# Obama's Pitch > Executive security reaches a fever pitch at the ballpark as the federal government prepares for a massive, liability-free immunization campaign and mandatory national service. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 114 - **Published:** 2009-07-19 - **Length:** 1h 23m - **Topics:** [H1N1 vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1-vaccine.md), [Serve.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/serve-gov.md), Visa fees, [Novartis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/novartis.md), [Monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), Kevlar, Hemp economy - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch ## About this episode President Barack Obama took the mound at the MLB All-Star Game wearing a visible Kevlar flak jacket beneath a Chicago White Sox jacket, a security measure that physically restricted his first pitch. While mainstream media focused on the aesthetics of his denim, the heavy body armor signaled a heightened state of executive protection. This atmosphere of control extends to the launch of Serve.gov, where a board comprised of energy and pharmaceutical executives oversees a new push toward mandatory national volunteerism for American youth. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius signed a decree granting vaccine manufacturers like Novartis total immunity from liability regarding the upcoming H1N1 swine flu rollout. The World Health Organization has ceased tracking individual cases, fueling claims that the pandemic is a social engineering project designed to mandate experimental adjuvants like MF59 and squalene. Meanwhile, the Credit Card CARD Act and the transition of unemployment benefits to Visa debit cards allow financial institutions to collect 2% transaction fees on government assistance while building detailed consumer dossiers. In California, marijuana has surpassed milk and grapes as the state's most valuable crop, valued at $17 billion annually. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak highlight the architectural shift in San Francisco lofts, noting that modern urban residences now mirror the restricted access and heavy doors of minimum-security prisons. The duo also reviews the raw food scene at Alive and welcomes Kent Zeisser of Clovis, New Mexico, to the No Agenda knighthood following a significant contribution to the show's independent production model. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/transcript.md. ### 1. San Francisco Loft Architecture, Minimum Security Prison Comparison (0:01–3:28) San Francisco loft apartments are designed with security features that resemble minimum security prisons, featuring restricted entrances and heavy doors. Observations of these modern living spaces suggest they could easily be converted into detention centers by simply adding bars to the windows. A visit to Folsom Prison for an article provided the basis for comparing these stylish urban residences to correctional facilities. Keywords: [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), lofts, folsom prison, [architecture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/architecture.md), [security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/security.md), prison design [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Barclays Visa Debit Card, International Travel Security Hurdles (3:28–5:01) International travel with a Barclays Visa debit card from the United Kingdom has become increasingly difficult due to aggressive fraud protection measures. Users must now pre-register travel dates and locations online to prevent cards from being blocked automatically. Even with correct passwords and pre-authorization, multiple purchases in San Francisco triggered security freezes and calls from fraud protection units. Keywords: [barclays](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barclays.md), [visa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/visa.md), [debit card](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debit-card.md), fraud protection, [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/2.md) ### 3. AT&T Customer Service, Wireless Account Verification Issues (5:01–10:52) AT&T wireless service experienced significant administrative failures during an international trip to Amsterdam, resulting in a suspended account despite correct verification answers. The carrier demanded physical faxes of passports and lease agreements even after a $700 bill was paid in full. While the corporate structure is described as oppressive, an internal AT&T systems programmer acting as a consumer advocate eventually resolved the technical issues. Keywords: [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), wireless service, [blackberry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackberry.md), fraud division, customer advocacy, world connect [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Barack Obama MLB All-Star Game, First Pitch Body Armor (10:52–15:38) President Barack Obama wore visible body armor and a flak jacket under a White Sox warm-up coat while throwing the first pitch at the MLB All-Star Game. The restrictive Kevlar gear affected his physical movement, resulting in a pitch that landed short of home plate. Media coverage focused on his choice of "mom jeans" rather than the heavy security apparel he was wearing on the field. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), mlb all-star game, first pitch, [body armor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-armor.md), kevlar, [media criticism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-criticism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Serve.gov, Mandatory Volunteerism and Corporate Influence (15:38–20:13) The launch of Serve.gov and the Corporation for National and Community Service signals a move toward mandatory volunteerism for American citizens. The board of directors includes representatives from the pharmaceutical and energy industries, suggesting a deep tie between government initiatives and big business. Critics argue these programs are designed to habituate the public, particularly children, to working for the state without compensation. Keywords: [serve.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/serve-gov.md), corporation for national and community service, [volunteerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volunteerism.md), [pharmaceutical industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-industry.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Unemployment Benefits, Visa Debit Card Fees (20:14–22:04) Unemployment benefits in the United States have shifted from paper checks to Visa debit cards, allowing financial institutions to profit from the system. Visa reportedly collects a 2% fee on transactions made with these cards, and funds may expire if not used within a six-month window. This transition ensures that a portion of government assistance is diverted to private banking corporations. Keywords: [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md), [visa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/visa.md), [debit cards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debit-cards.md), banking fees, [dennis cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dennis-cruz.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Credit Card CARD Act, White House Transparency Concerns (22:04–25:21) The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, signed in May, is presented by the White House as consumer protection but contains provisions for increased data tracking. The official White House website provides summaries and videos of the legislation but lacks direct links to the full text of the bill. Critics suggest the fine print allows credit card companies to build dossiers on users for government reporting. Keywords: card act, [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), credit card legislation, [data tracking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-tracking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/7.md) ### 8. American Express, Fraud Detection and Merchant Fees (25:21–28:33) American Express utilizes specific algorithms to detect stolen cards, such as flagging multiple gas station purchases followed by high-end retail transactions. While the card is reliable for international travel, many smaller merchants refuse to accept it due to transaction fees that range from 3% to 4%. These fees are significantly higher than those charged by Visa or MasterCard. Keywords: [american express](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-express.md), fraud detection, merchant fees, credit card security, [gas stations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gas-stations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Private Banking, Mechanics Bank and ATM Rebates (28:34–30:16) Mechanics Bank, a smaller private institution on the West Coast, offers benefits such as rebating ATM service charges that larger "government-owned" banks like Bank of America and Citibank do not. Using a private bank is framed as a way to avoid the oversight associated with major financial institutions that received federal bailouts. Keywords: [mechanics bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mechanics-bank.md), [atm fees](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atm-fees.md), [private banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-banking.md), [bank of america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-of-america.md), [citibank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/citibank.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Alive Raw Food Restaurant, San Francisco Dining Review (30:16–35:59) Alive, a raw food restaurant in San Francisco, serves dishes like ravioli and hamburgers made entirely from uncooked ingredients such as sunflower seed puree and shaved beets. While the flavors are described as excellent, the pricing is noted as high, with a dinner for two costing approximately $120. The high cost of raw and organic food is compared to the premium prices found at Whole Foods. Keywords: alive restaurant, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [raw food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raw-food.md), organic wine, sunflower seeds, [whole foods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whole-foods.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/10.md) ### 11. YouTube Financial Losses, Google Revenue Projections (36:00–37:37) Google CEO Eric Schmidt claims YouTube will become profitable soon, despite estimates that the service loses half a billion dollars annually. Users currently upload 15 hours of video per minute, creating massive transcoding and storage costs. Speculation suggests YouTube may eventually implement a subscription fee to cover the immense bandwidth requirements of its global user base. Keywords: [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [eric schmidt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-schmidt.md), [bandwidth costs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bandwidth-costs.md), video hosting [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Federal Prisons, Colorado White-Collar Criminal Hub (37:37–41:48) Bernie Madoff was denied his request to serve his sentence in a Colorado federal prison, a location popular with high-profile white-collar criminals like the Enron executives. Jeff Skilling and Andrew Fastow are currently serving time in Colorado facilities, which some theorists link to the relocation of CIA headquarters to the state. Madoff was instead sent to a facility in North Carolina. Keywords: [bernie madoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-madoff.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md), [colorado](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colorado.md), federal bureau of prisons, jeff skilling [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/12.md) ### 13. California Agriculture, Marijuana Revenue vs Traditional Crops (41:48–43:40) Marijuana is the highest-valued crop in California, estimated at $17 billion annually, which dwarfs traditional agricultural products like milk ($7.3 billion) and grapes ($3.1 billion). Proponents argue that legalizing and taxing the industry could generate $1.4 billion in state revenue. Beyond its use as a drug, the hemp plant is noted for its potential in fuel and industrial production. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md), [marijuana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marijuana.md), [hemp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hemp.md), [tax revenue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-revenue.md), [wine industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Swine Flu Vaccines, Adjuvants and Teenager Health Risks (43:43–46:47) The H1N1 swine flu vaccine rollout involves the heavy use of adjuvants, which act as "hamburger helper" to stretch the supply of the active virus. These additives force the immune system into overdrive, which may pose specific risks to teenagers whose bodies are already undergoing rapid changes. The U.S. government has recently purchased over a billion dollars worth of these vaccine boosters. Keywords: [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [adjuvants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adjuvants.md), [vaccine safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine-safety.md), [immune system](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immune-system.md), [teenagers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teenagers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Novartis MF59 Adjuvant, FDA Approval and Liability Immunity (46:48–51:46) Pharmaceutical companies like Novartis are using experimental adjuvants such as MF59 in swine flu vaccines, despite a lack of long-term data on how they function. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius signed a decree granting vaccine makers total immunity from liability for injuries caused by these shots. Critics argue the pandemic is being used as a loophole to conduct mass human testing of unapproved vaccine additives. Keywords: [novartis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/novartis.md), mf59, [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), liability immunity, [kathleen sebelius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kathleen-sebelius.md), experimental vaccines [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/15.md) ### 16. WHO Swine Flu Tracking, Social Engineering and Hype (51:46–56:00) The World Health Organization (WHO) has ceased tracking individual swine flu cases and deaths, leading to accusations that they are hiding the low mortality rate of the virus. This lack of data, combined with media hype about vaccine shortages, is characterized as a social engineering project designed to create public demand for the shots. Meanwhile, reports of Tamiflu-resistant strains are surfacing in Asia. Keywords: [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [data tracking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-tracking.md), [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [social engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-engineering.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Forced Vaccinations, WHO Constitution and School Requirements (56:00–59:47) Under the World Health Organization constitution, member nations may be required to implement forced vaccinations during a declared pandemic. It is predicted that U.S. states like California and New Jersey will mandate swine flu shots for children returning to school in September. For those concerned about vaccine additives, chelating agents are suggested as a possible way to remove aluminum hydroxide from the body. Keywords: [forced vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forced-vaccination.md), [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), [homeschooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeschooling.md), aluminum hydroxide, chelating agents [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Lab-Created Virus Theories, University of Wisconsin Research (59:48–1:02:16) Investigative reports suggest the H1N1 virus may have been engineered in a laboratory, potentially using genetic material from the 1918 Spanish Flu. Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison involved reconstructing historical flu strains, and companies associated with this research, such as FluGen, are now involved in vaccine development. This creates a perceived conflict of interest regarding profit motives in pandemic response. Keywords: matthew russell, wayne madsen, [university of wisconsin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-wisconsin.md), [spanish flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spanish-flu.md), flugen, [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Squalene Adjuvants, Military Testing and Fort Detrick (1:02:17–1:06:01) The use of squalene in vaccine adjuvants has a controversial history linked to military testing and Gulf War Syndrome. Research into these emulsion vehicles began at Fort Detrick in 1987, and the military has a history of administering experimental shots to service members without detailed record-keeping. These same compounds are now being integrated into public swine flu vaccines under various commercial names. Keywords: [squalene](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squalene.md), mf59, [fort detrick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-detrick.md), [anthrax vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthrax-vaccine.md), gulf war syndrome, military medicine [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Mandatory School Immunization, Chemtrails and Servitude (1:06:00–1:10:36) The CDC is coordinating with state authorities to prepare for a massive immunization campaign targeting school children in mid-autumn. Beyond vaccines, aluminum is noted as a common ingredient in deodorants and cookware, and is allegedly present in "chemtrails" sprayed by aircraft. These environmental and medical exposures are theorized to be part of a broader effort to maintain public servitude. Keywords: [immunization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immunization.md), [wall street journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street-journal.md), [chemtrails](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemtrails.md), [aluminum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aluminum.md), [deodorant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deodorant.md), [public health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-health.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/20.md) ### 21. No Agenda Donations, International Supporters and New Knight (1:10:35–1:14:35) The No Agenda show recognizes Kent Zeisser of Clovis, New Mexico, as a new knight following a $1,000 donation. Financial support for the program is currently dominated by listeners in Canada, the Nordic countries, and the Southern United States, with a notable lack of contributions from New York. Specific donors from Montreal, Australia, and the Netherlands were thanked for their contributions. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), kent zeisser, [montreal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/montreal.md), [saskatoon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saskatoon.md), [south carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-carolina.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/21.md) ### 22. International Swine Flu Conference, Washington D.C. Agenda (1:14:35–1:17:34) An International Swine Flu Conference scheduled for August in Washington, D.C., features an agenda focused on mass fatality management and continuity of government. The event is sponsored by various pharmaceutical and technology companies, rather than independent epidemiological organizations. Sessions include discussions on the psychological issues of a pandemic and "scientific advances" in the H1N1 virus. Keywords: swine flu conference, [washington d.c.](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-d-c.md), mass fatality planning, [continuity of government](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/continuity-of-government.md), pharma sponsorship [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Monsanto Genetically Modified Wheat, Food Inc Documentary (1:17:35–1:19:54) Monsanto has received approval to develop genetically modified wheat for the United States market, coinciding with a rise in wheat and soybean futures. The documentary "The World According to Monsanto" and the theatrical release "Food Inc." are recommended for those seeking to understand the impact of corporate control over the global food supply. Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), gm wheat, wheat futures, [food inc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-inc.md), [michael pollan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-pollan.md), [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Mass Evacuation Bus, Show Outro and Sign-off (1:19:54–1:23:05) A specialized "Mass Evacuation Bus" operated by Emergency Medical Services was spotted on a highway, featuring blacked-out windows and a prisoner-transport design. The show concludes with a promise of a future restaurant review and a call for continued listener donations. Hosts Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak sign off from San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Keywords: mass evacuation bus, [ems](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ems.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [restaurant review](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant-review.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/114-obama-s-pitch/chapter/24.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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