The Israeli war cabinet of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been on something of a bender lately, with seemingly no limit on how many fronts they are willing to open up militarily.
The Final Countdown – 4/18/24 – Critical Vote for Ukraine, Israel Funding Approaches as Congress Remains at Odds
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On this episode of The Final Countdown hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss a variety of topics around the globe, including Congress divided over aid funding to Israel and Ukraine.
Nebojsa Malic – RT Journalist
Mitch Roschelle – Media Commentator
Scott Stantis – Political Cartoonist
Aviv Bushinsky – Former Chief of Staff for Israeli PM Netanyahu
RT journalist Nebojsa Malic joins The Final Countdown in the first hour to discuss Congress remaining at odds over a critical vote for Israel and Ukraine funding.
Then, media commentator Mitch Roschelle joins the show to discuss the latest out of the Trump hush money trial.
Political cartoonist Scott Stantis weighs in on the NYPD arresting over 100 pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University.
The show wraps up with Aviv Bushinsky, who shares his perspective on reports of Israeli strikes inside Iran.
The Final Countdown – 4/17/24 – Massie Backs Ousting House Speaker Mike Johnson as Congress Clashes Over Ukraine and Israel Funding
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On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss the latest political developments domestically and abroad, including U.S. Congress clashing over aid funding.
Robert Hornack – Political Consultant
Laith Marouf – Award-winning Journalist
Jamie Finch – Former Director at the National Transportation Safety Board
The show begins with Robert Hornack weighing in on the upcoming SCOTUS decision on Trump and the January 6 defendants.
Then, award-winning journalist Laith Marouf delves into the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, discussing statements from Foreign Minister David Cameron about an imminent Israeli response inside Iran, Iran’s stark warnings against such actions, and the anticipated widespread protests that could ensue.
The show wraps up with Former NTSB Director Jamie Finch addressing the recent surge in safety concerns reported by the American Airlines union, analyzing potential causes, implications for passenger safety, and necessary actions to mitigate these risks in the aviation industry.
DMZ America Podcast #143 (together in person!): #MeToo Drives Cartoonist Ed Piskor to Suicide, Abortion Drives Republicans Insane, Might Gaza Drive Israel Out of Statehood?
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Cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) present a Very Special Podcast. For the first time, Ted and Scott do the pod from Hotel Clovis, a.k.a. Ted’s place in New York. As always, Ted and Scott put friendship first in their spirited but civilized debates and discussions about the issues at hand.
First up: The world of comics and cartooning was upended by the tragic suicide of Eisner-winning cartoonist Ed Piskor, who shot himself to death after being hounded by an online mob and stripped of his professional associations after a younger female cartoonist accused him of “grooming” her four years ago, when he was 17. What lessons can we learn from this episode? Has the #MeToo movement finally gone too far? What of the online posters who gleefully celebrated Piskor’s death? Can comics address systemic sexism without descending into Lord of the Flies-style vengeance?
Second: The Alabama Supreme Court has affirmed an 1864 state statute that bans abortion in all cases excepting danger to the life of the mother (which Texas still refuses to do). In Arizona, if you are raped or subjected to incest, the state refuses to grant you an abortion. Ted and Scott discuss the political implications for a Republican Party that now finds itself out of step with 85% of American voters on an issue with massive symbolic resonance.
Finally: Scott, a long-time supporter of Israel, has reluctantly concluded that Israel’s war against Hamas has claimed too many innocent Palestinian lives and destroyed too much infrastructure in Gaza. Ted suggests that the window for a two-state solution may have passed and that it’s time to consider merging the Occupied Territories and Israel into a democratic Republic of Palestine where all votes and voices are treated equally.
Watch the Video Version: here.
The Final Countdown – 4/10/24 – Congress Grills Top Military Brass Over Ukraine, Israel Funding
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On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss a wide range of topics from around the globe, including top U.S. military officers facing Congress over funding to Ukraine and Israel.
Scott Stantis– Cartoonist for The Chicago Tribune
Jamie Finch – Former Director at the National Transportation Safety Board
Jeremy Kuzmarov – Managing Editor of Covert Action Magazine
Mark Sleboda – International Relations and Security Analyst
The show opens with cartoonist Scott Stantis to weigh in on U.S. military aid to Israel and Ukraine, the political drama involving Marjorie Taylor Greene’s threats against Speaker Johnson.
Then, Former Director at the National Transportation Safety Board Jamie Finch delves into the transportation sector’s recent challenges, including Norfolk Southern’s significant settlement, Boeing’s halved deliveries amidst heightened quality checks, and a whistleblower’s alarming revelations about the 777 and 787 models.
The second hour begins with Managing Editor of Covert Action Magazine Jeremy Kuzmarov analyzing the escalating tensions in Gaza, including Elizabeth Warren’s predictions about the ICJ’s potential genocide declaration, Netanyahu’s announcement of an invasion date, Turkey’s sanctions against Israel, and accusations against Iran.
The show closes with international relations analyst Mark Sleboda examining the allegations against Ukraine’s Burisma, accused of funding terrorist attacks.
The Final Countdown – 4/2/24 – AT&T Data Breach Unveils Dangerous Crack in America’s Data Security Fortress
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On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss various topics around the globe, including the AT&T data leaks.
Armen Kurdian – Political Commentator
Peter Coffin – Author, Journalist, Podcaster
Esteban Carrillo – Journalist and Editor of The Cradle
Steve Hayes – Tax Lawyer
The show opens with political commentator Armen Kurdian talking about the potential mutiny against Speaker Mike Johnson over his push to bring the House to a vote on the Ukraine aid.
Then, author and journalist Peter Coffin talked about the AT&T data leak that revealed the issues with data collection in the U.S.
The second hour begins with journalist and Editor of The Cradle Esteban Carrillo discussing the Israeli strikes on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.
The Final Countdown wraps up the show with tax attorney Steve Hayes who shares his expertise on Trump’s ongoing legal drama, including the latest from his hush money trial.
The Final Countdown – 1/31/24 – The Squad Faces Backlash Over Loyalty and Expenses
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On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss various current events domestically and abroad, including a U.S. congresswoman facing backlash over her expenses.
Ajay Pallegar – Criminal and civil attorney and political analyst
Steve Gill – Attorney and CEO of Gill Media
Michael Maloof – Former Pentagon official
Rev. Gregory Seal Livingston – Pastor, Civil rights leader
The show starts with Ajay Pallegar, a criminal and civil attorney, talking about the Fulton County prosecutor, Nathan Wade settling his divorce and dodging his testimony on District Attorney Fani Willis.
Then, attorney Steve Gill discusses the investigation of U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush on her use of funds.
The second hour begins with former Pentagon official Michael Maloof, who shares his perspective on the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, and if Biden will attack Iran.
The show closes with Rev. Gregory Seal Livingston, a civil rights leader in New York City, who discusses Trump’s civil fraud trial.
DMZ America Podcast Ep 132: Middle East War, Could Biden Lose New Hampshire?, Dead Tree Publications Even Deader
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Editorial cartoonists and political analysts from the Left (Ted Rall) and the Right (Scott Stantis) discuss and explain the latest news and events in a unique format where disagreement and debate occurs without yelling or stupid insults.
First up this week: War across the Middle East assumes a “Guns of August” vibe as Iran and Pakistan become the latest countries to launch crossborder missile attacks, with the victims being ethnic Balochis. Ted lays out how Iran is emerging as the big winner from the Israel-Hamas War. Scott pushes back from the American perspective, questioning whether the Islamic Republic is committing diplomatic suicide.
Second: The 2024 Presidential Campaign moves from Iowa to the bizarre New Hampshire primary, which is being skipped both by President Biden and Governor Ron DeSantis. All GOP eyes will soon turn to South Carolina—will the Palmetto State be the last stand for Haley, or DeSantis, or both? Meanwhile, New Hampshire threatens to torpedo Biden for his Big Snub.
Third topic: More depressing news from the world of dead trees, where the Washington Post is losing $100 million a year and the Los Angeles Times is down $50 million despite their deep-pocketed and supposedly brilliant owners. Ted asks Scott, who has worked at numerous papers, why can’t these supposed genius billionaires turn these sinking watchdogs of democracy around?
Watch the Video version of the DMZ America Podcast: here.
The Final Countdown – 1/18/24 – Under Scrutiny: Roger Stone Faces Investigation Over Alleged ‘Assassination’ Remarks
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On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall cover a range of topics domestically and abroad including Roger Stone’s alleged death threats to Democrats.
Tyler Nixon – Counselor-at-Law
Scottie Nell Hughes – RT Host
Lauren Fix – Auto Expert, Car Coach Reports Analyst
Hamza Azhar Salam – Pakistani journalist
The show begins with counselor-at-law Tyler Nixon, who weighs in on the investigation into Trump confidante Roger Stone for alleged death threats to Democrats.
Then, RT Host Scottie Nell Hughes shares her perspective on the ongoing accusations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
The second hour begins with auto expert Lauren Fix who discusses electric vehicles failing to start in the cold weather.
The show closes with Pakistani journalist Hamza Azhar Salam, who shares his insights on Pakistan’s retaliatory strike against Iran.
The Final Countdown – 1/11/24 – South Africa Takes Israel to Court for War Crimes in Gaza
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On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall break down topics from around the world, including South Africa
taking Israel to court.
Andrew Langer – President of the Institute for Liberty, Founder of the Institute for Regulatory Analysis and Engagement
Scott Stantis – Cartoonist for The Chicago Tribune
Esteban Carrillo– Journalist
Dan Kovalik – Human Rights Lawyer
In the first hour, Andrew Langer, the President of the Institute for Liberty, shares his perspective on the presidential elections, including Trump’s town hall, Christie’s departure, and the Haley vs. DeSantis debate.
Then, cartoonist for The Chicago Tribune, Scott Stantis weighs in on Hunter Biden defying his subpoena.
The second hour starts with Ecuadorian journalist Esteban Carrillo who shares his perspective on the latest out of the Ecuador crisis.
The show closes with Dan Kovalik, a Human Rights Lawyer, breaking down the situation in the Middle East amid Iran’s capture of an oil tanker, and South Africa taking Israel to the ICJ.
