# Selling the Monet > A sixteen-dollar pastry becomes a national flashpoint as the White House navigates high-stakes fundraisers, Iranian prisoner swaps, and the expansion of the American prison-industrial complex. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 341 - **Published:** 2011-09-22 - **Length:** 2h 35m - **Topics:** Muffin Man, Drone Bases, Atherton Fundraiser, [Haqqani Network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haqqani-network.md), Andromedan Council, Safe Streets Act - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet ## About this episode The Department of Justice faces intense scrutiny following an audit revealing sixteen-dollar muffins and ten-dollar cookies at government conferences. Representative Ted Poe mocked the expenditures on the House floor, while critics argue the pastry scandal serves as a strategic media distraction from the massive hourly flight costs of B-2 bombers and the expansion of drone bases across Ethiopia and the Seychelles. In San Francisco, President Obama prepares for a thirty-five thousand dollar per couple fundraiser in Atherton before a town hall at LinkedIn headquarters. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney dismissed Ron Suskind’s book Confidence Men as a collection of Wikipedia errors. In the courts, former prosecutor Paul Bergrin appeared in a Newark federal building wearing a remote-controlled taser belt, and Al Franken challenged the Department of Justice over policies that could turn checking personal email at work into a federal crime. Internationally, the release of American hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal from Iran is being framed as a million-dollar bribe mediated by Oman. Executive producers Dean Bertram and Joanne Thompson receive recognition for their support during a segment featuring a CIA challenge coin from the Langley gift shop. The program also notes a brief intergalactic update regarding the Andromedan Council’s alleged victory over the Draco Reptilians and the subsequent shift of Earth into a light-filled fourth dimension. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/transcript.md. ### 1. Department of Justice, $16 Muffin Media Distraction (0:00–10:04) A Department of Justice audit revealing $16 muffins and $10 cookies at government conferences serves as a primary media distraction from larger fiscal issues. Representative Poe mocked the spending on the House floor by referencing "The Muffin Man" nursery rhyme. While the public focuses on overpriced pastries, larger expenditures like the hourly flight costs of B-2 bombers and drone construction in North Africa receive less scrutiny. Keywords: [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), representative poe, muffins, [government waste](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-waste.md), mount tambora, [media distraction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-distraction.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Television Networks, Vagina Word Usage Experiment (10:06–12:36) ABC, NBC, and CBS have reportedly agreed to allow the word "vagina" to be used in sitcoms and comedic scripts as part of a new broadcast experiment. This follows a previous trend of incorporating the word "penis" into network television dialogue. The New York Times reported on the shift, suggesting that the term is now considered acceptable for humorous situations on mainstream television. Keywords: [abc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [cbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs.md), [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [vagina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vagina.md), [sitcoms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sitcoms.md), broadcast standards [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Occupy Wall Street, Media Blackout and Banking Cartels (12:37–22:04) Keith Olbermann on Current TV is noted as one of the few media figures covering the Occupy Wall Street protests during their first five days. Yahoo faced criticism for allegedly using spam filters to block emails containing the protest's URL. The discussion links the lack of mainstream media coverage to the influence of an international banking cartel, citing historical warnings from Woodrow Wilson and John F. Kennedy regarding organized, pervasive power structures. Keywords: [keith olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md), [occupy wall street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/occupy-wall-street.md), [yahoo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yahoo.md), [woodrow wilson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/woodrow-wilson.md), [jfk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jfk.md), [banking cartel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking-cartel.md), [current tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/current-tv.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/3.md) ### 4. No Agenda Executive Producers, Slave T-Shirt Board Meeting (22:04–26:45) Executive producers Dean Bertram and Joanne Thompson are recognized for their significant financial contributions to the program. One of the hosts recounts wearing a "Slave" t-shirt featuring a barcode to a formal board meeting at Mevio in San Francisco and during an appearance on Molly Wood's CNET show, Buzz Out Loud. The anecdote highlights the lack of reaction from corporate executives to the provocative attire. Keywords: [dean bertram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dean-bertram.md), joanne thompson, [mevio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mevio.md), [slave t-shirt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slave-t-shirt.md), [molly wood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/molly-wood.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Domain Name PR, $16 Muffins and Obamabots (26:46–30:03) Listeners registered several topical domain names to support the show's public relations efforts, including 16dollarmuffins.com and igotnothingtohide.com. The domain cockpistol.com refers to a high-level government drill status, while obamabots.com was surprisingly available for registration. These domains currently forward traffic to the main show website to boost search engine visibility. Keywords: 16dollarmuffins.com, cockpistol.com, obamabots.com, [defcon 1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/defcon-1.md), [domain registration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/domain-registration.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/5.md) ### 6. San Francisco Dining, 5th Floor Restaurant Review (30:04–42:30) A recent dinner at the 5th Floor restaurant in San Francisco resulted in a negative experience involving a dismissive sommelier and potential food poisoning. The meal included a Pommard wine, oysters, and foie gras, with one participant becoming ill shortly after. The discussion critiques the "sous vide" cooking method and the decline in quality at high-end establishments following chef changes. Keywords: [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), 5th floor, [sommelier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sommelier.md), [sous vide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sous-vide.md), [foie gras](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foie-gras.md), [food poisoning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-poisoning.md), pommard [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/6.md) ### 7. California Tax Law, Jerry Brown and Oakland Blight (42:31–46:03) New taxation rules under California Governor Jerry Brown prevent companies from carrying forward prior losses to offset current profits, a move criticized for driving business out of the state. In Oakland, "anti-blight" laws are reportedly being used to penalize investors who purchase foreclosed properties. These policies are characterized as government money grabs that discourage urban revitalization. Keywords: [jerry brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-brown.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [taxation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxation.md), [oakland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oakland.md), blight laws, [net operating loss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-operating-loss.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Traffic School Scams, Oakland Chinatown Arrest (46:04–48:48) A story regarding a $380 traffic ticket for an illegal U-turn leads to a discussion about the predatory nature of traffic school fees in California. An anecdote describes a traffic school session in Oakland's Chinatown where the instructor was arrested by undercover cops mid-class. The instructor had been claiming that insurance companies use a centralized system to prevent drivers from switching providers for better rates. Keywords: [traffic school](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/traffic-school.md), [oakland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oakland.md), [chinatown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinatown.md), u-turn, [insurance scam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurance-scam.md), undercover cops [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Paul Bergrin, Taser Restraint in Federal Court (48:49–51:13) Former assistant US attorney Paul Bergrin has been indicted for conspiracy to murder a witness and is representing himself in a Newark federal court. A judge ordered Bergrin to be fitted with a remote-controlled taser under his belt during the proceedings. US Marshals are authorized to shock him if he violates courtroom boundaries or makes unauthorized statements, a measure compared to dystopian reality television. Keywords: paul bergrin, [newark](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newark.md), federal grand jury, [taser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taser.md), [judge napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/judge-napolitano.md), witness murder [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Judge Napolitano, Dr. Oz and Arsenic in Apple Juice (51:14–52:41) Judge Napolitano is criticized for referring to Dr. Mehmet Oz as a "friend" during a segment about arsenic levels in apple juice imported from China. Senator Chuck Schumer has called for FDA warning labels on the juice, while Dr. Oz warned of potential health risks. The hosts express disappointment in Napolitano's association with mainstream media personalities, leading to his temporary "removal" from their recommended list. Keywords: [judge napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/judge-napolitano.md), [dr. oz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dr-oz.md), [chuck schumer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chuck-schumer.md), apple juice, [arsenic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arsenic.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/10.md) ### 11. American Jobs Act, Debt Ceiling Obfuscation (52:42–59:03) President Obama's promotion of the American Jobs Act is characterized as political theater, as the bill had not yet been formally introduced when he claimed his "pens were ready." Meanwhile, an unusual legislative procedure orchestrated by Mitch McConnell allowed the US Senate to raise the debt limit by $500 billion with minimal public notice. The President's use of the phrase "yawning deficit" is also scrutinized for its linguistic oddity. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [american jobs act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-jobs-act.md), [mitch mcconnell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitch-mcconnell.md), [debt ceiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debt-ceiling.md), yawning deficit, [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Jay Carney, Ron Suskind Book and Wikipedia (59:04–1:03:48) White House Press Secretary Jay Carney dismissed Ron Suskind's new book, "Confidence Men," claiming it contained factual errors and passages lifted from Wikipedia. Carney's physical tells during the press briefing, specifically sticking out his tongue, are interpreted as signs of dishonesty. The discussion also touches on the ease with which the administration could manipulate Wikipedia entries to discredit critics. Keywords: [jay carney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-carney.md), ron suskind, confidence men, [wikipedia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikipedia.md), white house press briefing [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Obama Fundraisers, $35,800 Dinner in Atherton (1:03:48–1:06:10) President Obama is scheduled to attend high-priced fundraisers in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a dinner in Atherton costing $35,800 per couple. Following the private events, the President will host a town hall at LinkedIn headquarters in Mountain View. The specific dollar amount of the dinner is mocked as an arbitrary figure that includes hidden costs like valet parking. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [atherton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atherton.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [linkedin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linkedin.md), [fundraiser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fundraiser.md), [town hall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/town-hall.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Class Warfare, Warren Buffett's Secretary and Tax Rates (1:06:10–1:12:25) The Obama administration is accused of inciting class warfare by highlighting Warren Buffett's claim that his secretary pays a higher tax rate than he does. MoveOn.org released a commercial featuring the secretary to advocate for higher taxes on millionaires. The discussion clarifies that the discrepancy is due to capital gains tax rates versus income tax rates, while also mocking billionaire Ted Turner's complaints about selling assets. Keywords: [warren buffett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warren-buffett.md), [class warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/class-warfare.md), [moveon.org](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moveon-org.md), [capital gains](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capital-gains.md), [ted turner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-turner.md), [bloomberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bloomberg.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Elizabeth Warren, Infrastructure and Marauding Bands (1:12:26–1:15:49) Elizabeth Warren is criticized for a viral speech arguing that wealthy factory owners owe their success to publicly funded infrastructure and education. Her comments about "marauding bands" are compared to the rhetoric in Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" and the recent federal raid on Gibson Guitar. The hosts argue her perspective ignores the risks taken by entrepreneurs and the taxes they already pay. Keywords: [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [atlas shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md), gibson guitar, [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [social contract](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-contract.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/15.md) ### 16. British Transport Police, Piracy and Terrorism Billboard (1:15:49–1:20:19) A controversial billboard in London from the British Transport Police claims that monitoring internet history for film piracy can prevent bombings. The ad suggests that pirating films funds organized crime and terrorism, a link the hosts find illogical. Additionally, recent counter-terrorism arrests in Birmingham are described as "pre-crime" actions based on suspected "instigation" rather than concrete acts. Keywords: [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), british transport police, film piracy, anti-terrorist hotline, [pre-crime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pre-crime.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Eric Schmidt, German Labor and Low-Wage Jobs (1:20:19–1:25:08) Google Chairman Eric Schmidt suggested that unemployed American manufacturing workers should accept lower-wage jobs rather than remain jobless. He cited Germany's economic success as a result of labor and wage cuts, a claim the hosts dispute as being out of touch with the reality of the working poor. Schmidt is characterized as a "snide" elitist who is disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Keywords: [eric schmidt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-schmidt.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), labor cuts, [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/17.md) ### 18. USA Today Gallup Poll, Obama Jobs Plan (1:25:10–1:28:12) A USA Today/Gallup poll shows high public support for individual components of President Obama's jobs plan, such as tax cuts for small businesses and hiring teachers. However, the same poll reveals that 36% of respondents believe the bill will not help the economy at all. The hosts argue that media outlets cherry-pick the positive data points while ignoring the public's skepticism about the plan's overall effectiveness. Keywords: [usa today](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usa-today.md), [gallup poll](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gallup-poll.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [jobs bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jobs-bill.md), [public opinion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-opinion.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Listener Donations, Biodiversity Memes and Rugby (1:28:23–1:37:56) Listeners from various locations, including Brooklyn and British Columbia, contributed to the show's "value for value" model. One donor confessed to feeling guilty for propagating "biodiversity memes" in their professional life. Another listener donated the money they would have spent on Rugby World Cup tickets in New Zealand. The segment emphasizes the community's role in funding independent news analysis. Keywords: [andy carvin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andy-carvin.md), [biodiversity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biodiversity.md), [coast guard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coast-guard.md), rugby world cup, [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/19.md) ### 20. CIA Challenge Coin, Knighting Ceremony (1:37:57–1:41:14) A listener sent a CIA challenge coin from the Langley souvenir shop to the hosts, sparking a discussion about whether the object could contain a listening or tracking device. Despite the suspicion, the gesture is seen as a sign of the show's influence within intelligence circles. The segment concludes with a formal knighting ceremony for Douglas Garul and Joe Cool Design for their $1,000 donations. Keywords: [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [challenge coin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/challenge-coin.md), [langley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/langley.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), sir douglas garul, sir joe cool design [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Andromedan Council, Extraterrestrial War Victory (1:41:15–1:43:14) A brief report claims that the Andromedan Council has won a war against Orion Grey and Draco Reptilian extraterrestrials. The update suggests Earth is now shifting into a "light-filled fourth dimension" and warns of upcoming celestial changes. This fringe news item is presented as a "breaking" update on the status of intergalactic conflicts. Keywords: andromedan council, orion grey, draco reptilian, fourth dimension, [extraterrestrial](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/extraterrestrial.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/21.md) ### 22. HPV Vaccines, Gardasil vs Cervarix PR (1:43:14–1:47:05) The UK Department of Health is currently evaluating tenders for a massive HPV vaccination program, pitting Merck's Gardasil against Cervarix. An anonymous source warns of an upcoming PR blitz as the companies compete for the government contract. The discussion highlights that these vaccines use "virus-like particles" (VLPs) and questions the long-term safety and necessity of injecting children with synthetic viral proteins. Keywords: [hpv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hpv.md), [gardasil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gardasil.md), cervarix, [merck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merck.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), virus-like particles [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Afghanistan Opium, USAID Soil Acidification (1:47:06–1:50:17) A George Washington University professor revealed on C-SPAN that Afghanistan was unable to produce opium until a 1950 USAID project acidified the soil. This historical detail suggests that the US government intentionally created the conditions for the Afghan opium trade. The project occurred under Secretary of State Dean Acheson, shortly before the Dulles brothers established the modern CIA. Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), dean acheson, john foster dulles, [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/23.md) ### 24. African Drone Bases, Seychelles and Ethiopia (1:50:26–1:52:43) The US military is expanding its drone program across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with new bases established in the Seychelles and Saudi Arabia. A primary base in Ethiopia is being used to target the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. Officials state that the Seychelles base was a temporary measure while the Ethiopian site was being arranged, effectively covering the entire Horn of Africa. Keywords: [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [ethiopia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ethiopia.md), [seychelles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seychelles.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [al-shabaab](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-shabaab.md), horn of africa [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Tony the Terrorist, Yemen Tribal Warfare (1:52:44–2:01:09) An informant dubbed "Tony the Terrorist" provides an alternative perspective on the conflicts in Libya and Yemen. He claims the Libyan intervention was driven by Gaddafi's refusal to pay for refurbished French weapons and his oil deals with China. In Yemen, the violence is described not as a "pro-democracy" revolution, but as ancient tribal warfare between the Hachette and other factions, involving 60 million guns. Keywords: [yemen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yemen.md), [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [gaddafi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaddafi.md), hachette tribe, randy carvin, [arab spring](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arab-spring.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Haqqani Network, Pentagon Marketing Shift (2:01:11–2:03:52) The Pentagon is shifting its focus toward the Haqqani network, labeling them "public enemy number one" following the assassination of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani. US officials are pressuring Pakistan to eliminate Haqqani safe havens along the border. This rhetorical shift is seen as a move to justify increased drone strikes and move the narrative away from Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Keywords: [haqqani network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haqqani-network.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), burhanuddin rabbani, [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Iran Hikers Release, Oman Mediation and Bribes (2:03:53–2:12:21) Two American hikers, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, were released from an Iranian prison after 781 days following a $1 million bail payment mediated by Oman. The hikers, who were arrested near the Iraq-Iran border, are widely suspected of being CIA assets rather than recreational tourists. The "bail" is characterized as a straightforward bribe, and the role of Oman is seen as a diplomatic maneuver to raise its international profile. Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [oman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oman.md), hikers, shane bauer, josh fattal, [sarah shourd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-shourd.md), cia spies [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Al Franken, Cybercrime and Terms of Service (2:12:22–2:15:34) During a Senate hearing, Al Franken questioned the Department of Justice on its interpretation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The DOJ argued that violating a website's terms of service or an employer's computer policy could constitute a federal crime. This means an employee checking personal Gmail at work could technically face federal prosecution, a stance the DOJ refuses to soften despite constitutional concerns from judges. Keywords: [al franken](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-franken.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), computer fraud and abuse act, [gmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmail.md), [federal crime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-crime.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Canadian Prison Expansion, Safe Streets Act (2:15:34–2:19:38) The Canadian government has introduced the "Safe Streets and Communities Act," a mega-bill that implements mandatory minimum sentences and doubles penalties for growing marijuana. Critics argue the bill is a waste of money given that crime rates have been dropping for 20 years. The expansion is viewed as an effort to mirror the US prison-industrial complex and create a new pool of cheap prison labor. Keywords: [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), safe streets and communities act, [marijuana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marijuana.md), [mandatory minimums](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandatory-minimums.md), [prison labor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prison-labor.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Netherlands Prince Day, Golden Chariot and Taxes (2:19:38–2:23:59) The annual "Prince Day" (Prinsjesdag) in the Netherlands featured Queen Beatrix riding in a golden chariot to deliver a budget speech focused on austerity. While the media focused on the pageantry, the government used a potentially manufactured survey from TNS Nipo to claim the public supports reducing mortgage tax deductions. The event is described as a distraction to pacify "slaves" while their financial benefits are stripped away. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [queen beatrix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-beatrix.md), prinsjesdag, maxima, mortgage deduction, tns nipo [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/30.md) ### 31. European Economic Governance, United States of Europe (2:24:00–2:30:24) European elites, including George Soros and former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, are calling for a "United States of Europe" with a central treasury and taxing power to solve the Greek debt crisis. IMF Chief Christine Lagarde warned that the global economy has entered a "dangerous new phase." The hosts predict that the push for a common fiscal policy will eventually lead to civil unrest or conflict between Germany and France. Keywords: [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [christine lagarde](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christine-lagarde.md), [george soros](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-soros.md), [gerhard schroeder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gerhard-schroeder.md), [united states of europe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-states-of-europe.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Rick Santorum, Google Frothy Mix Problem (2:30:26–2:31:48) Rick Santorum reportedly contacted Google to request the removal of a derogatory definition associated with his name in search results. Google refused to intervene, citing its policy against manual search manipulation. The hosts argue that Santorum is too "wimpy" to handle the situation and should have used his political platform to threaten Google with congressional hearings to force a change. Keywords: [rick santorum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-santorum.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [search results](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/search-results.md), [dan savage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dan-savage.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/32.md) ### 33. National Emergency Extension, Show Outro (2:31:49–2:35:40) President Obama signed an executive order extending the national emergency regarding terrorism for another year, continuing a state of emergency that began in 2001. The show concludes with a brief educational clip about the shortened lifespan of high-yield dairy cows and a final appeal for listener donations. The hosts sign off from their respective locations in California, reminding the audience of the next broadcast. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [national emergency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-emergency.md), executive order 13224, cow milk, [donation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/33.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/340-tart-cherry-juice.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/342-karma-kards.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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