# Smedley Butler on The No Agenda Show

Smedley Butler comes up in 11 chapters across 11 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from December 2009 to January 2023.

- **Chapters:** 11
- **Episodes:** 11
- **Discussed:** December 2009 – January 2023
- **Related topics:** [War Is A Racket](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-is-a-racket.md), [Fdr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fdr.md), [Blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [Coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coup.md), [Marines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marines.md), [Military Coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-coup.md), [Benghazi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benghazi.md), [Capitalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capitalism.md), [China](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [Cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md)

## Chapters 1–11 of 11

### US Marines in Japan, China-Taiwan Conflict, Smedley Butler

- **Episode:** [1523: Tank Talk](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1523-tank-talk.md)
- **Published:** 2023-01-22
- **Time:** 2:33:22–2:36:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1523-tank-talk/chapter/us-marines-in-japan-china-taiwan-conflict-smedley-butler.md

The US is planning to station Marines in Japan as a "quick force," a move that some analysts warn could turn Japan into the "Ukraine of Asia." This strategic positioning is viewed as a way to goad China into a conflict over Taiwan, further benefiting the military-industrial complex. The discussion references Smedley Butler's "War is a Racket," arguing that modern military deployments are driven by profit rather than national security.

Keywords: [marines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marines.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [war is a racket](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-is-a-racket.md)

### Brennan's Civil War Warning and the Third Great Crisis

- **Episode:** [1063: Furternity](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1063-furternity.md)
- **Published:** 2018-08-30
- **Time:** 1:38:52–1:47:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1063-furternity/chapter/brennan-s-civil-war-warning-and-the-third-great-crisis.md

John Brennan characterizes the current political climate as the third great crisis in American history, ranking it alongside the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. He expressed concern that Trump's rhetoric could lead to "spilling over into the streets," which the hosts interpret as a dangerous provocation or a "Hail Mary" from a figure under investigation.

Keywords: [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), [civil war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-war.md), [revolutionary war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/revolutionary-war.md), [depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/depression.md), [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coup.md)

### Smedley Butler, War as a Racket

- **Episode:** [867: Wordy Durd](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/867-wordy-durd.md)
- **Published:** 2016-10-09
- **Time:** 2:20:58–2:21:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/867-wordy-durd/chapter/smedley-butler-war-as-a-racket.md

A clip from RT features a reading of General Smedley Butler's famous "War is a Racket" speech. Butler describes his 33 years in the Marine Corps as being a "racketeer for capitalism," helping secure interests for American oil and banks in Mexico, Haiti, and Cuba. The hosts use this to frame modern military interventions as profit-driven schemes.

Keywords: [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [war is a racket](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-is-a-racket.md), [capitalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capitalism.md), [military history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-history.md), [imperialism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imperialism.md), [wall street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street.md)

### Egyptian Revolution and the Removal of Mohamed Morsi

- **Episode:** [528: Zero Risk Society](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/528-zero-risk-society.md)
- **Published:** 2013-07-07
- **Time:** 2:43:56–2:50:01
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/528-zero-risk-society/chapter/egyptian-revolution-and-the-removal-of-mohamed-morsi.md

The removal of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi is debated as either a military coup or a "revolution by civilized people." While Morsi believed he had tamed the military, the Egyptian armed forces intervened following massive public protests. The situation is compared to the 1930s "Business Plot" in the United States and current political tensions in Turkey under Erdogan.

Keywords: [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [mohamed morsi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mohamed-morsi.md), elbaradei, [military coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-coup.md), [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [turkey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkey.md)

### Military Coup Rumors, General Petraeus and Diplomatic Bribes

- **Episode:** [511: Warming Up to Iceland](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/511-warming-up-to-iceland.md)
- **Published:** 2013-05-09
- **Time:** 53:05–57:29
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/511-warming-up-to-iceland/chapter/military-coup-rumors-general-petraeus-and-diplomatic-bribes.md

Speculation arises regarding a potential "Smedley Butler" style military coup brewing around the time of General Petraeus's resignation. Additionally, Representative Jackie Speier is criticized for seemingly offering whistleblower Gregory Hicks a desirable future diplomatic posting during his testimony.

Keywords: [david petraeus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-petraeus.md), [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [military coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-coup.md), [jackie speier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jackie-speier.md), gregory hicks

### Great Depression History, Smedley Butler Coup Plot

- **Episode:** [510: Furtive Movement](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/510-furtive-movement.md)
- **Published:** 2013-05-05
- **Time:** 1:01:14–1:04:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/510-furtive-movement/chapter/great-depression-history-smedley-butler-coup-plot.md

Historical parallels are drawn between current economic conditions and the Great Depression of the 1930s, specifically referencing General Smedley Butler and the "Business Plot" to overthrow President Roosevelt. The discussion suggests the US transitioned into a permanent security state under the Truman administration.

Keywords: [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [great depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/great-depression.md), [fdr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fdr.md), [military-industrial complex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-industrial-complex.md), [coup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coup.md)

### General Mark Hertling Retirement, Military Coup Theory

- **Episode:** [462: Flaming Groovies](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/462-flaming-groovies.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-18
- **Time:** 1:09:29–1:13:49
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/462-flaming-groovies/chapter/general-mark-hertling-retirement-military-coup-theory.md

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling's quiet retirement from the U.S. Army Europe is scrutinized as part of a larger trend of top brass departures. The hosts compare the current political climate to Watergate and the "Business Plot" against FDR. They reference General Smedley Butler's book "War is a Racket."

Keywords: mark hertling, us army europe, [benghazi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benghazi.md), [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [watergate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/watergate.md), [fdr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fdr.md)

### Smedley Butler, War is a Racket and the Business Plot

- **Episode:** [290: Mission Accomplished!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/290-mission-accomplished.md)
- **Published:** 2011-03-27
- **Time:** 1:08:29–1:10:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/290-mission-accomplished/chapter/smedley-butler-war-is-a-racket-and-the-business-plot.md

The legacy of General Smedley Butler is discussed, specifically his book "War is a Racket" and his role in exposing the 1930s "Business Plot." Butler allegedly thwarted a conspiracy by wealthy industrialists to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a military dictatorship. The hosts note the lack of historical emphasis on this event in modern education.

Keywords: [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [war is a racket](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-is-a-racket.md), business plot, [fdr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fdr.md), [military dictatorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-dictatorship.md), [dupont](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dupont.md)

### Smedley Butler, Blackwater Operations in Pakistan

- **Episode:** [168: Relief From Haiti Relief](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/168-relief-from-haiti-relief.md)
- **Published:** 2010-01-24
- **Time:** 1:04:47–1:06:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/168-relief-from-haiti-relief/chapter/smedley-butler-blackwater-operations-in-pakistan.md

The historical "Business Plot" involving Smedley Butler is compared to modern shadow operations. Recent admissions confirm that Blackwater (now Xe Services) is operating drones in Pakistan, despite previous claims that the private contractor would no longer work for the US government.

Keywords: [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md)

### Military Outsourcing, Blackwater Logistics

- **Episode:** [162: 30 Taliban Killed](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/162-30-taliban-killed.md)
- **Published:** 2010-01-03
- **Time:** 24:07–26:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/162-30-taliban-killed/chapter/military-outsourcing-blackwater-logistics.md

Reports from military contacts suggest West Point has shifted focus from combat tactics to logistics, effectively outsourcing front-line fighting to private contractors like Blackwater. This "accounting trick" allows the government to report lower troop casualties while maintaining a massive mercenary presence, echoing Smedley Butler's "War is a Racket" thesis.

Keywords: [west point](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/west-point.md), [marines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marines.md), [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [war is a racket](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-is-a-racket.md)

### Business Plot, Smedley Butler, Prescott Bush

- **Episode:** [155: Holes Over Norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/155-holes-over-norway.md)
- **Published:** 2009-12-10
- **Time:** 24:58–27:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/155-holes-over-norway/chapter/business-plot-smedley-butler-prescott-bush.md

The historical "Business Plot" against President Franklin D. Roosevelt is discussed, involving General Smedley Butler's refusal to lead a coup. The hosts link the families involved in that plot, specifically mentioning Prescott Bush's documented financing of the Nazis, to the modern political elite. They assert that the Bush and Clinton families operate as a single cabal regardless of party affiliation.

Keywords: business plot, [smedley butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smedley-butler.md), [franklin d. roosevelt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/franklin-d-roosevelt.md), prescott bush, nazi financing

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