# Small Steps Toward Better Health

> Federal health reform reporting portals and controversial Supreme Court testimony collide with engine destruction videos and an $18 billion international gold mystery.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 119
- **Published:** 2009-08-06
- **Length:** 1h 41m
- **Topics:** White House Flag, Sotomayor, [Cash for Clunkers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cash-for-clunkers.md), iKorn Monsanto, [Recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), Smallstep.gov, Wiltshire Crop Circles
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health

## About this episode

The White House Office of Health Reform faces intense scrutiny following the launch of flag@whitehouse.gov, a portal where communications director Linda Douglas has encouraged citizens to report "fishy" emails regarding healthcare legislation. This initiative coincides with Senator Orrin Hatch’s sharp critique of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, specifically her ruling in Ditton v. Village of Port Chester which Hatch argues creates a legal catch-22 for property owners facing eminent domain. These developments signal a tightening of federal oversight and a shift in constitutional interpretations of individual rights.

Secondary reports indicate a massive $18 billion transfer of gold and cash from Iran to Turkey, with figures like Esmail Safarian Nasab allegedly linked to the movement of funds toward U.S. political interests. Domestically, the Cash for Clunkers program is under fire as engine destruction videos surface and dealers struggle with government reimbursements. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has reportedly used aggressive language to assert dominance over regulators like Ben Bernanke and Sheila Bair, while cybersecurity czar Melissa Hathaway resigned following a bureaucratic power struggle. Further transparency concerns arise from the $18 million recovery.gov redesign contract awarded to Smartronix, which remains heavily redacted despite its use of public funds.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak examine the absurdity of smallstep.gov, where the Department of Health and Human Services suggests citizens fetch the newspaper personally to improve health. The duo also questions the release of journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling from North Korea, characterizing the Bill Clinton-led mission as a high-stakes PR move for Al Gore’s media ventures. The episode concludes with Curry offering a bar of gold to anyone who can replicate the Wiltshire crop circles within a fifteen-hour window.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Episode 119 Introduction, FaderFox MIDI Controller (0:01–2:19)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 119 of No Agenda from San Francisco and Silicon Valley North. Curry discusses his new FaderFox MIDI controller purchased from a store called Robot Speak in San Francisco, which he uses to manage the show's audio production and sound effects.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [faderfox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faderfox.md), robot speak, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/1.md)

### 2. iKorn.com, Monsanto Genetically Modified Seed Marketing (2:19–7:46)

A new company called iKorn appears to be a marketing front for Monsanto, utilizing Web 2.0 branding to sell genetically modified soybeans and corn. The website features specific strains like 104.7R, a Roundup Ready corn that matures in exactly 104 days. While initially suspected to be a hoax due to its elaborate design, the entity is registered in Cicero, Indiana, and maintains ties to Oregon State University.

Keywords: ikorn, [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), oregon state university, [roundup ready](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roundup-ready.md), [genetically modified organisms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/genetically-modified-organisms.md), [indiana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indiana.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/2.md)

### 3. White House Health Reform, Flag at Whitehouse.gov Propaganda (7:47–12:02)

Linda Douglas, communications director for the White House Office of Health Reform, is criticized for asking citizens to report "fishy" emails about healthcare reform to flag@whitehouse.gov. This initiative is characterized as a "Ministry of Truth" tactic encouraging Americans to tattle on dissenters. The discussion highlights video clips where the administration's claims regarding employer-provided insurance are contrasted with previous statements.

Keywords: linda douglas, [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), health insurance reform, [ministry of truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ministry-of-truth.md), [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Sonia Sotomayor Confirmation, Orrin Hatch Property Rights Critique (12:04–15:49)

Senator Orrin Hatch criticized Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor during Senate testimony, specifically targeting her record on property rights and the Second Amendment. Hatch cited the case of Ditton v. Village of Port Chester, where Sotomayor ruled that a property owner's window to sue began when a development plan was announced, rather than when the property was actually seized. This ruling is described as a "catch-22" that undermines fundamental constitutional protections against eminent domain.

Keywords: [sonia sotomayor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonia-sotomayor.md), [orrin hatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/orrin-hatch.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [property rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/property-rights.md), village of port chester

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Property Ownership Concepts, Vehicle Title Legal Theory (15:50–17:28)

A brief discussion explores the legal theory that individuals do not truly own their land or vehicles, citing property taxes and government-issued titles as evidence of state control. The conversation touches on the distinction between owning real estate and owning the actual ground or mineral rights.

Keywords: [property rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/property-rights.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md), [mineral rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mineral-rights.md), vehicle titles, ownership theory

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Cash for Clunkers Program, Engine Destruction Videos (17:28–21:43)

The federal Cash for Clunkers program faces criticism as auto dealers struggle to receive government reimbursements, leading some to opt out of the initiative. Viral videos showing the intentional destruction of functional vehicles, such as Volvos, using sodium silicate to seize engines are described as a painful waste of resources. While the program spurred a quarter-million car sales, skeptics argue the funds would be better spent on direct job creation.

Keywords: [cash for clunkers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cash-for-clunkers.md), [volvo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volvo.md), engine destruction, car dealers, [government funding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-funding.md), [stimulus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stimulus.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Recovery.gov Web 2.0 Upgrade, Earl Devaney Oversight (21:45–25:53)

Earl Devaney, chairman of the Recovery Board, is overseeing an $18 million "Web 2.0" upgrade to recovery.gov intended to provide interactive mapping of stimulus data. The project is criticized for its high cost and the use of the phrase "let me be clear," which is noted as a recurring rhetorical trope in the Obama administration. Devaney is also promoting a "Citizen IG" initiative to encourage Americans to investigate federal spending irregularities.

Keywords: [recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), earl devaney, [gsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gsa.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), stimulus spending, [inspector general](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inspector-general.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Smartronix Contract Redactions, Federal Reporting Transparency (25:54–29:19)

Documentation regarding the $18 million contract awarded to Smartronix for the recovery.gov redesign contains heavy redactions, allegedly to protect competitive business information. Critics argue that the deliverables, including RSS feeds and data mashups, do not justify the multi-million dollar price tag, especially since the government provides the hosting infrastructure.

Keywords: smartronix, john stack, redacted documents, [rss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rss.md), federalreporting.gov, [website development](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/website-development.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Smallstep.gov, Government Health and Lifestyle Tips (29:20–34:25)

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website, smallstep.gov, provides over 100 lifestyle tips that are criticized for being overly simplistic or absurd. Recommendations include drinking diet soda, fetching the newspaper personally, and performing "desk exercises" instead of smoking. The advice to "walk up hills instead of around them" is singled out for its perceived condescension.

Keywords: smallstep.gov, [hhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hhs.md), [health tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-tips.md), [diet soda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diet-soda.md), [exercise](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/exercise.md), lifestyle advice

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/9.md)

### 10. North Korea Journalist Release, Bill Clinton and Al Gore (34:25–41:32)

Two American journalists from Current TV, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, were released from North Korea following a visit by former President Bill Clinton. The segment characterizes the journalists' actions as a reckless attempt to generate a story for Al Gore's struggling media company. The public statements made by the journalists upon their return are mocked for their focus on "positive energy" and "vibes" rather than the geopolitical reality of their capture.

Keywords: [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [north korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), [current tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/current-tv.md), [euna lee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euna-lee.md), [laura ling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/laura-ling.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Obama Administration Lobbyist Appointments, Neil McBride (41:32–43:17)

Despite campaign promises to exclude lobbyists from his administration, President Obama has reportedly selected Neil McBride for the role of U.S. Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia. McBride previously served as a lobbyist for the Business Software Alliance, representing the interests of major tech firms like Microsoft.

Keywords: neil mcbride, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [lobbyists](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbyists.md), business software alliance, [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), us attorney

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Middle Class Tax Pledges, Timothy Geithner Regulatory Critique (43:18–47:10)

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and economic advisor Larry Summers have signaled that middle-class tax hikes may be necessary to reduce the deficit, contradicting President Obama's firm campaign pledge. Additionally, Geithner reportedly used expletive-laced language during a meeting with federal regulators, including Ben Bernanke and Sheila Bair, to assert the administration's dominance over independent agencies.

Keywords: [timothy geithner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/timothy-geithner.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [larry summers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-summers.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md), [wall street journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street-journal.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Cybersecurity Czar Resignation, Melissa Hathaway (47:11–49:41)

Acting cybersecurity czar Melissa Hathaway announced her resignation following a bureaucratic struggle over whether her post should report to the National Economic Council or the National Security Council. Potential successors for the "czar" position include Franklin Kramer and former eBay security officer Howard Schmidt.

Keywords: melissa hathaway, cybersecurity czar, [larry summers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-summers.md), [national security council](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security-council.md), franklin kramer, howard schmidt

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Keith Olbermann and Rupert Murdoch Feud, NBC-Fox Agreement (50:37–54:17)

Keith Olbermann denied reports of a "gentleman's agreement" between GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt and News Corp's Rupert Murdoch to end the public feud between MSNBC and Fox News. Olbermann used his "Worst Person in the World" segment to attack Murdoch, claiming the News Corp chairman has muzzled Bill O'Reilly to protect corporate interests.

Keywords: [keith olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md), [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [brian stelter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-stelter.md), [jeffrey immelt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeffrey-immelt.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Rachel Maddow Show Critique, Healthcare Ad Guest (54:18–59:55)

The Rachel Maddow Show is criticized for its guest selection and perceived bias in favor of the Obama administration. A specific segment featuring Michael Snyder, owner of the Sizzlin' Skillet in Nebraska, is highlighted as an example of the show's reliance on "Obamatron" rhetoric regarding healthcare reform.

Keywords: [rachel maddow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rachel-maddow.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [healthcare reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-reform.md), [nebraska](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nebraska.md), sizzlin skillet

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Alleged $18 Billion Iran-Obama Transfer, Turkey Gold Shipment (59:56–1:06:38)

Reports from Russian and Pakistani news agencies claim that $18 billion in gold and cash was transferred from Iran to Turkey in 2008, allegedly destined for Barack Obama's campaign coffers. The story involves Esmail Safarian Nasab, a figure previously linked to the arms-for-hostages deals of the 1970s. While the hosts acknowledge the potential for Russian disinformation, they speculate on the possibility of laundering large sums through small individual campaign donations.

Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [turkey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkey.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), esmail safarian nasab, [gold bullion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold-bullion.md), [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Afghanistan Troop Increase, British Public Dissent (1:06:38–1:10:11)

Senators Joseph Lieberman and Carl Levin are urging the White House to double the size of Afghan security forces to 400,000. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, public opposition to the war in Afghanistan is growing following the deaths of several young soldiers. The segment also briefly addresses claims regarding Osama bin Laden's historical relationship with the CIA.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), joseph lieberman, [carl levin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carl-levin.md), [jim jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jim-jones.md), [osama bin laden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/osama-bin-laden.md), [uk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uk.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Wiltshire Crop Circles, Gold Bar Challenge (1:11:05–1:15:50)

Intricate new crop circles in Wiltshire, UK, spark a debate over their origin. Adam Curry offers a bar of gold to anyone who can replicate the complex designs within a 15-hour window, while John C. Dvorak remains skeptical, suggesting they are the result of human performance art or "alien graffiti."

Keywords: [crop circles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crop-circles.md), wiltshire, [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [performance art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/performance-art.md), alien graffiti

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Swine Flu Vaccination in Greece, Tamiflu Side Effects (1:15:50–1:19:51)

Greece has announced plans to vaccinate its entire population against the swine flu, becoming the first country to mandate such a broad measure. The discussion also covers reports of adverse side effects from Tamiflu in children, including nausea and psychiatric issues, and criticizes the use of celebrities to promote the medication as a "vaccine."

Keywords: [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine.md), [side effects](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/side-effects.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/19.md)

### 20. C-SPAN YouTube Takedowns, Public Domain Copyright Policy (1:19:52–1:24:34)

YouTube has removed over 6,400 clips from the "C-SPAN Junkie" channel, which featured footage of Ben Bernanke, Timothy Geithner, and Ron Paul. While C-SPAN claims copyright on its produced programming, its policy states that government-produced video of House and Senate proceedings is in the public domain. The takedowns are suspected to be politically motivated or a result of trademark disputes over the "C-SPAN" name.

Keywords: [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [copyright](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copyright.md), [public domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-domain.md), [ben bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/20.md)

### 21. 2010 Census Probing Questions, American Community Survey (1:24:35–1:33:27)

The 2010 Census and the American Community Survey are drawing fire for questions that some residents find overly intrusive. Probing inquiries regarding work schedules, commute times, household plumbing, and heating fuels are examined. While the Census Bureau claims these questions have been asked for decades, critics argue they go beyond the constitutional mandate of a simple population count.

Keywords: [census bureau](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/census-bureau.md), 2010 census, american community survey, [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [commerce department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commerce-department.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Oakland Parking Scams, Revenue Generation Tactics (1:34:19–1:38:11)

Cash-strapped cities like Oakland and San Francisco are accused of "gouging" citizens through aggressive parking enforcement to balance their budgets. In Oakland, drivers are being hit with $250 tickets for stopping briefly at unmarked bus stops. The city has also extended parking meter hours to 8:00 PM and increased rates to generate millions in additional revenue.

Keywords: [oakland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oakland.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [parking tickets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parking-tickets.md), bus stops, municipal budget

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Show Outro, Donation Request, Sunday Schedule (1:38:12–1:41:17)

The hosts conclude the episode by requesting listener contributions via Dvorak.org/NA or Mevio to keep the show commercial-free. They briefly discuss the possibility of hosting C-SPAN clips on Mevio before signing off from Gitmo Nation West. The next episode is scheduled for Sunday morning.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [mevio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mevio.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/119-small-steps-toward-better-health/chapter/23.md)

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