# Fascism Today

> From the erosion of double jeopardy laws in Europe to the corporate takeover of the American newsroom, a new era of economic and political control takes hold.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 39
- **Published:** 2008-07-19
- **Length:** 1h 27m
- **Topics:** [Lisbon Treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), Shock Doctrine, [Nokia E71](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia-e71.md), RFID shielding, [Rupert Murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), FISA vote
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today

## About this episode

The ratification of the Lisbon Treaty proceeds across 21 European nations despite a decisive 'no' vote from Ireland, sparking a debate on the emergence of a new global fascism. French President Nicolas Sarkozy continues to pressure Irish leadership for a second referendum, while legal shifts in the Netherlands and Ireland threaten to eliminate double jeopardy protections. These maneuvers suggest a coordinated effort to bypass democratic hurdles in favor of a centralized European Union constitution.

Author Naomi Klein’s 'Shock Doctrine' provides a framework for understanding recent economic volatility, from the privatization of New Orleans schools after Hurricane Katrina to the displacement of local fishermen following the 2004 tsunami. Crude oil prices have plummeted from $146 to $128 per barrel, raising questions about market manipulation by speculators. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom faces a privacy crisis as the Guilford Council and other local authorities reportedly filed 30,000 phone-tapping requests in a single year. In the corporate sector, Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition of Dow Jones has triggered editorial shifts at the Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch, while Viacom’s legal battle with Google threatens to force deep packet inspection on ISPs.

Personal technology choices take center stage as a host rejects the iPhone 3G in favor of the Nokia E71, citing the superior utility of JoikuSpot for mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. A recount of a private party at Prince’s Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis highlights the eccentricities of celebrity security. The episode concludes with a proposal for Faraday cage baseball caps to thwart RFID scanning and a look at ingestible temperature-monitoring pills used during the Holland Marathon.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/transcript.md.

### 1. South of France Vacation, Club 55, French EU Compliance (0:01–7:00)

A host recounts a recent vacation to the South of France, including visits to Saint-Tropez and San Rafael. Observations are made regarding the famous Club 55 restaurant, a chance sighting of Gordon Ramsay, and the local disregard for European Union smoking and labor regulations. The travelogue concludes with a description of Bastille Day fireworks viewed from a penthouse near the Carlton Hotel on July 14th.

Keywords: [south of france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-of-france.md), [saint-tropez](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saint-tropez.md), club 55, [gordon ramsay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-ramsay.md), [bastille day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bastille-day.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/1.md)

### 2. iPhone 3G Launch, Nokia E71 Purchase, Mobile Software (7:00–9:11)

Following the launch of the iPhone 3G, a host describes opting for a Nokia E71 instead of the Apple device. The decision was influenced by long lines at the O2 store in Guilford and technical limitations of the iPhone, such as battery life and lack of voice-guided GPS. The Nokia E71 is praised for its processor speed, form factor, and physical keyboard.

Keywords: iphone 3g, [nokia e71](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia-e71.md), [apple app store](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple-app-store.md), [symbian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/symbian.md), [mobile technology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mobile-technology.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/2.md)

### 3. JoikuSpot Software, Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots, Nokia Features (9:12–13:57)

The JoikuSpot application is highlighted for its ability to turn a Symbian-based Nokia phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot. This software allows a laptop to connect to the internet via the phone's high-speed mobile data connection. Additional features of the Nokia E71 are discussed, including its 3.2-megapixel camera, front-facing VGA camera for video calls, and turn-by-turn GPS capabilities.

Keywords: joikuspot, [symbian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/symbian.md), wi-fi hotspot, [nokia e71](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia-e71.md), [mobile data](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mobile-data.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Guilford Council Surveillance, UK Phone Tapping Statistics (13:58–14:41)

A discussion regarding privacy in the United Kingdom notes that local authorities, such as the Guilford Council, have the power to request phone taps. It is claimed that approximately 30,000 such requests were made in the previous year. The hosts speculate on the likelihood of their own communications being monitored by British intelligence agencies like MI5 or MI6.

Keywords: guilford council, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [phone tapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phone-tapping.md), [mi5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mi5.md), [mi6](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mi6.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Newspaper Industry Efficiency, New York Times, Information Density (14:42–19:59)

The efficiency of physical newspapers is compared to digital news consumption, with a host deciding to subscribe to the hard copy of the New York Times. The argument is made that the curated layout of a broadsheet allows for a faster overview of global trends and news than browsing the internet. A transcription of a 90-minute speech revealed it contained only 7,500 words, illustrating the low bandwidth of spoken word compared to print.

Keywords: [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md), [newspaper industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newspaper-industry.md), information density, [media consumption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-consumption.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Newspaper Marketing Failures, European Newsstand Culture (19:58–23:09)

The decline of the newspaper business is attributed to poor marketing and an arrogant industry culture that relies on price discounts rather than promoting the product's efficiency. A contrast is drawn between the subscription-heavy model in the United States and the vibrant, visually aggressive newsstand culture found in Europe and major hubs like New York City.

Keywords: [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [subscriptions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subscriptions.md), [newsstands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newsstands.md), [the economist](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-economist.md), cosmopolitan

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Rupert Murdoch, Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch Editorial Changes (23:10–24:59)

Following News Corp's acquisition of Dow Jones, the impact of Rupert Murdoch's ownership on the Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch is examined. A host describes attending an editorial meeting where a representative of Murdoch was introduced. There is speculation regarding whether the new ownership will lead to direct editorial interference or the termination of specific columnists.

Keywords: [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [wall street journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street-journal.md), [marketwatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketwatch.md), [dow jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dow-jones.md), [news corp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-corp.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, Katrina Economic Exploitation (24:59–28:55)

The concept of the "Shock Doctrine," as defined by author Naomi Klein, is explored in relation to current economic events. The theory suggests that proponents of the Chicago School of Economics use large-scale disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina or the 2004 tsunami, to push through radical free-market policies while the public is in shock. Examples cited include the privatization of the New Orleans school system and the displacement of local fishermen for hotel development.

Keywords: [naomi klein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/naomi-klein.md), shock doctrine, [milton friedman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/milton-friedman.md), [hurricane katrina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hurricane-katrina.md), chicago school of economics

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Oil Price Volatility, Market Speculators, Fannie Mae Subsidy (28:56–30:27)

Crude oil prices dropped from $146 to $128 per barrel, sparking a debate on whether the volatility is driven by market speculators or pure supply and demand. The discussion also touches on the impending government subsidy of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This taxpayer-funded intervention is characterized as a significant moment in financial history and a potential scam.

Keywords: [oil prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-prices.md), [speculators](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/speculators.md), [fannie mae](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fannie-mae.md), [freddie mac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freddie-mac.md), [financial crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-crisis.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Double Jeopardy Laws, European Legal Changes, DNA Evidence (30:27–34:20)

Legal changes in European member states, including Ireland and the Netherlands, are reportedly moving toward the elimination of double jeopardy protections. This would allow individuals to be retried for the same crime if new evidence, such as DNA, emerges years later. Concerns are raised that removing these protections could lead to state harassment and a step toward fascism.

Keywords: [double jeopardy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/double-jeopardy.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [dna evidence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dna-evidence.md), [oj simpson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oj-simpson.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Lisbon Treaty, European Union Constitution, Fascism Terminology (34:19–36:46)

The ratification of the Lisbon Treaty continues despite a "no" vote from Ireland, with 21 of 27 member states having approved the document. French President Nicolas Sarkozy's efforts to push for a second Irish referendum are discussed. The hosts debate the modern applicability of the term "fascism" and the need for a new word to describe the current global political trajectory.

Keywords: [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), [nicolas sarkozy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nicolas-sarkozy.md), [fascism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fascism.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/11.md)

### 12. UFO Sightings, UK Disclosure, X-Files Marketing Stunt (36:47–41:20)

A recent surge in UFO-related media coverage, including segments on Larry King Live and the release of classified files by the UK and French governments, is analyzed. The "Disclosure Project" is mentioned, featuring ex-military personnel willing to testify about unidentified aerial phenomena. The hosts suggest the timing of these releases may be a sophisticated marketing stunt for the upcoming X-Files movie.

Keywords: [ufo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ufo.md), [disclosure project](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disclosure-project.md), [larry king](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-king.md), [x-files](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-files.md), [ministry of defence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ministry-of-defence.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Viacom v. Google, YouTube User Data, ISP Filtering (41:20–46:32)

The legal battle between Viacom and Google over YouTube copyright infringement is discussed, specifically the court order for Google to hand over user logs. The hosts suggest this data could be used to prove that Google executives were aware of infringing content, potentially stripping them of DMCA safe harbor protections. The broader implication is the potential for ISPs to become mandatory filtering stations using deep packet inspection.

Keywords: [viacom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viacom.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [dmca](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dmca.md), [deep packet inspection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deep-packet-inspection.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Ron Paul Rally, Minneapolis, Prince Paisley Park Anecdote (46:33–52:07)

A host announces they will host the "Rally for the Republic" in Minneapolis, an alternative convention organized by Ron Paul supporters. This leads to an anecdote about a previous trip to Minneapolis to film a commercial at the Mall of America, which resulted in an invitation to a private party at Prince's Paisley Park estate. The host describes meeting Prince and the unique security and atmosphere of the event.

Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [minneapolis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/minneapolis.md), [mall of america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mall-of-america.md), [prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prince.md), [paisley park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paisley-park.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Tinfoil Hats, Faraday Cage Baseball Caps, RFID Shielding (52:10–58:29)

A discussion on the cultural trope of tinfoil hats leads to a proposal for a commercial product: a Faraday cage insert for baseball caps. The hosts reference an MIT study on the effectiveness of different hat designs against radio waves. They explore the idea of manufacturing these inserts in China to provide protection against RFID scanning and other electronic signals in a discreet manner.

Keywords: [tinfoil hat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tinfoil-hat.md), [faraday cage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faraday-cage.md), [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [mit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mit.md), copper foil

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/15.md)

### 16. RFID Detection, Geiger Counter for Chips, Productization (58:29–1:00:13)

The difficulty of reading various RFID frequencies with a single device is discussed, leading to the idea of an RFID "Geiger counter." Rather than reading the data on a chip, this proposed device would simply alert the user to the presence of a chip via induction. The hosts critique Silicon Valley terminology such as "productizing" and "monetizing" during the brainstorm.

Keywords: rfid reader, [geiger counter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geiger-counter.md), [induction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/induction.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), productization

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Ingestible RFID Pills, Body Temperature Monitoring, Holland Marathon (1:00:14–1:03:28)

During a four-day marathon walk in Holland, participants were offered ingestible pills containing RFID transmitters to monitor internal body temperature. The technology, designed to prevent heat exhaustion, transmits data via Bluetooth to a cell phone, which then sends a text message alert if the user's temperature reaches dangerous levels. The government's involvement in such technology is noted with skepticism.

Keywords: rfid pill, [bluetooth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bluetooth.md), [heat exhaustion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heat-exhaustion.md), [holland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holland.md), [codex alimentarius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/codex-alimentarius.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Barack Obama European Tour, Angela Merkel, Berlin Speech (1:03:29–1:05:52)

Barack Obama's 2008 European tour is discussed, specifically his desire to speak at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly opposed the location because Obama was not yet a sitting president. The hosts reflect on the European perception of the U.S. election and the similarities between the major political candidates.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [berlin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berlin.md), [brandenburg gate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brandenburg-gate.md), [john f. kennedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-f-kennedy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Campaign Finance, FISA Vote, AT&T Political Influence (1:05:52–1:08:49)

Barack Obama's vote in favor of the FISA bill and his decision to opt out of public campaign financing are analyzed as strategic shifts to court large corporate donors like AT&T. The hosts argue that campaign finance reform is unlikely to succeed because the media industry benefits significantly from the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on political advertising.

Keywords: [fisa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisa.md), [campaign finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-finance.md), [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [telecommunications](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/telecommunications.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Vice Presidential Picks, John McCain, Economic Hitmen (1:08:50–1:11:41)

The importance of the vice presidential selection for both Barack Obama and John McCain is emphasized, given the age of the candidates and the threat of terrorism. The discussion shifts to the "Economic Hitman" theory and the influence of organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations. John McCain is characterized as a "laggard" who performs best at the end of an election cycle.

Keywords: [vice president](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vice-president.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [council on foreign relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/council-on-foreign-relations.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Netherlands Finance Secretary, Afghanistan Credit Entries, Fiat Money (1:11:41–1:13:14)

A host recounts an interview with the Dutch State Secretary for Finance regarding international aid to Afghanistan. The official admitted that the 200 million euros provided were not a physical transfer of cash but a credit entry in a database that must be paid back with interest. This is cited as a real-world example of the debt-based financial systems described in "Confessions of an Economic Hitman."

Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finance.md), [fort knox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-knox.md), credit entry

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Big Box Retail, Strip Mall Development, Small Business Barriers (1:13:14–1:16:25)

The methodology of modern retail development is criticized for systematically excluding small businesses in favor of "big box" anchor stores like Home Depot and Staples. Developers often require a full year's rent in advance, a barrier that most independent retailers cannot meet. This results in a "cookie-cutter" landscape across American cities where local variation is replaced by identical corporate plazas.

Keywords: big box stores, [home depot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/home-depot.md), [staples](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/staples.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md), [small business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/small-business.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Codex Alimentarius, Tomato Standards, Chilean Grape Scare (1:16:25–1:23:00)

The adoption of international standards for tomatoes by the Codex Alimentarius Commission is discussed as a potential move toward restricting heirloom varieties. This is linked to a recent "tomato scare" in the U.S. that was later attributed to jalapenos or cilantro. A historical parallel is drawn to the 1980s Chilean grape scare, which the hosts suggest was a manufactured crisis used for economic leverage.

Keywords: [codex alimentarius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/codex-alimentarius.md), [tomatoes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tomatoes.md), [chilean grapes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chilean-grapes.md), [food safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-safety.md), [wto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wto.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Mobster Business Names, Witness Protection, Show Outro (1:22:59–1:26:51)

The hosts discuss a theory that businesses run by mobsters in witness protection often use "gags" or hidden meanings in their names, citing examples like White Front and Conway Trucking. The episode concludes with a discussion of the show's title, a brief mention of the "This Week in Tech" podcast, and a sign-off from Guilford and Northern California.

Keywords: witness protection, white front, conway trucking, gemco, [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/39-fascism-today/chapter/24.md)

- [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/38-down-the-rabbit-hole.md)
- [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/40-hydroxy-booster.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)