# Hookers on Sale > Intelligence claims regarding Syrian chemical weapons and the exposure of NSA surveillance programs dominate a landscape of economic decline and sophisticated domestic political propaganda. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 522 - **Published:** 2013-06-16 - **Length:** 3h 5m - **Topics:** [Sarin gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarin-gas.md), [PRISM](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prism.md), [Dvorak's Law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dvorak-s-law.md), [Shannon Watts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shannon-watts.md), [Snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/snowden.md), [PBS NewsHour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-newshour.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale ## About this episode The Obama administration officially declared that Bashar al-Assad used sarin gas against Syrian opposition forces, a move Ben Rhodes suggests is based on social media intelligence rather than physical evidence. Senator John McCain immediately called for the United States to provide heavy weaponry to the Free Syrian Army and establish a no-fly zone via cruise missile strikes. Former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski warned that this sectarian conflict is being masked by democratic propaganda to serve global energy interests. FBI Director Robert Mueller faced intense questioning from Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Louie Gohmert regarding the NSA PRISM program and the Boston bombing investigation. While General Keith Alexander claimed surveillance thwarted dozens of attacks, Gohmert highlighted the FBI's failure to investigate the Tsarnaev brothers' mosque, which was founded by convicted terrorist Abdurahman Alamoudi. Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation withdrew a $3.5 million grant from PBS NewsHour, leading to significant staff layoffs and a shift in editorial independence. In the UK, a report from The Economist regarding declining prostitution prices in Western England serves as a grim economic indicator known as Dvorak's Law. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak break down the sophisticated PR background of Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts, formerly of Monsanto. The duo also explores the neurological mechanics of stuttering following a clip of EU Parliament member Andrew Duff. The episode concludes with a look at Battleground Texas and their snowflake organizing model designed to flip the state's political alignment. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/transcript.md. ### 1. Father's Day Presidential Proclamation and Listener Feedback (0:00–2:48) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show from Austin and Northern Silicon Valley, discussing listener emails regarding show formatting and donations. They critique President Barack Obama's Father's Day proclamation and his comments on technology's role in connecting families. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [father's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/father-s-day.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [travis heights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travis-heights.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Dvorak's Law and the UK Prostitution Economic Indicator (2:49–6:21) John C. Dvorak cites a report from The Economist regarding a decline in the prostitution industry in Western England as an economic indicator. He references "Dvorak's Law," which posits that as the economy worsens, the quality of services may increase while prices drop due to classic supply and demand shifts. Keywords: [the economist](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-economist.md), [dvorak's law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dvorak-s-law.md), hooker indicator, [supply and demand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supply-and-demand.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Syrian Chemical Weapons Claims and Intelligence Assessment (6:22–12:34) The Obama administration officially declares that the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad used sarin gas against opposition fighters. Analysis of the White House report by Ben Rhodes suggests the intelligence is based on social media feeds and "open source" reporting rather than physical evidence, leading to skepticism regarding the justification for military aid. Keywords: [bashar al-assad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bashar-al-assad.md), [sarin gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarin-gas.md), [ben rhodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-rhodes.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [chemical weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemical-weapons.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/3.md) ### 4. John McCain Advocates for Syrian No-Fly Zone (12:35–14:10) Senator John McCain calls for the United States to provide heavy weaponry to the Free Syrian Army and establish a no-fly zone. The discussion highlights McCain's aggressive stance on neutralizing Bashar al-Assad's air assets through cruise missile strikes on runways. Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [no-fly zone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-fly-zone.md), [free syrian army](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-syrian-army.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/4.md) ### 5. United Nations Syrian Death Toll Statistical Modeling (14:10–19:49) The United Nations reports a death toll of 93,000 in the Syrian conflict, a figure widely cited by the BBC. Investigation into the UN's 40-page document reveals the number is derived from statistical computer modeling and data from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a one-man operation based in London. Keywords: [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), rami abdul rahman, [syrian observatory for human rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syrian-observatory-for-human-rights.md), [statistical modeling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/statistical-modeling.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Zbigniew Brzezinski Critiques Syrian War Propaganda (19:52–22:02) Former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski warns that the Syrian conflict is a sectarian war being portrayed as a democratic struggle through mass propaganda. He argues the situation is interlocked with Iranian interests and global energy pipelines, requiring international coalition building rather than unilateral intervention. Keywords: [zbigniew brzezinski](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zbigniew-brzezinski.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [qatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qatar.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/6.md) ### 7. DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Syrians (22:04–23:49) Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announces an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals. This designation allows Syrians currently in the United States to remain through March 2015 due to the ongoing civil war. Keywords: [janet napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-napolitano.md), [department of homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-homeland-security.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [temporary protected status](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/temporary-protected-status.md), [asylum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asylum.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Immigration Interview Experience and Federal Bureaucracy (23:49–38:12) A detailed account describes the stressful process of a spouse obtaining permanent residency, including medical exams and a "Stasi-like" interview in San Antonio. The federal officer reportedly asked unconventional questions about Michael Jackson and the host's podcasting career rather than focusing on the marriage documentation. Keywords: [immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration.md), [green card](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-card.md), [san antonio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-antonio.md), [stasi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stasi.md), [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [charlize theron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlize-theron.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Andrew Duff and EU Parliament Stuttering Incident (38:13–44:34) The discussion turns to the European Parliament, contrasting the entertaining style of Nigel Farage with Liberal Democrat Andrew Duff. A clip of Duff speaking about the democratic revolt in Turkey is played, highlighting his severe stutter and the challenges it poses for international translators. Keywords: andrew duff, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [nigel farage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigel-farage.md), [turkey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkey.md), [stuttering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stuttering.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Theories on Stuttering and Neurological Feedback (44:34–47:39) Following the Andrew Duff clip, the conversation explores the mechanics of stuttering, referencing an Oakland Raiders cornerback who used feedback therapy. One participant shares personal experiences with childhood tics and the theory that the brain processes information faster than the vocal system can deliver it. Keywords: [stuttering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stuttering.md), neurological feedback, [oakland raiders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oakland-raiders.md), [tourette's syndrome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourette-s-syndrome.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Producer Donations and Value-for-Value Model (47:40–1:02:39) The hosts acknowledge high-level donors and executive producers, emphasizing the "value-for-value" funding model over traditional advertising. They discuss listener feedback on show segments and clarify the "180-day rule" regarding the government's ability to access "abandoned" emails on third-party servers. Keywords: [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [executive producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producers.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [provigil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/provigil.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/11.md) ### 12. No Agenda CD Project and NPR Parody (1:02:39–1:05:41) A new project titled "No Agenda CD" is launched on iTunes, featuring short clips and "super zingers" from the show. The project uses artwork that parodies NPR's branding to attract listeners, while "Eric the Shill" offers handmade constitutions for sale. Keywords: [no agenda cd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-cd.md), [itunes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/itunes.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [eric the shill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-the-shill.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Edward Snowden Smear Campaign and Whistleblower History (1:05:41–1:14:16) The discussion focuses on the public discrediting of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden by officials like Mike Rogers and Dutch Ruppersberger. Comparisons are made to previous whistleblowers William Binney and J. Kirk Wiebe, who faced legal retaliation after following official reporting channels. Keywords: [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [mike rogers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-rogers.md), [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [william binney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/william-binney.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Congressman Jerrold Nadler Questions NSA Metadata Collection (1:14:17–1:19:56) Congressman Jerrold Nadler grills FBI Director Robert Mueller regarding the actual national security damage caused by the Snowden leaks. The hosts speculate that the inclusion of "PalTalk" in the leaked PRISM slides was the most significant revelation, as it was a service previously unknown to be under surveillance. Keywords: [jerrold nadler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerrold-nadler.md), [robert mueller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-mueller.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [metadata](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/metadata.md), paltalk, [voip](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voip.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/14.md) ### 15. PRISM Surveillance Program and Public Opinion Polls (1:19:56–1:26:25) White House Press Secretary Jay Carney defends the "necessity" and "balance" of NSA surveillance programs under Section 215. The administration cites the 2009 New York City subway plot involving Najibullah Zazi as a primary example of a thwarted attack made possible by these programs. Keywords: [jay carney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-carney.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [prism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prism.md), [section 215](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/section-215.md), [najibullah zazi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/najibullah-zazi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Media Defense of Surveillance and UK Privacy Stance (1:26:25–1:32:00) Mort Zuckerman and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague defend government surveillance, arguing that law-abiding citizens have "nothing to fear." The hosts contrast this high-level surveillance with the government's apparent inability to stop local credit card fraud rings operating in California. Keywords: [mort zuckerman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mort-zuckerman.md), [william hague](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/william-hague.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), [organized crime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/organized-crime.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Glenn Greenwald and the HBGary Discredit Plot (1:32:00–1:37:00) A 2011 plot involving intelligence contractors HBGary and Palantir is revisited, which aimed to discredit progressive voices like Glenn Greenwald. The hosts suggest Greenwald may have been set up or targeted long before the Snowden leaks were published in The Guardian. Keywords: [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [hbgary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hbgary.md), [anonymous](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anonymous.md), [palantir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palantir.md), [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Robert Mueller's Congressional Testimony on FISA Warrants (1:37:01–1:46:33) FBI Director Robert Mueller provides conflicting testimony to Congressman Jerrold Nadler regarding whether analysts need a specific warrant to access the contents of a phone after identifying a number through metadata. Meanwhile, reports indicate that half of the U.S. Senate skipped a classified briefing on the matter to start their Father's Day weekend. Keywords: [robert mueller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-mueller.md), [jerrold nadler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerrold-nadler.md), [fisa court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisa-court.md), [metadata](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/metadata.md), [national security letter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security-letter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/18.md) ### 19. General Keith Alexander's Claims of Thwarted Attacks (1:46:35–1:50:01) Senator Dianne Feinstein and NSA Director Keith Alexander claim that "dozens" of terrorist attacks have been prevented by surveillance programs. The hosts criticize the lack of specific details or evidence provided to the public to verify these claims. Keywords: [keith alexander](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-alexander.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [dianne feinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dianne-feinstein.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/19.md) ### 20. PBS NewsHour Funding and Gates Foundation Influence (1:50:07–1:58:15) The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation reportedly withdrew a $3.5 million annual grant from PBS NewsHour following a critical consultant report. The move has led to staff layoffs and the creation of a new "modernized" weekend program, raising concerns about the influence of philanthropic organizations on editorial independence. Keywords: [pbs newshour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-newshour.md), [bill and melinda gates foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-and-melinda-gates-foundation.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [underwriting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/underwriting.md), frank n. magid associates [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Extended Donor Acknowledgments and Anniversary Shout-outs (1:58:16–2:20:06) The hosts conduct an extensive "make-good" segment for donors whose acknowledgments were missed due to a database error. They read numerous notes from listeners in the Netherlands, Australia, and the US, providing "karma" and "de-douching" for various life events and anniversaries. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), swazenov, [anniversaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anniversaries.md), [father's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/father-s-day.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Battleground Texas and the "Snowflake" Organizing Model (2:20:07–2:27:13) An account of a dinner party in Austin describes an encounter with a volunteer for Battleground Texas, a Democratic organizing group. The volunteer explains the "snowflake" model of community outreach and the group's goal of turning Texas into a competitive state for Democrats. Keywords: battleground texas, obama for america, snowflake model, [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [voter registration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voter-registration.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Moms Demand Action and Shannon Watts' PR Background (2:27:14–2:37:38) Investigation into the group "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America" reveals that its founder, Shannon Watts (formerly Shannon Troughton), has a background as a high-level PR executive for Monsanto and GE Healthcare. The hosts argue the organization is a sophisticated propaganda machine rather than a grassroots movement. Keywords: [shannon watts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shannon-watts.md), moms demand action, [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [gun control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-control.md), [newtown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newtown.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Six-Month Newtown Anniversary and Political Exploitation (2:37:39–2:48:18) On the six-month anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers hold a press conference reading the names of the victims. The hosts criticize the political use of these names while contrasting the lack of public recognition for soldiers dying in Afghanistan. Keywords: [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [newtown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newtown.md), [gun violence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-violence.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [second amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/second-amendment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Louie Gohmert Grills Mueller on Boston Mosque (2:48:19–2:52:09) Congressman Louie Gohmert questions FBI Director Robert Mueller about why the FBI did not investigate the mosque attended by the Tsarnaev brothers immediately after the Boston bombing. Gohmert highlights that the mosque was founded by Abdurahman Alamoudi, who was previously convicted on terrorism-related charges. Keywords: [louie gohmert](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louie-gohmert.md), [robert mueller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-mueller.md), [boston bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boston-bombing.md), [tsarnaev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsarnaev.md), alamoudi [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/25.md) ### 26. IRS Scandal Investigation and FBI Intimidation Claims (2:52:10–3:02:57) Congressman Jim Jordan challenges Robert Mueller on the status of the IRS investigation, noting that Mueller did not know who the lead investigator was. Jordan presents claims that the FBI visited Tea Party groups, such as True the Vote, shortly after they applied for tax-exempt status, suggesting coordinated government intimidation. Keywords: [elijah cummings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elijah-cummings.md), [jim jordan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jim-jordan.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Show Outro and Father's Day Sign-off (3:03:00–3:05:03) The hosts conclude the Father's Day episode with personal anecdotes about their daughters and a final mention of the Republic of Texas Biker Rally. They announce the next show for the following Thursday and provide the standard donation URLs. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [father's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/father-s-day.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/522-hookers-on-sale/chapter/27.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/521-techno-boondoggle.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/523-by-law-and-by-rule.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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