JRE #273 – Amber Lyon

This podcast features a captivating conversation with Amber Lyon, a former CNN journalist who speaks out about her experiences with censorship, corruption, and the systematic cover-up of global events. The interview delves into a range of provocative topics, exposing deep underlying themes about the state of journalism, political manipulation, and the future of humanity.

Major Topics & 4 Point Summaries:

1. Amber Lyon’s Experience with Censorship at CNN:

   1. Lyon’s documentary about the human rights abuses in Bahrain was censored by CNN International, despite being aired on CNN US.
   2. CNN’s relationship with the Bahrain regime, a paying customer for programming, is revealed as a key factor in the censorship.
   3. Lyon accuses CNN of airing paid propaganda, showcasing a disturbing trend of news outlets accepting money from foreign governments in exchange for favorable coverage.
   4. The lack of transparency about the sponsored content undermines journalistic ethics and misinforms the public, contributing to distorted perceptions of global events.

2. The US-Bahrain Relationship and a Potential War with Iran:

   1. The US maintains a naval base in Bahrain, a strategically important location for potential military action against Iran.
   2. The US government’s support for the Bahrain regime, despite its human rights abuses, is directly linked to the potential conflict with Iran.
   3. Lyon argues that the US is prioritizing its own interests and a potential war over human rights, highlighting the hypocrisy of the US’s foreign policy.
   4. The cover-up of atrocities in Bahrain serves as a warning sign about the potential for a larger, more dangerous conflict, potentially involving Russia and China, with devastating consequences.

3. The Rise of the Police State and the NDAA:

   1. Lyon discusses the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a law that grants the US government unprecedented power to detain US citizens indefinitely without trial.
   2. The NDAA erodes constitutional rights, creating a system where dissent can be easily suppressed and journalists and whistleblowers face severe consequences for exposing corruption.
   3. Lyon highlights the alarming trend of militarization of law enforcement, with police increasingly adopting military tactics and equipment, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.
   4. The escalating crackdown on dissent and journalism in the face of increased access to information through the internet creates a paradoxical situation, where the system is exposed but also increasingly empowered to silence critics.

4. The WikiLeaks Scandal and Julian Assange:

   1. Lyon discusses the WikiLeaks scandal, highlighting how Julian Assange became a target for exposing classified information about US military operations.
   2. Lyon argues that Assange’s actions, while controversial, were ultimately patriotic, exposing corruption and wrongdoing within the US government.
   3. The government’s relentless pursuit of Assange, including his confinement in the Ecuadorian embassy, sends a chilling message to journalists and whistleblowers, deterring them from exposing truth.
   4. Lyon contends that the WikiLeaks scandal has been deliberately misrepresented and politicized, diverting attention from the actual content of the leaks and the need for accountability.

5. The Role of the Media and the Illusion of Control:

   1. Lyon exposes the influence of corporate interests and foreign governments on mainstream media outlets, leading to censorship and propaganda.
   2. The deliberate distortion of information through the media contributes to a distorted perception of reality, fueling public apathy and preventing informed decision-making.
   3. The media’s role in promoting a narrative of control and stability, even in the face of rampant corruption and abuse, further obscures the true nature of the situation.
   4. Lyon emphasizes the importance of independent journalism and alternative platforms like podcasts and social media for providing uncensored information and empowering the public.

6. The Importance of Psychedelics and Enlightenment:

   1. Lyon advocates for the potential of psychedelics to promote personal and societal transformation, challenging the dominant narrative surrounding these substances.
   2. Lyon draws upon the work of Terence McKenna and others to argue that psychedelics have played a significant role in human evolution and consciousness.
   3. Lyon believes that psychedelics can provide a unique perspective on reality, break ingrained patterns of thought and behavior, and foster a greater sense of empathy and interconnectedness.
   4. She argues that the suppression of psychedelics is related to their potential to challenge existing power structures and promote a more enlightened and compassionate world.

7. The Future of Humanity and the Need for Change:

   1. Lyon expresses concern about the future of humanity, acknowledging the ongoing conflict between enlightenment and corruption, with the potential for devastating consequences.
   2. She emphasizes the importance of education, critical thinking, and the free flow of information as crucial elements in countering the forces of manipulation and control.
   3. Lyon believes that a shift towards a global community, where shared values and interconnectedness take precedence over national boundaries and self-interest, is essential for survival.
   4. She concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the power of individuals to awaken, resist, and work towards a more just and compassionate future.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “CNN is on the wrong side of history.” – Lyon’s powerful statement highlights the media outlet’s complicity in the suppression of truth and its role in perpetuating a distorted narrative.
• “Journalism is supposed to be holding people accountable so that we don’t have to have this distorted perception of what we’re doing overseas.” – Lyon eloquently articulates the fundamental purpose of journalism as a watchdog on power.
• “We need whistleblower’s. They’re heroic. They’re fantastic. If something is happening in your corporation that you know is violating the public good, you should leak that information too.” – Lyon passionately advocates for whistleblowers, recognizing their crucial role in exposing wrongdoing.
• “We’re living in a world that has changed a lot more than we’re aware of, and it’s slowly starting to creep up on us.” – Lyon highlights the transformative nature of the internet and its impact on societal structures and individual consciousness.
• “It’s the only hope for humanity.” – Lyon concludes with a powerful statement about the potential for a shift towards a more compassionate and interconnected world, emphasizing the urgent need for change.