# Obama's Lobsters > A controversial prisoner release in Scotland exposes the intersection of Libyan oil and global politics while secret space programs and town hall revolts dominate the domestic landscape. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 124 - **Published:** 2009-08-23 - **Length:** 1h 15m - **Topics:** [Lockerbie Bomber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lockerbie-bomber.md), Project Serpo, Quangos, [Hamid Karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), Don Hewitt, Naval Space Command - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters ## About this episode The release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds by the Scottish government triggers allegations of a secret oil deal between Gordon Brown and Muammar Gaddafi. While the UK government cites medical mercy for the terminal patient, critics suggest the move secured lucrative Libyan drilling rights for British energy firms. The geopolitical fallout coincides with David Cameron positioning himself as the next Prime Minister with Google CEO Eric Schmidt serving as a primary economic advisor. In Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai claims a dubious election victory amidst reports of widespread voter intimidation and the resurgence of regional warlords. Domestic tensions in the United States escalate as Blue Dog Democrats like Gene Taylor face raucous town hall crowds in Montana and Mississippi. Reports of a massive lobster shipment for President Barack Obama’s rural visit further inflame public anger over high unemployment and government spending. Meanwhile, the SEIU and ACORN face scrutiny over proposals for automated government enrollment systems designed to maximize state dependency. Legacy media icon Don Hewitt receives a final tribute through a 2001 C-SPAN clip detailing a volatile 1992 encounter with a sobbing James Carville during the Gennifer Flowers scandal. The episode takes a turn into the esoteric with an analysis of Gary McKinnon’s hack of Naval Space Command files, which allegedly revealed a list of non-terrestrial officers and secret moon bases. From the beaches of Formentera to the central banker summit in Jackson Hole, the global power structure remains under the microscope. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/transcript.md. ### 1. Formentera Vacation, Naked Walkers, and Sea Salt (0:01–4:30) A host returns from a vacation in Formentera, Spain, describing the island's history and the "naked walkers" tradition. The discussion covers local dining at Can Carlos and the process of cooking fish in sea salt. Technical difficulties with GPRS data speeds and solar charging during the trip are also noted. Keywords: [formentera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/formentera.md), [spain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spain.md), [indigenous people](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indigenous-people.md), sea salt, can carlos, naked walkers [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, Lockerbie Bomber Release, and Libyan Oil (4:31–7:33) The release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, on compassionate grounds sparks a discussion regarding potential political motives. Speculation arises that the British government, led by Gordon Brown, orchestrated the release as a quid pro quo for access to Libyan oil fields. The hosts also comment on Muammar Gaddafi's fashion choices and the validity of the original evidence against Megrahi. Keywords: [abdelbaset al-megrahi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abdelbaset-al-megrahi.md), [lockerbie bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lockerbie-bombing.md), [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [muammar gaddafi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/muammar-gaddafi.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), pan am flight 103 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/2.md) ### 3. David Cameron, Eric Schmidt, and UK Political Shifts (7:34–10:08) David Cameron is positioned as the likely successor to Gordon Brown in the upcoming UK general election. The hosts highlight that Google CEO Eric Schmidt serves as an economic advisor to Cameron, questioning Schmidt's ability to advise both the UK Conservatives and the Obama administration. Skepticism is expressed regarding Cameron's political authenticity. Keywords: [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), [eric schmidt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-schmidt.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [conservative party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conservative-party.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [uk politics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uk-politics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/3.md) ### 4. UK Civil Liberties, Surveillance, and Quango Workers (10:09–15:10) A speech by David Cameron outlines the erosion of personal freedom in Britain, citing thousands of new powers allowing state officials to enter homes. The discussion defines "Quangos" (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations) and their role in public life. Statistics regarding the misuse of Section 44 of the Terrorism Act for stop-and-search procedures are reviewed. Keywords: [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md), [cctv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cctv.md), quango, [terrorism act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism-act.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Jane Burgermeister, Swine Flu Vaccine, and Los Angeles Incident (15:12–18:25) The hosts discuss reports of a scientist or activist involved in auditing medical care in Los Angeles who was allegedly detained after claiming swine flu vaccines were being tested on vulnerable populations. The narrative involves an attempted escape to the Israeli embassy and a subsequent arrest under the guise of a threat against the White House. The segment references Project Camelot as a source for these claims. Keywords: jane burgermeister, [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine.md), project camelot, [los angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/los-angeles.md), [forced vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forced-vaccination.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Jay Leno Show, Jessica Alba Commercial, and NBC Strategy (18:26–21:30) The new Jay Leno Show is criticized following the airing of a commercial featuring Jessica Alba and stacks of pancakes. The hosts argue the ad lacks humor and suggests a decline in writing quality. The discussion explores NBC's strategy of replacing scripted dramas at 10:00 PM with a talk show to save money, potentially ceding the time slot to competitors. Keywords: [jay leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), jessica alba, [late night tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/late-night-tv.md), [conan o'brien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conan-o-brien.md), [television ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-ratings.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Hyundai Assurance, Natural Gas Prices, and Market Rigging (21:32–23:15) A Hyundai commercial promising "gas" leads to a discussion on the collapse of natural gas prices despite high oil prices. The hosts suggest the energy market is rigged and mention the book "The Informant" regarding corporate price-fixing at Arthur Daniels Midland. They question why the media does not promote natural gas as a viable automotive fuel alternative. Keywords: [hyundai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hyundai.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [oil prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-prices.md), market rigging, [the informant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-informant.md), arthur daniels midland [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Diaz, and Boxing Corruption (23:16–27:57) The HBO fight between Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz is characterized as "rigged" following a controversial decision in favor of Diaz. Malignaggi's post-fight interview, where he expresses disgust with the sport's corruption, is highlighted. The hosts also discuss the lack of mainstream media coverage for boxing compared to other sports. Keywords: paulie malignaggi, juan diaz, max kellerman, oscar de la hoya, [boxing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boxing.md), [hbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hbo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Breast Implant Trends and Economic Indicators (27:59–29:04) A brief discussion notes that breast implant sizes are reportedly shrinking in correlation with the economy. The hosts compare this to the "skirt length" economic indicator, suggesting that smaller, more natural-looking implants are becoming the new fashion standard. Keywords: [breast implants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/breast-implants.md), [plastic surgery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plastic-surgery.md), [economic indicators](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-indicators.md), fashion trends, b-cup [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Afghanistan Election, Hamid Karzai, and Warlord Influence (29:05–30:07) Hamid Karzai's claim of victory in the Afghan election is met with skepticism. The hosts describe Karzai as a "shill" for American interests and criticize the media for failing to highlight his US ties. They also mention the return of warlords to power and the intimidation of voters. Keywords: [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [election fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/election-fraud.md), [warlords](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warlords.md), [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Southwest Airlines Incident, Go Topless Day, and Public Urinals (30:07–35:26) A passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight was arrested after stripping naked and punching a woman. This leads to a discussion on "Go Topless Day" and the 14th Amendment rights of women. The hosts compare American attitudes toward nudity and public urination with the more liberal approach in the Netherlands, specifically mentioning Amsterdam's open-air urinals. Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), go topless day, public nudity, [sex offender registry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sex-offender-registry.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), urinals [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Barack Obama, Montana Town Hall, and Lobster Shipment (35:26–37:51) Reports from a town hall meeting in Montana claim that tons of cargo, including expensive lobster, were shipped in for President Obama's visit during a recession. The hosts discuss the remote location of the event and the presence of SEIU union members who allegedly disrupted protesters. The segment questions the optics of such expenses during an economic downturn. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [montana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/montana.md), [lobster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobster.md), [seiu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seiu.md), [town hall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/town-hall.md), [health care reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-care-reform.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Blue Dog Democrats, Town Hall Frustration, and Unemployment (37:51–42:27) A clip from a Mississippi town hall features a woman expressing frustration with government corruption and the lack of accountability in the SEC. Representative Gene Taylor, a Blue Dog Democrat, receives a standing ovation for stating he will vote against the health care plan. The hosts argue that the public anger at these meetings is driven more by high unemployment than by the health care bill itself. Keywords: blue dog democrats, [health care bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-care-bill.md), [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md), town hall meetings, [mississippi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mississippi.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Don Hewitt, 60 Minutes, and James Carville Anecdote (42:29–45:41) Following the death of 60 Minutes creator Don Hewitt, a 2001 C-SPAN interview is revisited. Hewitt recounts an anecdote from a 1992 interview with Bill and Hillary Clinton regarding Gennifer Flowers. He describes political consultant James Carville sobbing in the control room out of devotion to the Clintons, leading Hewitt to attempt to have him removed. Keywords: don hewitt, [60 minutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/60-minutes.md), [james carville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-carville.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/14.md) ### 15. ACORN, SEIU, and Automated Government Enrollment (45:41–50:33) The discussion returns to the influence of the SEIU and its close ties to ACORN. The hosts mention a proposal by a union leader to use computers to automatically enroll citizens in every available government program regardless of their consent. They suggest this is a strategy to "break the bank" and increase government dependency. Keywords: [acorn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acorn.md), [seiu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seiu.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [government spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-spending.md), [unions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unions.md), [automation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/automation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/15.md) ### 16. White House Email Lists and CAN-SPAM Act (50:34–53:43) The hosts discuss receiving unsolicited emails from the White House and David Axelrod, questioning if the government is in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act. They note that the White House uses a private company for mass mailings. The segment also touches on the political pressure for the Obama administration to pass the health care bill despite having a significant majority. Keywords: can-spam act, [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [david axelrod](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-axelrod.md), [email marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/email-marketing.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [spam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spam.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Naval Space Command, Gary McKinnon, and Moon Bases (53:44–56:55) A discussion on the "Naval Space Command" stems from claims made by UK hacker Gary McKinnon, who allegedly found lists of "non-terrestrial officers." The hosts explore the theory that NASA is a front for a much larger, secret military space program involving moon bases and laser-powered satellites. They compare the management structure of the Navy to the requirements of deep-space travel. Keywords: naval space command, [gary mckinnon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gary-mckinnon.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [moon bases](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moon-bases.md), [starfleet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/starfleet.md), [satellites](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellites.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Navy Captains, Arctic Sea Mystery, and Non-Terrestrial Officers (56:55–1:01:23) An anecdote about the arrogance of Navy captains leads back to the mystery of the "Arctic Sea" ship and the existence of the US Navy Space Command. The hosts discuss the terminology of "terrestrial" versus "non-terrestrial" officers found in hacked files. They encourage listeners to leak any sensitive data they find to prevent it from being suppressed. Keywords: navy captains, [arctic sea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arctic-sea.md), [gary mckinnon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gary-mckinnon.md), non-terrestrial officers, [air pollution district](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution-district.md), [finland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Podcast Production, Don Hewitt Tribute, and C-SPAN (1:01:23–1:03:07) The hosts reflect on the quality of their current episode, specifically the value of the Don Hewitt clip from C-SPAN. They discuss the upcoming 60 Minutes tribute to Hewitt and compare their own independent analysis to mainstream media coverage. Keywords: [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), don hewitt, [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), brian lamb, [60 minutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/60-minutes.md), [media analysis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-analysis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Donor Acknowledgments, Ringtone Premiums, and Tea Party Coins (1:03:08–1:09:10) The hosts read a list of donors from various locations including the UK, California, and Germany. They introduce a new premium where donors of $50 or more can receive custom ringtones recorded by the hosts. They also mention receiving "Tea Party" dollar coins from a listener. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [ringtones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ringtones.md), [tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), laguna woods, [finland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finland.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Project Serpo, Alien Exchange, and Linda Moulton Howe (1:09:10–1:12:09) A listener in the chat room provides information on "Project Serpo," an alleged top-secret exchange program between the US government and an alien planet. The story involves Sergeant Richard C. Doty and journalist Linda Moulton Howe. The hosts link this conspiracy to the previously discussed "non-terrestrial" officer list. Keywords: project serpo, [aliens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aliens.md), richard doty, linda moulton howe, serpo, [ufo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ufo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Economic Outlook, Central Bankers, and Show Close (1:12:09–1:14:51) The show concludes with a look at the upcoming meeting of central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Speculation regarding Ben Bernanke's successor at the Federal Reserve includes Larry Summers. The hosts announce an upcoming "No Agenda" dinner in October and sign off from Amsterdam and Silicon Valley. Keywords: [ben bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), [larry summers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-summers.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [jackson hole](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jackson-hole.md), [global economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-economy.md), no agenda dinner [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/124-obama-s-lobsters/chapter/22.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/123-thanksgiving-turkeys.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/125-breaking-news-ted-kennedy-is-dead.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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