Had to stop watching the livestream. Walter’s defense of Bondi’s/Trump’s decision to shelve the Epstein files is indefensible (if you can actually understand what he’s saying…). Gutless.
Walter's point was Trump is too involved with important affairs of state to be attacked over statutory rape where the statutory time limit is three years (in Florida, don't know about Pedophile Island), and additionally there might be more involved crimes that also need to be investigated (he was vague on what those might be).
I agree with you that even if their reputations suffer, all of these "important" people who are above the Law should be fully exposed. Epstein received a sweetheart deal for his first convictions in Florida; I think he had to sleep in jail but was otherwise free to roam and conduct his business. Since they probably cannot be prosecuted, the people involved should be IDed, and if other crimes are found they can be handled separately. Why do these people always get a pass?
(For disclosure, I had two cousins who in their early 20s were charged with statutory rape of willing underage girls "escaped from juvenile detention"; they served time, six months or a year?, on the State Farm prison in Virginia. As with many 'crimes' for drug possession, they felt that they had been set up by the police.)
I’m sorry to disagree but I don’t think that’s exactly what Walter was meaning.
If I may, I think he was suggesting that if there is a client list with members of the government or other people with significant influence, then instead of charging them with stat rape now, hold onto the file, and use it to hang over their head further down the line - to what Walter suggested being something of a heavier weight with which trump may need their ‘support’.
Epstein died six years ago and "stat rape" statute of limitations for charging them is only three years. Of course, somehow the statute of limitations was changed for Trump but that was 'special'.
Walter was vague and your interpretation and mine are equally valid (or not). But agree to disagree.
C'mon! What's indefensible is America's obsession with salacious sex! Why does anyone give a shit what kind of sex someone else engages in? Here's why - because they ain't gettin any, that's why! If this country wasn't so damn childish about sex, no one would give a rats ass about the Epstein file! Americans are like 10yo boys wacking it, while peeping in the neighbor's bedroom window! It's a sad statment of our immaturity that Epstein and Diddy are anything but fodder for the National Enquirer.
Ok, I’m not from the states so was unsure of the time limits. If walters theory is true then I wonder. If I was one of the clients, I wouldn’t want my name out there regardless of the states inability to prosecute
Exactly. As it should. Walter mentioned yesterday that we have no idea what will happen next, with regard to the topics being discussed. What will be happening in a week? In 2 weeks? We don't know. If the book reflects elements in the current times, predetermination is impossible. And some of us like spontaneity.
When are you going to address Trump’s lying about negotiating with Iran in good faith and then double crossing Iran with a military attack. I recall how incensed you guys were when Ukraine attacked Russia with drones with our support. Where is the consistency?
You have no idea what was said in those negotiations. Literally no idea. You also don’t know whether Trump knew about Israel’s attacks. The Islamic regime is evil and Trump was not going to give them much in those negotiations because they use it to further their terrorist endeavors and to increase power. Negotiating with terrorists is never a win, ever. The end result is that the regime was weakened, their nuclear capabilities damaged, and no American lives lost, and no war. And you still complain.
I wrote this before their review. Sometimes I feel like I'm in high school English class when I hear their dissections of a great story. I would suggest you read and enjoy the book before listening to their discussions.
If no big wigs ever suffer consequences for the types of crimes we have seen and heard about for the past several years ( and history supports this statement) it just reminds us of what we hate to admit: If you’re rich and very important your crimes go unpunished. All others are subject to the consequences of breaking the law. It is depressing even if it’s not WW3.
Corey Booker is the biggest fraud in congress. He’s had 2 terms already and hasn’t written one piece of legislation. When Christie picked him for the position he was the mayor of Newark. Which the amount of time he was already mayor there was about the amount of time where they have all become corrupt. If he had stayed mayor of Newark he most likely would be in prison or out of politics having been forced to resign over some grift that catches every mayor of Newark after they hold the position for more than a decade. It’s NJ history and it can’t be avoided. He’s a loser and let’s hope somehow he gets beat in the next election.
I don't want to go that far. I'd just like a fighting chance at re/reading the books before hearing a conversations on them. I guess in my arrogance I consider myself/and us to be something more dignified than an "audience."
I'm still at page 37 of "1984," if that helps. I would have read "Scoop" had I had a couple weeks advance notice. As it is... Screw it, I'm going to lichess.
So I'm with you. Maybe other people don't care if there is no advance notice. Or maybe they remain silent because of the Abilene Paradox. I've given up. I'm still a faithful listener, but I seldom make it through the book discussion.
A literal LOL: Yes, it does help. I am still laughing. My 1984 arrived just before they started Catch-22, and it's sitting at my feet as we speak. Good luck with the chess. I had to look that up. . . .
Maybe the label "book club" is a bit off? I think given the time constraints, they're attempting to get us interested in reading great books, and giving us a list of titles to work through, should we so choose. Maybe it should be a separate podcast? That way they could have less episodes spread out over a longer period.
However, the fact that Matt was sitting in his chair broadcasting shortly after having a camera rammed up his butt, tells me he's a bit tied for time.
This was an awesome episode. If I was to invoke a film reference, it would be Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale in “Now, Voyager,” speaking to the great Mary Wickes. Paraphrasing, “Mr. Kirn, I suspect you are a treasure.”
The Epstein thing is very interesting. Yes, let’s wait and see. Everybody is dead and the records destroyed, maybe. And, timing is never coincidental.
As far as The American Party. I voted for John Anderson for President. I must have donated at least Five Bucks to his campaign, because I had a button. And I almost spit out whatever I was enjoying when WK said, can’t the New Political Party come up with a better name, because I had thought the same thing! (‘Feeling pretty smart right now.)
The Barenaked Ladies had a song, “If I Had A Million Dollars.” If I could have my own political party, what would I name it. I really think RN should have a “What would you name your own political party” contest. The prize? Gear from the “So-Called Journalist” shop.
Finally, the Dems have created a Frankenstein. There is a song in the musical, “Chicago,” —- “He Had It Coming . . .” It is, coming.
Neither Party wanted to touch the Epstein Files because so many of their prominent members and donors were involved. Besides Laws such as Statutory Rape only apply to the untermenschen.
No one in the Biden administration ever claimed to be interested in the case. Bondi, Patel and bongino were all adamant about getting to the bottom of this. Our country is a joke
Over here in Pacific Time space, I feel oppressed by the unnecessary Central Time label. Eastern Time will do; we are not morons. I'm sure Mountain Time feels the same. I don't care about Alaska, Hawaii or the Daylight zones. Besides, decolonize Time Zones while you're at it.
Tell me you are under 40 without saying it! Eastern/Central Time was the standard time format for network television back when there were Television Networks. They would time-delay the broadcasts for Mountain and Pacific Time and I think stations in those time zones had some leeway as to which time-feed they would use.
I'm sure this is either a reflex or an affectionate in-joke for us Gen-X-ers and older..
But you don't feel even a little bit of "Waltons"/"All in the Family" affection for the 8 Eastern / 7 Central format? Makes me feel like Pam Dawber is about to drive down my street in a Jeep, or Bob Newhart is about to say something wry and deadpan. Or Carol Burnett is coming on.
Seinfeld did an episode about the British lilt. Elaine drags home a complete loser from a London trip she went on, because she's smitten by his accent. He ends up freeloading at her place and bumming money from her to go out and party in NY.
Hi, could you organize the America This Week archive with an index, maybe by month?
I've been trying to listen/watch old episodes, and having to scroll back through 125+ shows often breaks my phone and re-loads the front page, making me start the navigation again. Also, going to an individual episode then going back makes me start at the beginning again (or Oldest, or Top, which are the only sorting options.)
I agree with Patricia. If you watch just to complain, it's NOT healthy. It's not healthy here or anywhere, for that matter. Have you checked your blood pressure? As you age, that'll be the first calculable result of it, and once it goes haywire, you'll never get it back without meds.
I’m watching in an effort to expose the stupidity of these two morons. Sort of like when they ridicule maddow, Thomas Friedman, or msm broadly. Not Fox News. Walter would suck that cock no matter how many open sores. I am so very grateful for your concern regarding my health. I’m actually enjoying myself. Don’t take my need to puke literally. I only meant to convey my contempt for whatever infomercial for MAGA this show has become. How long have you been listening? Each episode is a new layer of pathetic. Matt tried to make the case that this latest Epstein episode was egg on the administrations face, but Walter invited him to shut the fuck up. There’s 4D chess afoot. Speaking of shutting the fuck up, you and patty should consider such things
Of course you're entitled to do what you will, but I'm here to tell you that what Matt and Walter do is VERY unhealthy. However, they get paid well for it. Do you?
I preached to my nephew to lighten up his pressured life. He was always considerate of me, but in many ways, he said the same thing to me that you're saying. Guess what? At 46 years old, he got cancer in his balls, and not just any cancer, but a fast moving cancer that almost killed him.
One day, you may wish that you paid more attention to what's important. And you're not alone - I speak this to all those younger people who still think they're indestructible - Relax! Consider nature as a release instead of current events.
I don’t need to get paid to mock them. It’s a public service. I think it’s important to contradict morons with a new layer of propaganda. If this forum and others like it were available 30 years ago, maybe the aggregate stupidity of baby boomers wouldn’t be as detrimental to humanity as it seems to be now. But don’t worry. I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I doubt you’re actually worried. And your nephew probably suffered from a fat moving cancer caused by a vaccine that boomers shamed everyone else to get
Oh my Lord! You are so lost! And also making crass, vile, and evil judgements about thing which you don't know. Not surprisingly, you sound just like Rachel Maddow. Good luck, Chuck! I hope it all pays off for you.
What part is vile? You do know that the vaccine is suspected of causing fast moving cancers, right? And boomers shamed people after being brainwashed by the MSM to get vaccinated. I’m not sure why you think that saying that out loud is vile. Did you pester him to get vaccinated? Maybe you’re feeling guilty? Unless you’re a bot. You can never tell
Had to stop watching the livestream. Walter’s defense of Bondi’s/Trump’s decision to shelve the Epstein files is indefensible (if you can actually understand what he’s saying…). Gutless.
Why is Ghislaine serving time? Because there wasn't a client list?
Because the girls on Epstein Island are all liars?
Yes...timing of this release was political, but don't correlate that timing with bad memory of where justice system has already prosecuted.
Walter's point was Trump is too involved with important affairs of state to be attacked over statutory rape where the statutory time limit is three years (in Florida, don't know about Pedophile Island), and additionally there might be more involved crimes that also need to be investigated (he was vague on what those might be).
I agree with you that even if their reputations suffer, all of these "important" people who are above the Law should be fully exposed. Epstein received a sweetheart deal for his first convictions in Florida; I think he had to sleep in jail but was otherwise free to roam and conduct his business. Since they probably cannot be prosecuted, the people involved should be IDed, and if other crimes are found they can be handled separately. Why do these people always get a pass?
(For disclosure, I had two cousins who in their early 20s were charged with statutory rape of willing underage girls "escaped from juvenile detention"; they served time, six months or a year?, on the State Farm prison in Virginia. As with many 'crimes' for drug possession, they felt that they had been set up by the police.)
I’m sorry to disagree but I don’t think that’s exactly what Walter was meaning.
If I may, I think he was suggesting that if there is a client list with members of the government or other people with significant influence, then instead of charging them with stat rape now, hold onto the file, and use it to hang over their head further down the line - to what Walter suggested being something of a heavier weight with which trump may need their ‘support’.
But didn’t the report say there is no client list?
Epstein died six years ago and "stat rape" statute of limitations for charging them is only three years. Of course, somehow the statute of limitations was changed for Trump but that was 'special'.
Walter was vague and your interpretation and mine are equally valid (or not). But agree to disagree.
That’s not what he was saying at all…
Cheap, and ignorant shot. If you can't recall what Walter said stiffle yourself.
C'mon! What's indefensible is America's obsession with salacious sex! Why does anyone give a shit what kind of sex someone else engages in? Here's why - because they ain't gettin any, that's why! If this country wasn't so damn childish about sex, no one would give a rats ass about the Epstein file! Americans are like 10yo boys wacking it, while peeping in the neighbor's bedroom window! It's a sad statment of our immaturity that Epstein and Diddy are anything but fodder for the National Enquirer.
Ok, I’m not from the states so was unsure of the time limits. If walters theory is true then I wonder. If I was one of the clients, I wouldn’t want my name out there regardless of the states inability to prosecute
Matt and Walter- would it be possible to give the book list for the rest of the year?
Short Answer: No
Long Answer: Of course not
It seems like it's determined on the fly.
Exactly. As it should. Walter mentioned yesterday that we have no idea what will happen next, with regard to the topics being discussed. What will be happening in a week? In 2 weeks? We don't know. If the book reflects elements in the current times, predetermination is impossible. And some of us like spontaneity.
When are you going to address Trump’s lying about negotiating with Iran in good faith and then double crossing Iran with a military attack. I recall how incensed you guys were when Ukraine attacked Russia with drones with our support. Where is the consistency?
"Consistency - the hobgoblin of small minds philosophers and divines."
Consistency? These guys are not working hard on the podcast. Very casual approach. Amateur feel.
You curmudgeny crank. Just read your book.
He gave them 60 days to accept the “deal” and on the 61st day Iran was attacked.
You have no idea what was said in those negotiations. Literally no idea. You also don’t know whether Trump knew about Israel’s attacks. The Islamic regime is evil and Trump was not going to give them much in those negotiations because they use it to further their terrorist endeavors and to increase power. Negotiating with terrorists is never a win, ever. The end result is that the regime was weakened, their nuclear capabilities damaged, and no American lives lost, and no war. And you still complain.
BORING!! I don't believe there's anything more boring than consistency. If Matt and Walter were consistent, I'd cancel my subscription!
I’m on the other side of this argu-thread. I haven’t read scoop but if the dialogue between W and M is intriguing enough, I will!
Well, let me defend my side... If they gave ample advance notice, it would still work for you, as well as those wanting advance notice.
Evelyn Waugh's "Scoop" is one of my favorites! Media and War are great targets.
I wrote this before their review. Sometimes I feel like I'm in high school English class when I hear their dissections of a great story. I would suggest you read and enjoy the book before listening to their discussions.
If no big wigs ever suffer consequences for the types of crimes we have seen and heard about for the past several years ( and history supports this statement) it just reminds us of what we hate to admit: If you’re rich and very important your crimes go unpunished. All others are subject to the consequences of breaking the law. It is depressing even if it’s not WW3.
Corey Booker is the biggest fraud in congress. He’s had 2 terms already and hasn’t written one piece of legislation. When Christie picked him for the position he was the mayor of Newark. Which the amount of time he was already mayor there was about the amount of time where they have all become corrupt. If he had stayed mayor of Newark he most likely would be in prison or out of politics having been forced to resign over some grift that catches every mayor of Newark after they hold the position for more than a decade. It’s NJ history and it can’t be avoided. He’s a loser and let’s hope somehow he gets beat in the next election.
Not sure what the full "book club" idea is when the book is announced a few hours in advance. :(
The short stories worked better for subscribers.
I don't want to go that far. I'd just like a fighting chance at re/reading the books before hearing a conversations on them. I guess in my arrogance I consider myself/and us to be something more dignified than an "audience."
Agreed. I really miss them. Found this great site for my short story fix though: https://www.libraryofshortstories.com/
Stop your whining! You have plenty of time to go read the plot summary at Wikipedia. Better yet, ask Grok to summarize it in 50 words or less.
Here ya go...
Me: I have a book club meeting in 30 minutes. I didn't read a single page of Evelyn Waugh's "Scoop". Can you summarize it for me in three words?
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Grok: Satirical journalism chaos
Yeah, you're being ironic.
Sigh. I can't tell whether you're being ironic.
I'm still at page 37 of "1984," if that helps. I would have read "Scoop" had I had a couple weeks advance notice. As it is... Screw it, I'm going to lichess.
So I'm with you. Maybe other people don't care if there is no advance notice. Or maybe they remain silent because of the Abilene Paradox. I've given up. I'm still a faithful listener, but I seldom make it through the book discussion.
What are you complaining about?
They just announced the choice of Scoop, and they were giving us the general set up of the novel. It's not as if you're already behind.
Good point. It's all for the best in the best of all possible worlds.
A literal LOL: Yes, it does help. I am still laughing. My 1984 arrived just before they started Catch-22, and it's sitting at my feet as we speak. Good luck with the chess. I had to look that up. . . .
Maybe the label "book club" is a bit off? I think given the time constraints, they're attempting to get us interested in reading great books, and giving us a list of titles to work through, should we so choose. Maybe it should be a separate podcast? That way they could have less episodes spread out over a longer period.
However, the fact that Matt was sitting in his chair broadcasting shortly after having a camera rammed up his butt, tells me he's a bit tied for time.
This was an awesome episode. If I was to invoke a film reference, it would be Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale in “Now, Voyager,” speaking to the great Mary Wickes. Paraphrasing, “Mr. Kirn, I suspect you are a treasure.”
The Epstein thing is very interesting. Yes, let’s wait and see. Everybody is dead and the records destroyed, maybe. And, timing is never coincidental.
As far as The American Party. I voted for John Anderson for President. I must have donated at least Five Bucks to his campaign, because I had a button. And I almost spit out whatever I was enjoying when WK said, can’t the New Political Party come up with a better name, because I had thought the same thing! (‘Feeling pretty smart right now.)
The Barenaked Ladies had a song, “If I Had A Million Dollars.” If I could have my own political party, what would I name it. I really think RN should have a “What would you name your own political party” contest. The prize? Gear from the “So-Called Journalist” shop.
Finally, the Dems have created a Frankenstein. There is a song in the musical, “Chicago,” —- “He Had It Coming . . .” It is, coming.
Can’t wait to hear the explanation for how the Epstein news is the fault of the dreaded democrats , or was it NPR or the New York Times?
Neither Party wanted to touch the Epstein Files because so many of their prominent members and donors were involved. Besides Laws such as Statutory Rape only apply to the untermenschen.
No one in the Biden administration ever claimed to be interested in the case. Bondi, Patel and bongino were all adamant about getting to the bottom of this. Our country is a joke
Over here in Pacific Time space, I feel oppressed by the unnecessary Central Time label. Eastern Time will do; we are not morons. I'm sure Mountain Time feels the same. I don't care about Alaska, Hawaii or the Daylight zones. Besides, decolonize Time Zones while you're at it.
Tell me you are under 40 without saying it! Eastern/Central Time was the standard time format for network television back when there were Television Networks. They would time-delay the broadcasts for Mountain and Pacific Time and I think stations in those time zones had some leeway as to which time-feed they would use.
I'm sure this is either a reflex or an affectionate in-joke for us Gen-X-ers and older..
Hey, BRetty. Now read it when you know I am 70 and based.
But you don't feel even a little bit of "Waltons"/"All in the Family" affection for the 8 Eastern / 7 Central format? Makes me feel like Pam Dawber is about to drive down my street in a Jeep, or Bob Newhart is about to say something wry and deadpan. Or Carol Burnett is coming on.
"Those were the daaaaays."
Bob the psychiatrist, in my mind, not the hotel manager.
Walter “Piss on me and tell me it’s raining, but for a good cause” Kirn
Seinfeld did an episode about the British lilt. Elaine drags home a complete loser from a London trip she went on, because she's smitten by his accent. He ends up freeloading at her place and bumming money from her to go out and party in NY.
Everyone keeps confusing the loud, radical far-left voter with “voters”.
Hi, could you organize the America This Week archive with an index, maybe by month?
I've been trying to listen/watch old episodes, and having to scroll back through 125+ shows often breaks my phone and re-loads the front page, making me start the navigation again. Also, going to an individual episode then going back makes me start at the beginning again (or Oldest, or Top, which are the only sorting options.)
Would be appreciated. Thanks.
This show makes me want to #3
I have an idea: Don’t watch it. Take care of your health.
I agree with Patricia. If you watch just to complain, it's NOT healthy. It's not healthy here or anywhere, for that matter. Have you checked your blood pressure? As you age, that'll be the first calculable result of it, and once it goes haywire, you'll never get it back without meds.
I’m watching in an effort to expose the stupidity of these two morons. Sort of like when they ridicule maddow, Thomas Friedman, or msm broadly. Not Fox News. Walter would suck that cock no matter how many open sores. I am so very grateful for your concern regarding my health. I’m actually enjoying myself. Don’t take my need to puke literally. I only meant to convey my contempt for whatever infomercial for MAGA this show has become. How long have you been listening? Each episode is a new layer of pathetic. Matt tried to make the case that this latest Epstein episode was egg on the administrations face, but Walter invited him to shut the fuck up. There’s 4D chess afoot. Speaking of shutting the fuck up, you and patty should consider such things
Of course you're entitled to do what you will, but I'm here to tell you that what Matt and Walter do is VERY unhealthy. However, they get paid well for it. Do you?
I preached to my nephew to lighten up his pressured life. He was always considerate of me, but in many ways, he said the same thing to me that you're saying. Guess what? At 46 years old, he got cancer in his balls, and not just any cancer, but a fast moving cancer that almost killed him.
One day, you may wish that you paid more attention to what's important. And you're not alone - I speak this to all those younger people who still think they're indestructible - Relax! Consider nature as a release instead of current events.
I don’t need to get paid to mock them. It’s a public service. I think it’s important to contradict morons with a new layer of propaganda. If this forum and others like it were available 30 years ago, maybe the aggregate stupidity of baby boomers wouldn’t be as detrimental to humanity as it seems to be now. But don’t worry. I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I doubt you’re actually worried. And your nephew probably suffered from a fat moving cancer caused by a vaccine that boomers shamed everyone else to get
Oh my Lord! You are so lost! And also making crass, vile, and evil judgements about thing which you don't know. Not surprisingly, you sound just like Rachel Maddow. Good luck, Chuck! I hope it all pays off for you.
What part is vile? You do know that the vaccine is suspected of causing fast moving cancers, right? And boomers shamed people after being brainwashed by the MSM to get vaccinated. I’m not sure why you think that saying that out loud is vile. Did you pester him to get vaccinated? Maybe you’re feeling guilty? Unless you’re a bot. You can never tell