JRE #1519 – Mike Baker

4-Aug-20

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Joe Rogan Podcast #1519 – Mike Baker: Topics and Summary

This podcast features Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer and president of Diligence LLC, discussing a range of topics from the political climate and the COVID-19 pandemic to the government’s involvement in mind control and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The conversation dives deep into controversial and thought-provoking issues, offering insights from a seasoned intelligence professional.

Major Topics and 4-Point Summaries:

1. COVID-19: Science, Politics, and Confusion

   • The podcast begins with a discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the conflicting information and confusion surrounding the virus.
   • Baker emphasizes the importance of following scientific guidelines while acknowledging the role of political bias in shaping public perception.
   • The conversation delves into the controversy surrounding hydroxychloroquine, highlighting the politicization of scientific research and the struggle to discern reliable information amidst conflicting narratives.
   • The episode touches upon the role of media outlets in disseminating information, discussing how partisan biases can influence the reporting of crucial health information during a public health crisis.

2. The 2020 US Presidential Election: Uncertainty, VP Picks, and Political Polarization

   • Rogan and Baker discuss the 2020 US Presidential election, expressing skepticism about the accuracy of polls and the potential for a contested outcome.
   • They analyze the significance of Biden’s VP pick, highlighting the potential impact on the election and the implications for foreign policy and national security.
   • The discussion touches upon the controversial Benghazi incident and its potential impact on Susan Rice’s candidacy.
   • The episode explores the widening political divide in the United States, emphasizing the challenges of finding common ground amidst partisan rhetoric and the struggle to address critical issues like policing and racial justice.

3. Civil Unrest and the Role of Antifa: A Critical Examination

   • The podcast examines the recent civil unrest in Portland and Seattle, exploring the motives behind the protests and the role of groups like Antifa.
   • Baker critiques the media’s tendency towards subjectivity and a lack of investigative journalism, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the events.
   • The discussion explores the complex relationship between the left-wing movement and Antifa, touching upon the controversial actions of those involved in the protests.
   • The episode stresses the importance of addressing legitimate concerns about police brutality and systemic racism while condemning the violent tactics employed by some protesters.

4. The Power of Cancel Culture and the Dangers of Absolutism

   • The conversation touches upon the phenomenon of cancel culture, discussing its impact on public discourse and the dangers of silencing dissenting opinions.
   • Baker emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the need to be wary of those who claim to hold absolute truths.
   • The episode explores the consequences of silencing voices on both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting the potential for a slippery slope that could lead to censorship and suppression of ideas.
   • The discussion underscores the value of respectful dialogue and the need to avoid resorting to mob mentality or the silencing of legitimate perspectives.

5. The Evolution of Media and the Quest for Objective News

   • The podcast explores the changing landscape of news dissemination, reflecting on the shift from a shared news experience to a fragmented and polarized media environment.
   • Baker argues for the need for a more objective source of news, free from commentary and partisan bias, and suggests that independent journalists could potentially fill this void.
   • The episode discusses the challenges of finding unbiased sources of information, highlighting the influence of political ideologies on both the production and consumption of news.
   • The conversation touches upon the potential role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion, discussing the need for more responsible and ethical practices to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

6. The Manson Family, MK Ultra, and Government Secrets

   • The podcast delves into the controversial history of MK Ultra, the CIA’s clandestine program involving mind control experiments, and its potential connection to the Manson family.
   • Baker discusses the historical context of MK Ultra, highlighting the Cold War anxieties that fueled the program and the ethical dilemmas surrounding its use of unwitting subjects.
   • The episode explores Tom O’Neil’s book “Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties,” examining the tenuous connection between Manson and the agency and the potential influence of MK Ultra on the Manson Family’s activities.
   • The conversation underscores the importance of critical examination and the need to be wary of conspiracy theories while acknowledging the potential for government secrecy to obscure the truth.

7. Remote Viewing: The Search for Mind Control and Its Limits

   • The podcast explores the concept of remote viewing, a controversial practice involving the use of mental techniques to access information from a distance, and its historical connection to the CIA.
   • Baker expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of remote viewing, while acknowledging the potential for human minds to be trained to enhance performance.
   • The episode touches upon the “Super Soldier” program, a military initiative designed to improve the capabilities of soldiers, discussing the role of technology and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the development of mind control techniques.
   • The conversation delves into the ongoing research into advanced technologies, like exoskeletons and augmented reality, highlighting the potential benefits and ethical considerations of these advancements.

8. The Rise of China: Economic Power, Political Control, and Geopolitical Concerns

   • The podcast addresses the growing power of China and its implications for global security and the geopolitical landscape.
   • Baker discusses China’s economic influence, its control of critical industries, and its ambitious goals for global dominance.
   • The episode explores China’s human rights abuses, specifically focusing on the treatment of Uighur Muslims and the crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy.
   • The conversation examines the potential for increased conflict between the United States and China, discussing the need for a strategic approach to address this growing rivalry.

9. The Pandemic’s Impact on Human Behavior and the Future

   • The podcast explores the psychological impact of the pandemic on human behavior, discussing the shift from initial solidarity to fear and anxiety.
   • Baker examines the role of misinformation and political polarization in exacerbating societal tensions and fueling unrest.
   • The episode touches upon the economic hardships caused by the pandemic and the challenges of addressing the resulting financial insecurities and unemployment.
   • The conversation discusses the potential for long-term societal changes, highlighting the need for responsible leadership and strategic planning to navigate the post-pandemic world.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The good thing is pandemics don’t last.” – Baker offers a hopeful perspective on the pandemic, reminding listeners that the current situation is temporary.
• “You can believe the science, which, of course, you should do. You know, you should pay attention to statistics and data and do the best things you can do. But you can also look at it and go, what kind of fuck…” – Baker acknowledges the complexities of navigating scientific information while also questioning the political agendas that can influence public perception.
• “We’re talking about a public health crisis. And you would think we’d set all of that bullshit aside.” – Rogan expresses frustration over the politicization of a critical public health issue.
• “If we can’t come together as a country during a fucking public health crisis, the hell’s wrong with us?” – Baker challenges listeners to consider the lack of unity during a time of crisis.
• “I’m not one of those, and I say this, and I’m sure a lot of people disagree, but I just don’t think that the government’s capable of keeping secrets for the long term, certainly not at this magnitude.” – Baker expresses skepticism about the government’s ability to maintain long-term secrecy, particularly on issues of national importance.

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