–52:50) Thirteen doctors in the UK are campaigning to overturn the suicide verdict of weapons inspector David Kelly, who was found dead in 2003. The group cites the lack of fingerprints on the knife and the unlikely nature of the arterial injury as evidence of a potential assassination related to his whistleblowing on Iraq's weapons capabilities. Keywords: [david kelly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-kelly.md), [weapons of mass destruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weapons-of-mass-destruction.md), [oxfordshire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oxfordshire.md), [daily telegraph](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-telegraph.md), [assassination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assassination.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Hate Crime Legislation and Thought Crime Criticism (52:51–55:33) A discussion regarding the legal distinction between standard crimes and hate crimes suggests that such laws may function as "thought crime" penalties. The conversation explores how these classifications can elevate misdemeanors to felonies based on the perceived motivation of the perpetrator. Keywords: [hate crimes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hate-crimes.md), [legislation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legislation.md), [felony](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/felony.md), [misdemeanor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/misdemeanor.md), [thought crimes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thought-crimes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Polish Pregnancy Lawsuit against Egyptian Hotel (55:34–59:15) A Polish mother is suing a hotel in Egypt, claiming her 13-year-old daughter became pregnant from stray sperm in a mixed-gender swimming pool. Tourism authorities in Warsaw confirmed the complaint, though the biological plausibility of the claim remains highly contested. Keywords: [poland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poland.md), [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [lawsuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lawsuit.md), [pregnancy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pregnancy.md), ananova [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Al Gore Global Governance and Climate Legislation (59:19–1:00:52) Al Gore stated that congressional climate bills will facilitate the transition toward global governance. Critics point to Gore's financial interests in carbon trading exchanges as a primary motivator for his advocacy of cap and trade legislation. Keywords: [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [global governance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-governance.md), [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [new world order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-world-order.md), [nasdaq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasdaq.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Eminent Domain Abuse and Colorado Hiking Trails (1:01:50–1:06:05) Local governments are increasingly using eminent domain to seize private property for non-essential projects, such as hiking trails in Boulder, Colorado. Critics argue these seizures are often used for political leverage or to clear land for secret government infrastructure rather than public necessity. Keywords: [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [denver post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/denver-post.md), [boulder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boulder.md), hiking trails, [property rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/property-rights.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Cap and Trade Impact on Yeast and Food Production (1:06:06–1:07:45) Analysis of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson's comments suggests that cap and trade regulations could target CO2 emissions from yeast fermentation. This would impact bread making, beer and wine production, and the creation of livestock silage, potentially increasing food costs. Keywords: [lisa jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisa-jackson.md), [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [co2](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/co2.md), [yeast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yeast.md), [fermentation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fermentation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Swine Flu Vaccine Adjuvants and Novartis Contracts (1:07:45–1:13:11) The US government committed nearly $1 billion to purchase H1N1 vaccine components, with the majority of funds going to Novartis for chemical adjuvants. Concerns have been raised that these "boosters" may overstimulate the immune system, potentially leading to an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome cases. Keywords: [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [novartis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/novartis.md), [kathleen sebelius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kathleen-sebelius.md), [guillain-barre syndrome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guillain-barre-syndrome.md), [adjuvants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adjuvants.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Swine Flu Public Service Announcement Contest (1:13:11–1:15:37) The Department of Health and Human Services launched a $2,500 contest for public service announcements promoting the swine flu vaccine. Early submissions primarily feature children demonstrating hygiene practices, while critics suggest using subliminal messaging or more alarmist imagery. Keywords: [psa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psa.md), [hhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hhs.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [jeff smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeff-smith.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Wolf Blitzer Swine Flu Graphic and Bilderberg Participants (1:15:39–1:18:07) A CNN graphic featuring Wolf Blitzer claimed that survivors of the 1918 Spanish Flu are immune to the current swine flu strain. Additionally, a leaked list of Bilderberg Group participants includes high-profile figures such as Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and the Queen of the Netherlands. Keywords: [wolf blitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wolf-blitzer.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [spanish flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spanish-flu.md), [bilderberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bilderberg.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/23.md) ### 24. No Agenda Value-for-Value Model and Content Sharing (1:18:08–1:21:23) The hosts discuss the "value-for-value" funding model, encouraging listeners to donate based on the information provided. They grant permission for the audience to transcribe, remix, and redistribute the podcast content freely to help spread the show's message. Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [donation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donation.md), [squarespace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squarespace.md), [creative commons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/creative-commons.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Sponsor segment: Squarespace Promotion and Show Sign-off (1:21:23–1:24:14) Listeners are offered a 12% discount on Squarespace services by using the promo code "agenda" at signup. The episode concludes with a reminder of the upcoming Sunday live stream originating from the undisclosed loft location in San Francisco. 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