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Michael Shellenberger discusses his experience accessing the Twitter files, highlighting the misinformation surrounding the deplatforming of Donald Trump and the censorship of the Hunter Biden laptop story. He notes that Twitter's internal discussions revealed a progressive bias among staff, but also significant influence from government agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, which pressured Twitter to censor certain content. Shellenberger explains that this shift in narrative from individual bias to government influence was alarming, revealing a broader operation to control information. He traces the origins of this apparatus back to the post-9/11 era, where the government began to regulate speech in response to perceived threats, particularly after events like Brexit and Trump's election. The conversation shifts to the implications of censorship and the role of social media in shaping public discourse. Shellenberger emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in how information is moderated, arguing that the government should disclose when it pressures platforms to censor content. He expresses concern over the rise of ideologies that prioritize control over open dialogue, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine discourse. They discuss the cultural implications of these trends, including the rise of identity politics and the impact on free speech. Shellenberger argues that the abandonment of traditional moral frameworks has led to a new form of dogmatism, where dissenting voices are silenced. He advocates for a return to foundational principles of free speech and the recognition of shared humanity. The discussion also touches on the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and the need for careful regulation to prevent misuse. Shellenberger expresses optimism about the possibility of change, citing recent public revolts against elite control in various contexts, including the Dutch farmers' protests against government regulations. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of open dialogue, the dangers of censorship, and the need for a return to fundamental principles of freedom and accountability in society.

In this episode, Jordan Peterson speaks with Miranda Devine about her book *Laptop from Hell: Hunter Biden, Big Tech, and the Dirty Secrets the President Tried to Hide*. They discuss the implications of Hunter Biden's laptop, which he abandoned at a repair shop in April 2019, just before his father announced his presidential candidacy. The laptop contained not only personal material but also business documents related to Hunter's dealings with companies like Burisma, raising questions about Joe Biden's potential compromise due to his family's financial entanglements. Devine recounts how the repair shop owner, John Paul Mac Isaac, discovered the laptop's contents, which included explicit material and incriminating business documents. After failing to reach Hunter for 90 days, Mac Isaac took ownership of the laptop and sought to alert authorities, fearing repercussions due to the Biden family's influence in Delaware. His attempts to contact the FBI were initially rebuffed, leading him to eventually share the information with Rudy Giuliani, who helped bring the story to the New York Post. The New York Post published the story shortly before the 2020 election, but it faced immediate censorship from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which claimed it was Russian disinformation. Devine highlights the involvement of former intelligence officials who signed a letter asserting the laptop's contents were likely part of a Russian operation, despite not having seen the evidence themselves. This suppression of information, according to Devine, represents a significant scandal, suggesting collusion between the government, social media, and the Biden campaign to influence the election. Throughout the discussion, Peterson and Devine explore the moral implications of Joe Biden's actions and the broader consequences of Hunter Biden's business dealings, particularly in relation to U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They conclude that the intertwining of the Biden family's financial interests with international affairs poses a serious moral hazard, especially given the current geopolitical climate.

Megyn Kelly welcomes Glenn Greenwald to discuss the current state of free speech, particularly focusing on Elon Musk's platform X being banned in Brazil. Greenwald emphasizes Brazil's significance as a democracy and a testing ground for online censorship, noting that the Brazilian government is pushing extreme measures to control information. He highlights that a single judge's orders are leading to severe consequences for platforms like X, including threats of imprisonment for executives who do not comply. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of censorship in the U.S., referencing Kamala Harris's past statements advocating for social media regulation. Greenwald argues that the mentality of censoring dissenting voices is becoming prevalent in the West, drawing parallels between Brazil's actions and potential future actions in the U.S. He points out that many individuals being censored are not extremists but rather prominent political figures who criticize the government. Kelly and Greenwald discuss the Hunter Biden laptop story, asserting that the Biden administration pressured tech companies to suppress the story, which was later verified as true. They criticize the media's role in perpetuating the narrative of Russian disinformation and highlight the lack of accountability for those who misled the public. The discussion also touches on the Democratic Party's tactics to silence dissent within its ranks, exemplified by the treatment of figures like Jill Stein and Tulsi Gabbard, who have faced accusations of being Russian assets for opposing party lines. Greenwald points out the hypocrisy in how different political figures are treated based on their affiliations. They conclude by discussing the media's double standards, particularly in how they cover political narratives and the implications of censorship on democracy. Greenwald emphasizes the importance of free speech and the dangers of allowing the government to dictate what constitutes acceptable discourse.

Theo Von opens with notes about a second Nashville show on May 3, 4:00 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena, thanking fans and listing tickets for East Lansing, Victoria, College Station, Gig ’Em Belt, Oxford, Tuscaloosa, Winnipeg, and Calgary, with tickets at theo.com. The guest is comedian, podcaster, and social commentator Dave Smith, known for Part of the Problem and Legion of Skanks. They discuss a wide range of topics, including the Israel and Palestine conflict; the conversation was recorded Monday, January 13, which is why there was no ceasefire discussion. The dialogue covers politics, media, censorship, war, and philosophy through a libertarian lens. Smith describes libertarianism as the belief in self ownership, non aggression, and private property, with government whose sole role is to protect liberty. He explains that liberty includes free speech, gun rights, and property rights, and that any government activity beyond protection is tyrannical because it takes from someone to give to someone else. They explore how this view translates into views on markets, peace, and intervention. A major portion of the talk turns to TikTok, its potential ban, and why platforms matter for information flow. They discuss TikTok as a source of news for young people, the shift away from traditional outlets, and the fear that a ban would suppress alternative viewpoints, especially material critical of Israeli actions in Gaza. They reference the Anti-Defamation League and its stance on Israel, and mention Osama bin Laden’s open letter to America and the grievances cited there, including presence of US military bases in Muslim lands, US support for Israel, and exploitation of regional resources. Smith notes the claim that Bin Laden listed the occupation of sacred lands and economic grievances as motivators, while also describing the complexity of the historical context and the reaction from various audiences to reading his words. The episode delves into censorship and power, including Zuckerberg’s Rogan interview and the claim that the FBI advised Facebook about a looming Russian information dump during the 2020 election. They contrast Facebook’s approach with Twitter’s, and critique the narrative of censorship as a new phenomenon, arguing that government pressure to shape speech has long existed, yet corporate and platform power now amplifies it. They discuss the Hunter Biden laptop episode, the role of third party fact checking, and the difference between a blanket ban and a signal reduction rather than a full removal. Beyond foreign policy, the conversation touches U.S. domestic policy and history. They discuss neoconservatives’ influence, Project for a New American Century, and the 1996 “A Clean Break” memo advocating regime change in the Middle East to advance Israel’s strategic aims. They recount Wesley Clark’s testimony about the plan to take out seven countries in five years, beginning with Iraq, and reflect on how the events unfolded after 9/11. They examine the moral costs of war, veterans’ experiences, and the sense that Americans were sold a false narrative about the purposes of intervention. On economics, they critique the Federal Reserve, the gold standard, and Bretton Woods, describing how fiat money and monetary policy enable endless borrowing and inflation. They explain how the Fed’s structure concentrates profits in banks and the government can pursue expansive policy by printing money, with consequences for ordinary people. They discuss healthcare markets, pricing transparency, and libertarian proposals to reduce regulatory friction and increase real competition. The chat also covers culture and media, the rise of podcasts, the evolution of standup, and Dave’s upcoming schedule, including Skankfest in New Orleans, a stop in Bozeman, Montana, and other dates at comicdavesmith.com. They close with reflections on truth, accountability, and the value of speaking honestly while recognizing uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and maintaining a commitment to liberty. If you want more, follow Dave Smith at comicdavesmith.com for tour dates and updates, and catch his continued work on Part of the Problem and other projects. The conversation demonstrates a willingness to grapple with difficult issues in a forum that prizes openness and the exploration of ideas.