# No Coup

> Washington avoids legal definitions in Egypt to protect billion-dollar aid packages while new allegations suggest the NSA targeted a sitting Supreme Court Justice for surveillance.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 529
- **Published:** 2013-07-11
- **Length:** 2h 51m
- **Topics:** Egypt Coup, Russell Tice, [Michael Hastings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-hastings.md), [James Comey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-comey.md), NSA Blackmail, Lac-Mégantic, [Evo Morales](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evo-morales.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup

## About this episode

The Obama administration faces scrutiny over the legal gymnastics used to avoid labeling the ouster of Mohamed Morsi in Egypt a coup. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki and reporter Matt Lee clash over the Foreign Assistance Act, which would mandate a freeze on $1.3 billion in military aid if the designation were applied. This refusal to define the transition highlights a strategic priority to maintain regional influence despite domestic legal constraints.

Former NSA analyst Russell Tice alleges that the agency targeted high-ranking officials including Senator Barack Obama and Justice Samuel Alito for surveillance during the Bush administration. These claims surface alongside revelations that The Guardian consulted the White House and NSA prior to publishing Edward Snowden’s leaks. Further investigations into the Freedom of the Press Foundation reveal financial ties to George Soros and the Open Society Institute, while the suspicious death of journalist Michael Hastings prompts questions regarding remote vehicle hijacking and the intelligence background of his widow, Elise Jordan.

Technical staging in media comes to the forefront as Fox News is caught simulating fake satellite delays during an interview with Rand Paul. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak also dissect the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster in Quebec, questioning the explosive nature of the crude oil involved and its potential impact on the Keystone XL pipeline debate. The episode concludes with a look at the George Zimmerman trial verdict predictions and a tribute to the birthday of Nikola Tesla.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Episode 529 Introduction and Travel Schedule (0:00–7:43)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open Episode 529 from Austin, Texas, and Silicon Valley. They discuss an early recording schedule due to a family birthday and outline upcoming travel plans to Amsterdam and Florence. Curry mentions field-testing a new $500 "ultimate podcast device" during the trip, while Dvorak considers attending a NASCAR event in Indianapolis.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [travis heights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travis-heights.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [florence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florence.md), [nascar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nascar.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Courtroom Sketches and Tsarnaev Trial Transparency (7:44–17:19)

The validity of courtroom sketches is questioned following Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's not guilty plea in the Boston Marathon bombing case. Comparisons are drawn between the lack of cameras in the Tsarnaev proceedings and the 24/7 media coverage of the George Zimmerman trial. The discussion posits that the absence of photographic evidence in the 21st century fuels conspiracy theories regarding the identity of the defendant.

Keywords: [dzhokhar tsarnaev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dzhokhar-tsarnaev.md), [boston bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boston-bombing.md), courtroom sketches, [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [federal court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-court.md), [zimmerman trial](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zimmerman-trial.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Edward Snowden, The Guardian, and National Security Consultations (17:20–28:57)

The narrative surrounding Edward Snowden is analyzed, focusing on The Guardian's admission to Charlie Rose that they consulted the NSA and White House before publishing leaked documents. Pundits like Zbigniew Brzezinski and Richard Haass are shown criticizing Snowden's motives on Fareed Zakaria's program. The hosts suggest the leak was a controlled event rather than a spontaneous act of whistleblowing.

Keywords: [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md), [fareed zakaria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fareed-zakaria.md), brzezinski

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Obama's May 23rd Speech and Privacy Debate (28:57–36:05)

President Barack Obama's May 23rd speech is highlighted as a precursor to the Snowden revelations, where he called for a debate on the balance between security and privacy. The timing of the speech, occurring before the public knew of Snowden, is presented as evidence that the administration anticipated or orchestrated the public discourse on surveillance.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [national security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Freedom of the Press Foundation and Mother Jones Funding (36:07–43:28)

An investigation into the Freedom of the Press Foundation reveals its board includes Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and John Perry Barlow. The organization is identified as a project of the Foundation for National Progress, which publishes Mother Jones. Financial ties are traced to the George Soros Open Society Institute, leading to claims that the foundation serves as a "front group" for specific political interests.

Keywords: [freedom of the press foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-of-the-press-foundation.md), [mother jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mother-jones.md), [george soros](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-soros.md), [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [laura poitras](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/laura-poitras.md), xeni jardin

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Evo Morales Plane Incident and Media Narratives (43:29–50:04)

The 2013 grounding of Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane in Austria is re-examined using air traffic control recordings. While Glenn Greenwald and other media outlets characterized the event as a "forced landing" by the U.S., the audio suggests the pilot requested to land due to a fuel indication discrepancy. The segment argues that the incident was a staged political maneuver involving Russia and Bolivia.

Keywords: [evo morales](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evo-morales.md), [bolivia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bolivia.md), [austria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austria.md), [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [air traffic control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-traffic-control.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Russell Tice Allegations of NSA Political Spying (50:05–1:01:50)

Former NSA analyst Russell Tice appears in clips from RT's "Break the Set" with Abby Martin, alleging that the NSA targeted high-ranking officials including then-Senator Barack Obama and Justice Samuel Alito. Tice claims the surveillance was directed by the Vice President's office during the Bush administration. The discussion explores the potential for this data to be used as leverage or blackmail against government branches.

Keywords: russell tice, [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [samuel alito](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samuel-alito.md), [colin powell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colin-powell.md), [blackmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackmail.md), [abby martin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abby-martin.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/7.md)

### 8. James Comey FBI Confirmation and HSBC Ties (1:01:51–1:09:47)

The confirmation hearing of James Comey for FBI Director is critiqued, specifically his previous role on the board of HSBC during its money laundering settlement. Comey's stance on "shield laws" for journalists is discussed, with the hosts arguing that any legislative "carve-out" for national security renders the First Amendment protections moot.

Keywords: [james comey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-comey.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [hsbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hsbc.md), [money laundering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/money-laundering.md), [waterboarding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/waterboarding.md), [shield law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shield-law.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Executive Producer Credits and Value-for-Value Donations (1:09:47–1:20:17)

The hosts acknowledge executive producers and donors who support the show under the value-for-value model. Notable contributions include Dwayne Melancon's elevation to Duke of Oregon and various "karma" requests for jobs and health. A segment also highlights the "Sheeple Airport" Wi-Fi service provided by a listener for travelers.

Keywords: [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [peerage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peerage.md), [dwayne melancon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dwayne-melancon.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), sheeple airport, [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/9.md)

### 10. FCC Low-Power FM Stations and CIA Journalists (1:20:18–1:23:58)

The FCC's opening of applications for 1,000 new low-power FM (LPFM) stations is discussed as an opportunity for non-profits to broadcast independent content. This is contrasted with the obituary of Austin Goodrich, a former CBS News reporter who was revealed to be a career CIA officer, raising questions about modern intelligence infiltration of the press.

Keywords: [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), [lpfm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lpfm.md), [radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), austin goodrich, [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/10.md)

### 11. NSA Internal Culture and Political Blackmail (1:23:59–1:30:05)

The conversation shifts to the internal culture of the NSA, suggesting employees may use surveillance tools for personal reasons or "blackmail." Clips of James Clapper and Eric Holder testifying before Congress are used to illustrate the lack of accountability regarding domestic data collection. The hosts compare the current U.S. surveillance state to the East German Stasi.

Keywords: [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [james clapper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-clapper.md), [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md), [dominique strauss-kahn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dominique-strauss-kahn.md), [stasi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stasi.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Michael Hastings Death Investigation and Remote Car Hacking (1:30:05–1:36:47)

A report from San Diego journalist Catherine Dvorak examines the suspicious death of journalist Michael Hastings in a high-speed car crash. The segment discusses the intensity of the fire and the possibility of remote vehicle hijacking, citing a 2010 University of California study on hacking car systems via iPad.

Keywords: [michael hastings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-hastings.md), [car hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/car-hacking.md), [mercedes-benz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercedes-benz.md), [lapd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lapd.md), catherine dvorak, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Elise Jordan and the Michael Hastings Handler Theory (1:36:49–1:44:52)

The background of Michael Hastings' widow, Elise Jordan, is scrutinized. Given her history as a speechwriter for Condoleezza Rice and her work with the National Security Council in Iraq, the hosts speculate she may have acted as Hastings' "handler." Jordan is currently finishing Hastings' final report on CIA Director John Brennan.

Keywords: elise jordan, [michael hastings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-hastings.md), [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [condoleezza rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/condoleezza-rice.md), [yale](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yale.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/13.md)

### 14. James Bamford and Microwave Transmission Interception (1:44:53–1:51:36)

The hosts debate the technical feasibility of claims made by author James Bamford regarding NSA satellite interception of point-to-point microwave transmissions. While one host dismisses the idea as "bullshit" due to the directional nature of microwaves, the other argues that atmospheric scatter and low-earth orbit satellites could theoretically allow for such collection.

Keywords: [james bamford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-bamford.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), microwave transmission, [satellites](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellites.md), rf engineering

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Fake Satellite Interviews and Rand Paul on Fox News (1:51:37–1:54:20)

The technical staging of television news interviews is exposed, with a focus on a Fox News segment featuring Rand Paul. The hosts explain how "fake" satellite delays are often simulated for effect. The discussion covers Paul's criticism of John Kerry and Barack Obama's response to the military coup in Egypt.

Keywords: [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [rand paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rand-paul.md), [satellite interview](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellite-interview.md), [media manipulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-manipulation.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Jen Psaki and the Egypt Coup Legal Definition (1:54:20–2:05:24)

State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki is shown struggling to answer questions from reporter Matt Lee regarding whether the ouster of Mohamed Morsi in Egypt constitutes a "coup." Under the Foreign Assistance Act, a formal "coup" designation would require the U.S. to halt $1.3 billion in military aid. The administration's refusal to use the term is characterized as a legal workaround to maintain regional interests.

Keywords: [jen psaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jen-psaki.md), [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coup.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), foreign assistance act, [matt lee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matt-lee.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Obama's Foreign Aid Strategy and Extremism (2:05:25–2:09:09)

President Obama's previous remarks on the necessity of foreign aid are revisited. He argued that such assistance is a fundamental national security tool rather than charity, intended to prevent more costly wars. The hosts suggest this rhetoric was designed to protect the funding of the Egyptian military regardless of political upheavals.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [foreign aid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foreign-aid.md), [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [national security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security.md), [code pink](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/code-pink.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/17.md)

### 18. UN Internet Governance and Global Surveillance Nodes (2:09:10–2:14:33)

The Brazilian press questions the U.S. about specific surveillance software like "Highland" and "Vagrant." The discussion posits that countries like Brazil and Saudi Arabia are using the NSA spying scandal as leverage to move internet governance from U.S. control to the United Nations. Meanwhile, the State Department's promotion of "internet freedom" is framed as a way to ensure global traffic remains accessible to U.S. intelligence.

Keywords: [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [internet freedom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-freedom.md), [singapore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/singapore.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Federal vs. State Law and Listener Feedback (2:14:34–2:17:19)

A listener's email regarding the supremacy of federal law over state law triggers a debate on the 10th Amendment. The hosts mock the listener's request for "ammo" to use in an argument with his wife, a law student, and reiterate their stance on state sovereignty, particularly regarding marijuana legalization in Colorado.

Keywords: [10th amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/10th-amendment.md), [federal law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-law.md), [state law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-law.md), [marijuana legalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marijuana-legalization.md), [colorado](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colorado.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Spirit of the Czars Vodka Theft and McDonald's Health Claims (2:17:19–2:21:13)

Two unusual media stories are discussed: the $1.1 million theft of "Spirit of the Czars" vodka in Florida and a Freakonomics blog post claiming the McDonald's McDouble is the "cheapest, most nutritious food" in history. The hosts dismiss both as likely marketing stunts or "bogus" corporate propaganda.

Keywords: spirit of the czars, vodka theft, [mcdonald's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mcdonald-s.md), mcdouble, [freakonomics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freakonomics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Final Donor Acknowledgments and PayPal Subscription Issues (2:21:14–2:32:17)

The final segment of donor thank-yous includes the Gramerica Show and various international contributors. The hosts address a recurring technical issue where PayPal automatically cancels listener subscriptions without authorization, clarifying that the show never manually cancels support and urging listeners to check their account status.

Keywords: [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [subscriptions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subscriptions.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), gramerica show, [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Texas Abortion Law and Veterinary Industry Gouging (2:32:18–2:43:15)

Adam Curry presents a theory that the new Texas abortion regulations are designed to benefit surgical center chains, noting that Governor Rick Perry's sister is an executive at a major hospital corporation. This "gouging" trend is compared to the veterinary industry, where large chains and insurance mandates have significantly increased costs for pet owners.

Keywords: [rick perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-perry.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [abortion law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abortion-law.md), [veterinary medicine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/veterinary-medicine.md), [insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurance.md), gouging

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Lac-Mégantic Rail Disaster and Pipeline Politics (2:43:16–2:46:58)

The train derailment and explosion in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, is analyzed as a potential catalyst for the Keystone XL pipeline approval. The hosts question how crude oil, which is typically non-explosive, could cause such a massive blast, suggesting the event may be used to argue that pipelines are safer than rail transport.

Keywords: lac-mégantic, [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), oil train, xl pipeline, [crude oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crude-oil.md), [explosives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/explosives.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/23.md)

### 24. George Zimmerman Trial Verdict Predictions and Outro (2:46:59–2:51:33)

As the George Zimmerman trial nears its conclusion, the hosts predict the social reaction to the verdict. While social media is filled with threats of violence, the hosts argue that modern Americans are "icon changers" who will vent frustration online rather than engaging in physical riots. The episode concludes with a tribute to Nikola Tesla's birthday.

Keywords: [george zimmerman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-zimmerman.md), [trayvon martin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trayvon-martin.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [riots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riots.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/529-no-coup/chapter/24.md)

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