# Deconstructing 'Law & Order'

> From scripted medical dramas to the World Health Organization’s pandemic powers, the hosts dissect how state and corporate interests shape public perception and agricultural policy.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 118
- **Published:** 2009-08-02
- **Length:** 1h 26m
- **Topics:** Vaccine Propaganda, SmartStax Corn, WHO Treaty, Transbay Transit, CDC Marketing, [Self-Censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/self-censorship.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order

## About this episode

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak deconstruct the intersection of entertainment and public health policy, focusing on a Law & Order: SVU episode that serves as a vehicle for vaccine propaganda. The hosts analyze specific clips from the NBC procedural, comparing its measles outbreak narrative to historical data from the BBC and Wikipedia to expose factual exaggerations. This media critique extends to the appointment of former CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser as a medical reporter for ABC News, suggesting a blurring of lines between government messaging and independent journalism.

Global health initiatives take center stage as the World Health Organization asserts authority over national infrastructures during Level 6 pandemics, while the Netherlands considers mandatory H1N1 vaccinations for healthcare workers. Domestic concerns include the $8 billion Transbay Transit Center project in San Francisco, which threatens local property through eminent domain, and the Smartronix contract for Recovery.gov that remains shielded from public view. Agricultural shifts are also noted with the approval of Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences' SmartStax corn, a genetically engineered product featuring eight novel genes that bypasses traditional independent safety testing.

Technical failures and cultural oddities provide a human backdrop as Adam Curry recounts a navigation mishap on Mount Tamalpais caused by Google Maps errors. The hosts also celebrate the expansion of the No Agenda community, officially knighting Scott Rodriguez and Margaret George for their financial support. Between discussions of body bag production surges at Trevor Owen Limited and the historical banking ties of the Knights Templar, the episode captures the eccentric and skeptical spirit of the Gitmo Nation.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/transcript.md.

### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak, No Agenda Episode 118 Introduction (0:01–1:48)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 118 of the No Agenda podcast, broadcasting from San Francisco, California. Curry discusses technical difficulties with his MIDI controller and his recent order for a replacement from Germany. The hosts establish the "Gitmo Nation" theme and exchange banter regarding their respective locations and equipment setups.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [midi controller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/midi-controller.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Google Maps Navigation Failures, Mount Tamalpais Driving Directions (1:49–4:56)

Adam Curry recounts a weekend trip to Mount Tamalpais where Google Maps provided incorrect driving directions, leading him through gated roads and dead ends in Mill Valley. Despite the navigation errors, he describes the scenic views and a lunch stop near the summit overlooking San Quentin. The discussion highlights a distrust of automated GPS directions over physical highway signage.

Keywords: [google maps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-maps.md), mount tamalpais, [mill valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mill-valley.md), [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), [navigation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/navigation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Mount Tamalpais Park Regulations, Sausalito No-Name Bar Anecdote (4:57–8:14)

The hosts discuss the restrictive rules at Mount Tamalpais State Park, including early closing times and smoking bans due to fire risks. Curry mentions visiting Sausalito and the No-Name Bar, which he found disappointing, leading Dvorak to admit he had never actually been to the establishment despite recommending it. They also touch on the rare occurrence of snow on Mount Tamalpais and Mount Diablo.

Keywords: mount tamalpais, sausalito, no-name bar, muir woods, park rules

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Transbay Transit Center Project, San Francisco Eminent Domain (8:17–13:53)

Adam Curry explains that his studio location is under threat of demolition due to eminent domain for the Transbay Transit Center project. The hosts criticize the $8 billion project, describing it as a "fascist" undertaking involving a massive terminal for buses and a proposed high-speed train to Los Angeles. They express skepticism regarding the project's feasibility and the displacement of local residents and historic buildings.

Keywords: transbay joint powers authority, [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), transit center

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/4.md)

### 5. CDC H1N1 Marketing Strategy, Swine Flu Vaccination Propaganda (13:54–18:35)

Adam Curry analyzes internal CDC marketing documents and PDFs regarding the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination campaign. He highlights specific "key messages" intended for news media distribution, noting the government's focus on social media and proactive reporting of adverse events. The hosts characterize these communication efforts as state-sponsored propaganda designed to sell vaccines to the public.

Keywords: [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccination.md), [marketing strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing-strategy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Law and Order SVU, Measles Vaccination Plotline Analysis (18:36–27:01)

The hosts critique a specific episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that focuses on a measles outbreak and the prosecution of an anti-vaccination mother. They play several clips from the show, arguing that the dialogue and acting serve as blatant propaganda for the pharmaceutical industry. The discussion focuses on how entertainment media is used to influence public opinion on medical choices.

Keywords: [law and order svu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/law-and-order-svu.md), [measles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/measles.md), [vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccination.md), [big pharma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-pharma.md), television propaganda

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Measles Eradication Claims, UK Outbreak Data Discrepancies (27:02–34:09)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak deconstruct the medical claims made in the Law & Order episode, specifically regarding the "eradication" of measles and an alleged epidemic in England. They compare the show's script to Wikipedia entries and BBC news reports from 2006, concluding that the show exaggerated the scale of outbreaks to promote the MMR vaccine.

Keywords: [measles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/measles.md), [mmr vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mmr-vaccine.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [medical examiner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medical-examiner.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News Medical Reporter Appointment (34:10–35:41)

The hosts discuss the hiring of former acting CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser as the senior medical reporter for ABC News. They suggest that Besser, who led the government's H1N1 communication efforts, is more effective at delivering the "mission" when perceived as an independent journalist rather than a government official.

Keywords: [richard besser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-besser.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), swine flu czar, medical reporter

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Smartronix Recovery.gov Contract, Website Accessibility Delays (35:42–38:40)

The hosts revisit the $18 million contract awarded to Smartronix for the development of Recovery.gov. They mock the General Services Administration's excuse that the contract cannot be released yet because it is not "508 compliant" for the disabled. Curry and Dvorak argue that the high cost of the project is unjustifiable for a standard website.

Keywords: smartronix, [recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), [gsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gsa.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [government contracts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-contracts.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Cash for Clunkers Program, Global Economic Stimulus Initiatives (38:40–41:56)

The hosts discuss the "Cash for Clunkers" program, questioning its true purpose as a global initiative appearing simultaneously in multiple countries. While the program is marketed as a "green" effort to remove gas guzzlers from the road, Curry suspects a deeper agenda behind the synchronized international rollout. They also comment on the poor build quality of modern American cars.

Keywords: [cash for clunkers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cash-for-clunkers.md), car allowance rebate system, [stimulus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stimulus.md), [global economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-economy.md), [environmental policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/environmental-policy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/10.md)

### 11. German Catholic Bank, Knights Templar Banking History (41:58–44:39)

A news item about a German Catholic bank divesting from contraception and weapons firms leads to a discussion on the historical banking power of the Catholic Church. Dvorak shares a theory from the History Channel suggesting that the Knights Templar fled to Switzerland and established the foundations of modern Swiss banking after being suppressed by the Pope.

Keywords: [catholic church](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/catholic-church.md), [knights templar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knights-templar.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), [history channel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/history-channel.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Robert Plant CBE, British Empire Honors System (44:39–46:52)

The hosts react to Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant accepting a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) from Prince Charles. They discuss the irony of counter-culture rock stars joining the "establishment" and debate whether they would personally accept such titles or honorary degrees.

Keywords: [robert plant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-plant.md), [led zeppelin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/led-zeppelin.md), cbe, [prince charles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prince-charles.md), [british empire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-empire.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Krakatoa Volcano Activity, Daily Mail Reporting Skepticism (46:53–49:39)

Adam Curry shares a report from the Daily Mail regarding increased volcanic activity at Krakatoa. John C. Dvorak expresses skepticism about the high-resolution photos provided in the article, suggesting they may be artistic renderings or fakes. They discuss the historical impact of the 1883 eruption on global climate.

Keywords: krakatoa, [volcano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volcano.md), [daily mail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-mail.md), marco fuller, geological activity

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Mandatory Vaccinations for Healthcare Workers, Netherlands Health Policy (49:40–51:08)

Adam Curry reports on a proposal in the Netherlands to make H1N1 vaccinations mandatory for healthcare workers. He mentions receiving emails from listeners in the medical field who are considering quitting their jobs to avoid forced immunization.

Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [mandatory vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandatory-vaccination.md), [healthcare workers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-workers.md), minister of health, [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Federal Reserve Ignorance, Bill Maher Show Critique (51:09–53:04)

Curry critiques a recent episode of Bill Maher's show where the panel struggled to explain the function of the Federal Reserve. He expresses frustration that mainstream media figures and the public do not understand that the Federal Reserve is a private entity that prints money and lends it back to the government at interest.

Keywords: [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [bill maher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-maher.md), [monetary policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetary-policy.md), [interest rates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interest-rates.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder, Pesticide Contamination in Produce (53:05–56:11)

The hosts discuss a PBS Nature episode regarding Colony Collapse Disorder in bees, linking the deaths to the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) potentially imported from Australia or China. They also discuss a report on high levels of bug-killing chemicals found in 90% of sampled pears and other produce in the United States.

Keywords: [colony collapse disorder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colony-collapse-disorder.md), [bees](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bees.md), iapv, [pesticides](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pesticides.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Pesticide Proliferation, Whole Foods Organic Produce Longevity (56:11–58:08)

John C. Dvorak discusses the massive increase in new chemical pesticides, miticides, and herbicides approved since 1997. The hosts question why "organic" lettuce from Whole Foods remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, speculating on potential undisclosed preservation methods or GMO involvement.

Keywords: [pesticides](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pesticides.md), [whole foods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whole-foods.md), [organic food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/organic-food.md), [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), food preservation

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Santa Cruz City Council, Public Testimony on Organic Farming (58:08–1:01:29)

The hosts play a clip of a young woman giving nonsensical testimony at a Santa Cruz City Council meeting regarding organic crops, "perfect pesticides," and mining silk worms. They use the clip to mock the local culture of Santa Cruz and argue that such displays represent a failure of the public education system.

Keywords: [santa cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/santa-cruz.md), [city council](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/city-council.md), public testimony, [homeschooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeschooling.md), [education system](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education-system.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/18.md)

### 19. WHO Pandemic Authority, Sovereign Government Dissolution Treaty (1:01:29–1:04:00)

Adam Curry discusses a 2005 World Health Organization declaration that allegedly gives the WHO authority to oversee national health infrastructures during a Level 6 pandemic. The hosts debate the implications of international treaties on U.S. sovereignty and mention rumors of "shadow government" bunkers for high-level officials.

Keywords: [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), pandemic emergency, [sovereignty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereignty.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [shadow government](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shadow-government.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Body Bag Demand, Scarborough Factory Production (1:04:01–1:05:52)

The hosts report on an increase in demand for body bags, noting that a Toronto-based manufacturer, Trevor Owen Limited, has seen a surge in orders from senior residences. They joke about the customization options for the bags and the macabre nature of pandemic-related investments.

Keywords: [body bags](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-bags.md), trevor owen limited, scarborough, pandemic preparation, [investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/investment.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Monsanto SmartStax Corn, Genetically Engineered Seed Approval (1:05:53–1:07:37)

The hosts discuss the approval of "SmartStax" corn, a genetically engineered product from Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences featuring eight novel genes. They criticize the lack of independent health safety testing by U.S. and Canadian officials and express concern over the rapid expansion of biotech seed products in global agriculture.

Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), dow agrosciences, smartstax, [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), [corn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corn.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Monarch Motel, No Agenda Listener Discount in Michigan (1:07:38–1:09:19)

Adam Curry announces that a No Agenda producer, Robert Shepard, has purchased the Monarch Motel in Sheboygan, Michigan. The motel offers a $15 nightly discount to No Agenda listeners and features high-speed internet and a dedicated podcast server.

Keywords: monarch motel, sheboygan michigan, robert shepard, listener discount, mackinac bridge

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Media Censorship, O'Reilly and Olbermann Ceasefire Deal (1:09:20–1:15:07)

The hosts analyze a report from Salon and the New York Times regarding a "gentleman's agreement" between GE's Jeffrey Immelt and News Corp's Rupert Murdoch to end the public feuding between Bill O'Reilly and Keith Olbermann. They discuss how corporate interests and parent company reputations lead to self-censorship among high-profile media personalities.

Keywords: [bill o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-o-reilly.md), [keith olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md), [general electric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-electric.md), [news corp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-corp.md), [jeffrey immelt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeffrey-immelt.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/23.md)

### 24. John C. Dvorak, Dow Jones MarketWatch Self-Censorship (1:15:07–1:16:50)

John C. Dvorak admits to practicing self-censorship in his professional writing for Dow Jones MarketWatch, now owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. He explains that writers naturally avoid attacking their employers or editors to maintain their positions, illustrating the broader point about corporate influence on journalism.

Keywords: [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [marketwatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketwatch.md), [dow jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dow-jones.md), [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [self-censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/self-censorship.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/24.md)

### 25. No Agenda Producer Contributions, Knighting Ceremony (1:16:51–1:22:45)

The hosts read a list of recent financial contributors to the show, noting a high volume of American donors. They officially "knight" Scott Rodriguez and Margaret George for their significant donations, celebrating George as a rare female "knight" of the show. They also acknowledge various creative contributions from the listener community.

Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md), [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), margaret george

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Army Internment Specialist Jobs, No Agenda Outro (1:22:45–1:26:17)

Adam Curry highlights a job listing on the U.S. Army website for an "Internment/Resettlement Specialist," which involves managing civilian internee camps. The hosts conclude the show by promoting an upcoming listener dinner in Las Vegas and encouraging continued donations to support the "Value for Value" model.

Keywords: [us army](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-army.md), internment specialist, civilian internee camp, [fema camps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fema-camps.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/118-deconstructing-law-order/chapter/26.md)

- [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/117-no-anthrax-for-you.md)
- [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health.md)

---

This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`.

- [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt)
- [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md)
- [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md)
- [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md)
- [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)