# Mongolian Hat

> A strategic military deployment to the Central African Republic and the reauthorization of warrantless surveillance signal a massive expansion of executive power as the year closes.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 474
- **Published:** 2012-12-30
- **Length:** 2h 38m
- **Topics:** FISA reauthorization, EMV scam, [Drone warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone-warfare.md), Russian WTO, FEMA grants, Argo psyop, [Prison labor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prison-labor.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat

## About this episode

President Obama authorized the deployment of 50 U.S. troops to Chad to facilitate evacuations from the Central African Republic, though evidence suggests the movement secures strategic oil pipelines. Simultaneously, the Senate reauthorized the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for five years with the support of Senator Dianne Feinstein. This expansion of warrantless wiretapping contradicts previous executive promises while reinforcing a domestic surveillance apparatus that now includes National Guard searches on New York City transit.

Attorney General Eric Holder recently defended the legal rationale for targeted assassinations of American citizens abroad, categorizing individuals as enemy belligerents without formal declarations of war. In Europe, the transition to EMV smart cards and PIN-based chips represents a liability shift from financial institutions to individual citizens. Meanwhile, the EPA maintains a 9.1 million dollar valuation on American lives as background check delays for firearm purchases in Colorado spike from minutes to seven days. Additional reports indicate the Russian Federation has officially entered the World Trade Organization, opening U.S. markets to specialized Russian manufacturing including high-quality vacuum tubes.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak ring in the New Year with a 180-proof bottle of No Agenda Moonshine and a final 2012 knighting ceremony. An anonymous intelligence community professional provides a limited edition 60th-anniversary NSA challenge coin while warning of the shifting linguistic culture within the agency. The program concludes with a look at the Greek soccer team sponsored by the Villa Erotica brothel.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/transcript.md.

### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak Introduction (0:00–1:33)

Adam Curry introduces the program from Amsterdam, describing his 24th day of living in exile in the "lowlands of Gitmo Nation." John C. Dvorak joins from Northern Silicon Valley, and the two engage in banter regarding their timing and the technical delays of the broadcast.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Death of News Broadcaster Arnold Langeberg (1:34–2:31)

Adam Curry reports the death of his friend and former colleague Arnold Langeberg at age 63. Langeberg was a news broadcaster who worked with Curry during a 2004 broadcast from Iraq and had recently battled cancer.

Keywords: arnold langeberg, [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [broadcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcast.md), [cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer.md), [obituary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obituary.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Texting Misunderstanding and Russian Hooker Anecdote (2:32–8:06)

A late-night text message from John C. Dvorak led Adam Curry to believe an emergency had occurred. When Curry called the number back and a woman answered, he jokingly admits he feared Dvorak had suffered a heart attack involving a Russian hooker, though the woman was actually Dvorak's wife, Mimi.

Keywords: [mumble](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mumble.md), [texting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texting.md), [mimi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mimi.md), russian hooker, [communication](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/communication.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Living in Amsterdam Time Zone Experiment (8:08–9:48)

Adam Curry reflects on his daily life in Amsterdam, noting that the primary difference in his workflow is the shift in time zones. He observes that being on the "other side of the clock" provides different RSS feeds and news perspectives, which he considers testing as a permanent experiment.

Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), time zone, [rss feeds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rss-feeds.md), [news network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-network.md), [exile](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/exile.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Mongolian Hat Acquisition via No Agenda Producers (9:49–11:31)

A listener known as Dr. Peter successfully sourced a specific Mongolian hat that the hosts had previously discussed. The hosts joke about the "power" of the No Agenda producer network to procure obscure international items like furry leather-rimmed headwear.

Keywords: mongolian hat, dr. peter, [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md), no agenda news, [fashion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fashion.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/5.md)

### 6. European Smart Cards and Bank Liability Shifts (11:31–18:34)

The hosts analyze the transition from magnetic stripe cards to EMV smart cards in Europe and the United States. They argue that the shift to PIN-based chips is a "banker scam" designed to move the legal liability for fraudulent charges from the financial institutions to the individual citizens.

Keywords: [smart cards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-cards.md), pin, [banking fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking-fraud.md), [liability](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liability.md), [mechanics bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mechanics-bank.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/6.md)

### 7. International Banking Challenges for US Citizens (18:35–20:50)

Adam Curry explains why he avoids using his Dutch bank account for show donations despite the lack of fees in the Eurozone. He cites the heavy reporting requirements for American citizens holding foreign accounts, which often leads banks to close accounts to avoid the associated paperwork.

Keywords: iban, [eurozone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurozone.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), [reporting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reporting.md), [american citizen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-citizen.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Argo Movie Analysis and State Department Influence (20:51–25:36)

Adam Curry critiques the film *Argo*, noting a "special thanks" to Huma Abedin in the credits. He suggests the movie was a State Department psychological operation intended to bolster the Obama administration's image, potentially linking it to the timing of the Benghazi incident.

Keywords: [argo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/argo.md), [ben affleck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-affleck.md), [huma abedin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/huma-abedin.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Show Logistics and EPA Human Life Valuation (25:37–28:08)

The hosts discuss the EPA's valuation of an American citizen's life at 9.1 million dollars, a figure frequently cited on the show. They also acknowledge the contributors to the No Agenda Art Generator and provide the URL for the episode's show notes.

Keywords: [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [human resources](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-resources.md), 9.1 million, [show notes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-notes.md), [art generator](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/art-generator.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Year-End Knighthood Donations and Producer Notes (28:09–38:20)

The hosts read several high-value donation notes from listeners seeking knighthoods before the year-end deadline. Notable donors include Doug Owens, a sailor stationed in Afghanistan, and Patrick Vaughn, who celebrated passing his Red Hat certification by donating to the show.

Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [red hat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-hat.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Drone Strikes and Domestic Surveillance Concerns (38:23–42:45)

A donor note highlights that 176 children have been killed by drone strikes in Pakistan since 2004, drawing a comparison to the Sandy Hook tragedy. The discussion shifts to the presence of the National Guard and Port Authority police conducting searches on New York City transit.

Keywords: [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [sandy hook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sandy-hook.md), [national guard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-guard.md), [port authority](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-authority.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Value for Value Model and Public Affairs Programming (42:46–53:40)

The hosts discuss the possibility of the show being aired on a Chicago radio station as a "public affairs" program. They contrast their "value for value" model with traditional advertising and emphasize the importance of listener-producers in maintaining the show's independence.

Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), [public service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-service.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Obama's Use of the Word "Folks" (53:41–59:52)

The hosts deconstruct President Obama's frequent use of the word "folks," arguing it is a diminutive term used to describe the "plebs" or "proletariat." They note that he has begun applying the term to members of Congress, signaling a perceived hierarchy.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [folks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/folks.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), proletariat, [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Yogi Berra Quotes and Presidential Rhetoric (59:53–1:02:11)

The hosts mock President Obama for using the phrase "déjà vu all over again" during a speech. They identify the phrase as a famous "Yogi-ism" from baseball legend Yogi Berra and question whether the president's speechwriters understood the comedic origin of the tautology.

Keywords: yogi berra, [deja vu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deja-vu.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [rhetoric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rhetoric.md), [speechwriting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/speechwriting.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Amsterdam Fireworks and Machine Gun Liquidations (1:02:12–1:05:03)

Adam Curry describes the chaotic year-end firework traditions in Amsterdam, which he finds distressing. He also mentions a recent "liquidation" or gangland-style shooting involving machine guns in the city, challenging the perception of Europe as a gun-free utopia.

Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [fireworks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fireworks.md), [liquidation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liquidation.md), [machine guns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/machine-guns.md), [gun laws](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-laws.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/15.md)

### 16. NSA Challenge Coin and Intelligence Community Careers (1:05:04–1:07:25)

A female listener working in the intelligence community sent the hosts a limited edition 60th-anniversary NSA challenge coin. She warns listeners about the workplace culture in the "IC," noting that terms like "spook" are now considered derogatory in professional settings.

Keywords: [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [challenge coin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/challenge-coin.md), [spooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spooks.md), [intelligence community](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence-community.md), [terminology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terminology.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Ron Paul on the Fiscal Cliff and Spending (1:07:25–1:11:08)

The hosts play a clip of Ron Paul on CNBC discussing the "fiscal cliff." Paul argues that neither party is serious about cutting spending, describing the government as "drug addicts" looking for another fix of debt and Federal Reserve intervention.

Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [spending cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spending-cuts.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/17.md)

### 18. FISA Reauthorization and Obama's Surveillance Policy (1:11:08–1:16:08)

The Senate reauthorized the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for five years, a move championed by Senator Dianne Feinstein. The hosts criticize President Obama for signing the bill, noting his previous campaign opposition to warrantless wiretapping and his expansion of Bush-era policies.

Keywords: [fisa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisa.md), [diane feinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diane-feinstein.md), [warrantless wiretapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warrantless-wiretapping.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/18.md)

### 19. AVN Awards and Pornography Industry Trends (1:16:08–1:18:37)

The hosts briefly discuss the AVN Awards, noting the shift toward categories like "Best Porn Star Website." They mock the presentation of the awards and the commercialization of the adult film industry as seen on Showtime.

Keywords: [avn awards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avn-awards.md), joanna angel, [showtime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/showtime.md), [pornography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pornography.md), websites

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Gun Control and the Shaming of Gun Owners (1:18:38–1:27:15)

Following mass shootings, the hosts discuss the "shaming" of gun owners through tactics like interactive maps of permit holders. They compare the American situation to Australia's gun buyback and debate whether social engineering will eventually lead to a gun-free America.

Keywords: [gun control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-control.md), [second amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/second-amendment.md), [nra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nra.md), [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), interactive map

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Chardon High School Shooting Retrospective (1:27:15–1:29:36)

The hosts revisit the Chardon High School shooting from early 2012, which they feel has been forgotten by the media. They discuss the details of the event and why it didn't gain the same "legs" as other tragedies, potentially due to the type of weapon used.

Keywords: chardon, [ohio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ohio.md), [school shooting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/school-shooting.md), [2012](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2012.md), [media coverage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-coverage.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Background Check Delays and Lincoln Movie Promotion (1:29:36–1:34:07)

Reports indicate that background checks for gun purchases in Colorado have slowed from 23 minutes to seven days due to a surge in sales. Meanwhile, the hosts criticize the promotion of the movie *Lincoln* on Capitol Hill as a way to associate presidential power with current legislative battles.

Keywords: [background checks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/background-checks.md), [colorado](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colorado.md), [gun sales](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-sales.md), [lincoln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lincoln.md), [steven spielberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steven-spielberg.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Ira Glass and the Roman Mars Kickstarter (1:34:09–1:38:14)

Ira Glass of *This American Life* recently highlighted the success of Roman Mars and his podcast *99% Invisible* on Kickstarter. The hosts view this as the mainstream media finally "waking up" to independent monetization models similar to their own value-for-value system.

Keywords: [ira glass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ira-glass.md), roman mars, [kickstarter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kickstarter.md), 99% invisible, [monetization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetization.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Listener Notes and Relationship Dynamics (1:38:15–1:46:08)

The hosts read more listener notes, including one from a long-time listener who tracked Adam Curry's evolution from the "Podfather" to a "cynical crackpot." Another note discusses the challenges of being in a relationship where partners hold opposing political views on Obama and libertarianism.

Keywords: [daily source code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-source-code.md), [podfather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podfather.md), vaccine denialism, [69](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/69.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/24.md)

### 25. No Agenda Moonshine and High-Proof Alcohol (1:46:08–1:49:41)

John C. Dvorak discusses receiving a bottle of "No Agenda Moonshine," which is 180-proof alcohol. He warns that it is too strong to drink straight and explains the chemistry of using cane sugar to avoid producing toxic methanol during the distillation process.

Keywords: [moonshine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moonshine.md), everclear, 180 proof, cane sugar, methanol

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Jack Reacher Movie and Mass Shooting Memes (1:49:42–1:53:10)

A listener note suggests that the Tom Cruise movie *Jack Reacher* contains themes and memes highly relevant to current discussions on mass shootings. The film, shot in Pittsburgh, had several scenes removed or delayed following real-world gun violence events.

Keywords: jack reacher, [tom cruise](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-cruise.md), [pittsburgh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pittsburgh.md), [mass shooting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mass-shooting.md), [memes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/memes.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Year-End Knighting Ceremony and Ring Deadline (1:53:12–1:58:46)

The hosts conduct the final knighting ceremony of 2012, inducting several new Knights and Dames into the No Agenda Roundtable. They remind listeners that the opportunity to receive a physical ring for knighthood is ending as they transition to a pin-based system.

Keywords: [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), [rings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rings.md), [roundtable](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roundtable.md), [2012](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2012.md), [mimi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mimi.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/27.md)

### 28. US Troop Deployment to Central African Republic (1:58:48–2:01:22)

President Obama authorized the deployment of 50 troops to Chad to assist with evacuations from the Central African Republic. The hosts speculate that this military movement is actually related to protecting oil pipeline interests connecting Sudan to the Atlantic coast.

Keywords: [central african republic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/central-african-republic.md), [chad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chad.md), [sudan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sudan.md), [oil pipeline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-pipeline.md), [cameroon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cameroon.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Hillary Clinton Health and SEAL Team Suicide Theory (2:01:25–2:08:26)

The hosts discuss the reported suicide of Navy SEAL Commander Job W. Price. They explore a theory that Price may have died in a secret plane crash involving Hillary Clinton, suggesting her "concussion" was a cover story for injuries sustained in the accident.

Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), job w. price, seal team 4, c-12 huron, [concussion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/concussion.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/29.md)

### 30. Federal Register Report and Medical Device Scams (2:08:27–2:14:31)

John C. Dvorak introduces a new segment reviewing the Federal Register. He questions the proliferation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools as a potential medical device scam and notes FEMA grants for "mass casualty incidents" and militarized police equipment.

Keywords: [federal register](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-register.md), [defibrillators](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/defibrillators.md), [fema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fema.md), mass casualty, [swat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swat.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/30.md)

### 31. Russian Trade Relations and WTO Admission (2:14:31–2:17:10)

President Obama issued a proclamation extending normal trade relations to the Russian Federation following its admission to the World Trade Organization. Dvorak notes that this opens the U.S. market to Russian products, including high-quality vacuum tubes for audio equipment.

Keywords: [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [wto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wto.md), trade act, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), tube amps

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/31.md)

### 32. Mary Kennedy Death and Media Silence (2:17:11–2:19:33)

The hosts look back at the death of Mary Kennedy, the estranged wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was found dead in an apparent suicide. They remark on how quickly the story disappeared from the news cycle despite the high-profile nature of the Kennedy family.

Keywords: [mary kennedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mary-kennedy.md), [robert f. kennedy jr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-f-kennedy-jr.md), [suicide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/suicide.md), [kennedy family](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kennedy-family.md), [2012](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2012.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/32.md)

### 33. Kony 2012 Viral Video and YouTube Fraud (2:19:34–2:21:52)

The hosts revisit the "Kony 2012" phenomenon and the subsequent public breakdown of its creator, Jason Russell. They link the "viral" success of the video to recent reports of YouTube penalizing major music labels for using bots to generate hundreds of millions of fake views.

Keywords: [kony 2012](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kony-2012.md), [jason russell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-russell.md), [invisible children](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/invisible-children.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), fake hits

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/33.md)

### 34. The New Jim Crow and Prison Labor (2:21:53–2:24:59)

The hosts discuss Michelle Alexander's book *The New Jim Crow*, which argues that the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a racial caste system. They highlight the disenfranchisement of black men and the use of low-wage prison labor by American corporations.

Keywords: michelle alexander, [jim crow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jim-crow.md), [disenfranchisement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disenfranchisement.md), [prison labor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prison-labor.md), [human rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-rights.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/34.md)

### 35. Greek Economic Crisis and Brothel Sponsorship (2:25:00–2:27:48)

As the economic crisis in Greece continues, the "Lagarde List" of potential tax evaders remains a major political scandal. Meanwhile, a local Greek soccer team has resorted to being sponsored by a brothel called "Villa Erotica" to stay financially afloat.

Keywords: [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [lagarde list](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lagarde-list.md), [bailout](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bailout.md), brothel, villa erotica

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/35.md)

### 36. Eric Holder and the Legal Rationale for Kill Lists (2:27:49–2:31:16)

The hosts play a retrospective clip of Attorney General Eric Holder defending the administration's policy of assassinating U.S. citizens abroad. Holder argued that the government has the authority to use lethal force against "enemy belligerents" without a conventional declaration of war.

Keywords: [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md), [kill list](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kill-list.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [lethal force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lethal-force.md), [international law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-law.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/36.md)

### 37. Drone Warfare in Waziristan and Pipeline Protection (2:31:16–2:33:19)

A BBC report on drone warfare in Waziristan is analyzed by the hosts. They argue that the mainstream media ignores the primary motivation for the strikes: protecting the strategic oil and gas pipelines that cross through that region of Pakistan.

Keywords: [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [waziristan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/waziristan.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [pipeline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pipeline.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/37.md)

### 38. Haiti Travel Warnings and Year-End Wrap (2:33:20–2:37:14)

The hosts conclude their 2012 retrospective by noting the State Department's travel warnings for Haiti due to crime and disease, contrasting this with the Clinton Foundation's hotel projects in the country. They sign off for the final time in 2012, wishing listeners a happy New Year.

Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [clinton foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clinton-foundation.md), [travel warning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel-warning.md), [2012](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2012.md), retrospect

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/38.md)

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