Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Start With The Scumbags" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!

1. Middle East Intelligence Exposé (03:23 – 08:05)

In this segment, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the intricate and often shadowy world of Middle Eastern intelligence. They discuss the revelation about Salama Mohammed Salama, a lieutenant in the Air Force Intelligence Directorate affiliated with Bashar Al Assad's regime.

• Jack Armstrong highlights the gravity of the situation:

  "[...] Salama was part of Bashar Al Assad's brutal regime who somehow found himself in prison."
  (03:33)

• The hosts emphasize the challenges in uncovering the truth:

  "We continue to report them, you know, without fear or favor. But it is immensely challenging in this environment."
  (04:03)

• Katie Green underscores the human aspect, noting moments that remind us to be more humane:

  "At Amica, we understand that looking out for each other isn't new or groundbreaking. It's human."
  (01:16 – 01:26)

2. Historical Context: Rumsfeld and Saddam Hussein (04:23 – 08:05)

The conversation shifts to a historical analysis of Donald Rumsfeld's interactions with Saddam Hussein in 1982. Michaelangelo provides insights into the geopolitical tensions of the era:

• Michaelangelo recounts Rumsfeld's efforts to ally with Saddam against Iran:

  "[...] Donald Rumsfeld is in Iraq sitting on a couch talking to Saddam Hussein in 1982, trying to convince Saddam Hussein to take our CIA photos to help him in his war against Iran."
  (05:10 – 06:08)

• The discussion highlights Saddam's aggressive military strategies:

  "He had already gassed the Iranians and built very soon the largest, most sophisticated chemical weapons facility on earth."
  (06:11 – 06:37)

• Katie Green adds context on regional dynamics:

  "He hates Assad so much in Syria. And we hated Syria, too. Our big enemies were, I think Reagan called Syria the bad boy of the Middle East."
  (07:00 – 07:44)

3. Domestic Crisis: Aurora, Colorado Home Invasion (08:05 – 15:00)

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the harrowing home invasion in Aurora, Colorado, where 14 suspects were detained following an armed attack.

• Katie Green describes the incident and criticizes media portrayal:

  "It's only one apartment complex in suburban Colorado that, you know, a person could pause there and consider for a minute what sort of bias..."
  (08:44 – 09:21)

• Joe Getty expresses frustration over downplaying the severity:

  "I am tired of this being portrayed as just another gang in Aurora. This is so heinous."
  (10:55 – 11:16)

• Katie Green emphasizes the brutality of the crime:

  "The victims were held against their will. They were bound, both the male and the female. They were pistol whipped, they were beaten, they were victimized, they were terrorized."
  (12:11 – 12:37)

• Michaelangelo reflects on the broader implications for community safety:

  "The fact that these gangs think they can do that in the United States is so troubling."
  (12:53 – 12:59)

4. Political Analysis: Democratic Party's Internal Struggles (33:05 – 37:23)

The hosts transition to a critique of the Democratic Party, focusing on internal conflicts and leadership challenges.

• Katie Green references Van Jones' insights:

  "If they [the Democratic Party] listen to Van Jones, they will be in a much, much better place."
  (34:08 – 34:29)

• The conversation highlights the marginalization of party rebels:

  "We pushed all our rebels out of this party. [...] The rebels in our party no longer feel like they have a place."
  (33:25 – 33:29)

• Michaelangelo critiques the party's direction:

  "The old guard, the entrenched Democratic Party caters to the Bernie wing so much that they can't win elections."
  (34:29 – 34:43)

• Katie Green discusses potential solutions and barriers:

  "They find it impossible to process the world in that way. It's just, it's all about servicing their ego..."
  (35:58 – 36:06)

5. National Security Concerns: Drone Surveillance (43:32 – 44:55)

Addressing contemporary national security issues, the hosts discuss drone surveillance and its implications.

• Michaelangelo cites comments from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

  "We don't have any idea if they're adversarial or not, if they're domestic or foreign or dangerous or we have no idea of any of that."
  (43:51 – 43:59)

• Joe Getty speculates on foreign threats:

  "Xi Jinping... wants 10,000 drones surveilling American military bases by the end of the month."
  (44:24 – 44:55)

• The discussion underscores vulnerabilities in national defense:

  "They're being told or thinking, okay, so there are enough drones there. [...] They'll make it so we're that vulnerable."
  (44:55)

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (47:46 – 37:57)

The episode wraps up with the hosts sharing personal thoughts and brief reflections on holiday preparations, balancing serious discussions with lighter banter.

• Michaelangelo shares a personal New Year's resolution:

  "I'm gonna swear off all baked goods. I'm talking pies, cakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls, anything other than like bread for sandwiches."
  (48:32 – 48:39)

• Katie Green concludes with a cautionary note on cybersecurity:

  "Your router, your Internet router, is it TP link. Best selling router on Amazon. Has been linked to Chinese cyber attacks."
  (49:05 – 49:11)

• The hosts end on a humorous note, blending personal anecdotes with promotional content:

  "I mean, for instance, I remember when Joe's New Year's resolution one year was wear better pants."
  (49:20 – 49:34)

Key Takeaways

• Middle East Intelligence: The podcast sheds light on the complexities within Assad's regime, highlighting the role of figures like Salama Mohammed Salama and the historical interactions between US officials and Middle Eastern leaders.

• Domestic Security: A harrowing account of the Aurora, Colorado home invasion underscores rising concerns about gang violence and the adequacy of media and political responses.

• Political Intrigue: Internal strife within the Democratic Party, including the marginalization of progressive voices and leadership challenges, is critically examined, with insights into potential paths forward.

• National Security Vulnerabilities: The discussion on drone surveillance reveals significant gaps in US national defense mechanisms, posing questions about foreign influences and technological threats.

• Balanced Content: While addressing serious topics, the hosts intersperse lighter moments and personal anecdotes, providing a well-rounded listening experience.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty:

  "I am tired of this being portrayed as just another gang in Aurora. This is so heinous."
  (10:55)

• Katie Green:

  "The victims were held against their will. They were bound, both the male and the female. They were pistol whipped, they were beaten, they were victimized, they were terrorized."
  (12:11)

• Michaelangelo:

  "We don't have any idea if they're adversarial or not, if they're domestic or foreign or dangerous or we have no idea of any of that."
  (43:51)

• Katie Green:

  "If they listen to Van Jones, they will be in a much, much better place."
  (34:08)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and insights from the "Start With The Scumbags" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, providing listeners with a clear overview of the key topics addressed.