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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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National Security Vulnerabilities: The discussion on drone surveillance reveals significant gaps in US national defense mechanisms, posing questions about foreign influences and technological threats.
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Balanced Content: While addressing serious topics, the hosts intersperse lighter moments and personal anecdotes, providing a well-rounded listening experience.
Notable Quotes
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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.
