Thank You For Your Attention To This Matter

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Thank You For Your Attention To This Matter Release Date: June 18, 2025

Overview In this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of pressing topics, from international military strategies and internal U.S. political dynamics to advancements in technology and societal changes. The conversation is enriched with insightful commentary, humor, and listener interactions, providing a comprehensive analysis for listeners seeking depth and clarity on current events.

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1. Escalating Tensions with Iran and Military Responses

Timestamp: 09:30 – 28:47

The episode opens with a discussion on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Jack Armstrong highlights President Trump's stance on the Iranian Supreme Leader, stating, “We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there. We are not going to take him out, kill—at least not for now.” (09:30).

Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57) Deployment The hosts delve into the capabilities and strategic importance of the GBU-57, also known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator or "bunker buster." Michael explains, “The B2 stealth bombers are just a spectacular achievement. The bunker buster is designed to plummet through 200ft of mountain rock before it explodes, causing a massive explosion.” (09:30).

Jack adds, “It's designed to blast through 200ft of solid rock before it explodes.” (08:32). The discussion emphasizes the weapon's role in potentially neutralizing Iran's nuclear facilities, particularly the Fordo uranium enrichment site, buried 300 feet underground.

Strategic Implications Jack underscores the strategic significance, saying, “Fordo is essentially what it's designed for. Before bunker busters, the military figured it could turn to nuclear weapons to blast through mountains. But that is obviously unpalatable for global political reasons.” (25:12). The conversation touches on the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic efforts, with both hosts acknowledging the complexities involved.

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2. Internal U.S. Political Dynamics: The GOP Civil War

Timestamp: 13:58 – 34:02

Clash Between MAGA Isolationists and GOP Hawks Michael brings attention to the internal conflicts within the Republican Party, noting, “Mainstream media coverage focuses on the clash between MAGA isolationists and GOP hawks—the Civil War in the Republican Party.” (13:58). Jack responds with skepticism about the narrative, mentioning a recent poll that contradicts the mainstream portrayal: “I have a recent poll that would suggest that's a silly headline.” (14:21).

Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz Debate The hosts discuss Tucker Carlson’s recent debate with Ted Cruz, highlighting Cruz’s debating prowess: “Tucker Carlson had Ted Cruz, a national debate champion, on his show. It was a very sprightly and engaging argument.” (14:44). This segment underscores the ongoing ideological battles within the GOP and their implications for the party's future direction.

Public Opinion on Military Involvement A YouGov poll is examined, revealing that only 16% of Americans support U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict: “Should the US Military get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran? Only 16% of people said yes.” (31:08). Jack critiques the poll’s wording, suggesting that framing the question differently could yield different results: “Should the United States help Israel stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon? I think the answer would be a lot different.” (32:25).

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3. Technological Advancements and Corporate Shifts

Timestamp: 17:18 – 18:54

AI Replacing Human Employees at Amazon Joe Getty discusses Amazon's decision to reduce its workforce as AI technologies replace human roles: “Amazon says it will reduce its workforce as AI replaces human employees.” (16:19). Jack elaborates on the broader corporate trend, noting that it's not limited to Amazon: “There is a huge move in corporate America right now to downsize, replacing white-collar middle management and even warehouse workers with AI and automation.” (17:33).

Impact on the Workforce Michael reflects on the implications for employees: “Which employees are getting replaced by AI at Amazon? A lot of white-collar middle management and warehouse workers as automation becomes more efficient.” (17:44). The conversation highlights concerns about job security and the future of work in an increasingly automated economy.

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4. Private Space Stations: The Next Frontier

Timestamp: 18:08 – 19:10

Race to Establish Private Space Stations The hosts shift focus to the emerging trend of private companies racing to establish space stations: “Private space stations are racing to be the next 'destination'.” (17:27). Michael humorously notes, “Well, now that you know, the Louvre and various tourist spots are so crowded, go to your private space station.” (18:10).

Challenges and Opportunities Jack and Michael discuss the practical challenges, such as cramped conditions versus the allure of unique views: “The room's a little cramped, but the view's great.” (18:28). This segment explores the balance between the innovative potential of private space exploration and the logistical hurdles that need to be overcome.

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5. Societal Changes: Renaming Military Bases

Timestamp: 39:03 – 42:44

Renaming Bases from Confederate to Neutral Names A significant portion of the discussion centers on the contentious issue of renaming military bases previously named after Confederate generals. A listener email from Steve in Everett, Washington, is highlighted: “Renaming forts after individuals who were not in rebellion against the United States is crucial. For example, Fort Bragg should remain as a tribute to its original namesake, not be changed to something like 'Fort Freedom.'” (40:15).

Impact on Recruitment and Morale Jack connects the renaming to military recruitment and morale: “According to a Pentagon report, family history in the military is the greatest predictor of whether a candidate will join. Renaming bases for political correctness may negatively impact recruitment.” (40:44). He analogizes changing military base names to altering beloved sports team names: “Imagine if your father and grandfather played for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but somebody changed the team name to the Sparkle Ponies. Odds are you'd be less enthused to join.” (41:38).

Listener Perspective Michael adds, “Most northwestern cities are named after prominent officers from Indian Wars. These generals were not in open rebellion against the United States, unlike Confederate namesakes.” (40:27). The conversation underscores the tension between historical commemoration and modern societal values.

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6. Listener Mailbag and Audience Interaction

Timestamp: 39:23 – 43:01

Readers' Opinions on U.S. Military Involvement Jack and Michael engage with listener emails expressing opposition to U.S. involvement in aiding Israel against Iran: “Aaron Ayatollah writes, 'Martyrdom's not so much fun when it's your top brass doing all the dying.'” (39:23). The hosts invite these listeners to present their arguments, showcasing the show's commitment to diverse perspectives.

Humorous Segments and Personal Anecdotes The hosts share humorous exchanges about favorite pies and personal anecdotes, adding a personable and relatable touch to the episode: “What is your favorite pie, Michael? Banana cream.” (34:24) and “Katie's favorite pie, Fringe pie.” (34:31).

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7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 42:44 – End

As the episode concludes, the hosts revisit key themes and reflect on the discussions. Jack emphasizes the importance of informed military decisions, while Michael humorously contemplates taking a vacation to Florida amidst global tensions: “I think I'm taking it to Florida when it's super, super hot.” (37:20). They also touch upon literary figures and freedom, quoting Salman Rushdie: “We all have a say in the ability to have an argument is exactly what liberty is.” (37:58).

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Notable Quotes

• Jack Armstrong (09:30): “We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there.”
• Michael (31:08): “Should the US Military get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran? Only 16% of people said yes.”
• Katie Green (34:31): “I call it Forest fruit, but just like a very berry, you know, BlackBerry.”
• Jack Armstrong (40:15): “If my grandfather and father served at Fort Bragg, I want nothing to do with Fort Freedom.”

Conclusion This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a thorough exploration of critical geopolitical issues, internal political strife, and societal shifts, all presented with the hosts' characteristic blend of insight and humor. By addressing listener concerns and providing in-depth analysis, Armstrong and Getty ensure that their audience remains well-informed and engaged with the complexities of the modern world.

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcript

[Jack Armstrong]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Joe Getty]

The medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, the unexpected, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Jack Armstrong]

This medal is for the men who went down that day.

[Joe Getty]

On Medal of Honor Stories of Courage, you'll hear about these heroes and what their stories tell us about the nature of bravery. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Jack Armstrong]

Broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln radio studio at the George Washington Broadcast Center.

[Katie Green]

Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty.

[Jack Armstrong]

Armstrong and Getty. Enough. Here's Armstrong. Get it. Live from Studio C, senor.

[Michael]

A dimly lit room deep within the bowels of the Armstrong. Getting communication. Damn it. I don't know if I've ever screwed that line up before.

[Jack Armstrong]

I'm not sure you have. This is a bad omen.

[Michael]

It is. Oh, this is a rough start.

[Jack Armstrong]

Stumbles out of the gate.

[Michael]

That's Biden esque. Can't even do the most basic stuff.

[Jack Armstrong]

You're gonna end for a problem.

[Michael]

Armstrong and Getty, communic compound. And today we're under the tutelage of.

[Jack Armstrong]

Our general manager, the massive ordinance penetrator, also known as the GBU 57, also known as the bunker buster, also known.

[Michael]

As the mother of all bombs, the Moab. That's right. And we may or may have more.

[Jack Armstrong]

Nicknames than old Diddy.

[Michael]

Here's my favorite thing that has happened that I've come across. It's that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has warned the people of Tel Aviv that they need to evacuate. They are not evacuating. They're not streams people out of Tel Aviv currently, although they are getting, you know, some bombs.

[Jack Armstrong]

But certainly, yeah, everybody's being cautious. It's not a laughing matter. But that is pretty obviously what it is.

[Michael]

Yeah, exactly. Before we get back to looming war, the number of different shows that I've tuned in today that had some version of, well, we made it to Wednesday or we're halfway through the week. We're almost there, everybody. How many of y' all look at life that way? Is every week like just a trudging along such a difficult, arduous manner that just getting to Wednesday is like, thank God. Is that most people's lives or just. I feel like it's not for me.

[Jack Armstrong]

You know, I'm going to be honest, I get a little bit of cheer, good cheer going when I'm on the downside of the week.

[Michael]

Michael.

[Jack Armstrong]

And for the weekend, of course, My weekends are very different than yours at this point in our lives.

[Michael]

Michael.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I'm like Joe, I get. Yeah, around Thursday.

[Michael]

You've been the minority. Katie.

[Katie]

Yeah, I'm. Same way.

[Michael]

Okay, so you get to Wednesday and you feel like, oh cool, I'm almost done with this, this horrible, horrible thing that I've got, which is my job.

[Jack Armstrong]

Hump day, right? Exactly. One of us is a bitter, angry troll dwelling under a bridge, shouting at passers by. We'll let you guess which one. All right. I guess it's cuz over the bridge of the week to the pot of gold of the week.

[Michael]

I guess it's cuz my weekend's roughly the same amount of work as my weekday, so.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right. Maybe that's cocktails and golf mostly for me these days. My children are grown.

[Michael]

I have to buy drive to LA and back to pick up my son from the Boy Scout camp, so. Well, I'm not looking forward to that.

[Jack Armstrong]

A lot of beautiful scenery.

[Michael]

I actually find a drive. I was, I was talking to my son, I said, people complain about this all the time. I think it's gorgeous. But I like open fields and stuff like that. That I'm from the Midwest and that's what we have, open fields. I think it's beautiful. And everybody. Oh, it's such an ugly drive. If it's the time of year where it's all dust and smog, it's not very nice. But when it's clear, I think open fields are beautiful. Anyway, nobody tuned in to hear that.

[Jack Armstrong]

He's old enough to hit.

[Joe Getty]

You can get your idea.

[Michael]

Put your thumb in the air.

[Jack Armstrong]

So just keeping track. He doesn't care about it getting to be Wednesday and he likes ugly scenery. Okay, that's not ugly.

[Michael]

It's beautiful.

[Jack Armstrong]

Objectively ugly.

[Michael]

If you don't like feelings. But a lot of people don't. A lot of people I know lots of people like driving through Iowa or Missouri, open field, just ugly. I find it gorgeous for some reason. People go to Ireland or someplace and see open fields and they find it beautiful. But in the United States, it's ugly. I've never quite understood that.

[Jack Armstrong]

We got to get more stone fences here.

[Michael]

Maybe that's charming.

[Jack Armstrong]

It's quaint.

[Michael]

My other favorite thing I've come across today, Politico is reporting that Donald Trump was incensed when he saw that Tulsi Gabbard video last week and was really pissed off and thought she was out of line and how dare she. Which would have something to do with maybe him yesterday on the plane saying, I don't care what she thinks.

[Jack Armstrong]

That was his own DNI several months ago. That's odd that he would react that.

[Michael]

Way, but to the Hiroshima video.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, the. I thought you meant the audio that everybody was playing yesterday.

[Michael]

No, the video that she put out last week. He was incensed when he saw that. Thought she was incredibly out of line.

[Jack Armstrong]

I don't understand. I can't see how he wouldn't react.

[Michael]

Right. And that would play into him.

[Jack Armstrong]

Smacked by it.

[Michael]

And that would play into him yesterday saying, I don't care what she thinks the way he did so dismissively.

[Jack Armstrong]

I'm telling you, this is the classic I'm not going to be forced into firing somebody. I'm going to wait till the dust settles, then I'm going to fire them. She's gone.

[Michael]

Yeah. Well, the Daily show joke on Tulsi Gabbard and I know some of you don't agree with this at all, but was that's the advantage of hiring somebody crazy and completely unqualified is when they make some sort of comment, you can just say, well, she's crazy and unqualified. Which he basically said. You know, he said, I don't care what she thinks. She's the Director of National Intelligence. She's got in theory the most information of anybody on planet earth to give to you on any given subject.

[Jack Armstrong]

I wonder how forthcoming the higher levels of CIA are because she. Remember, that's a coordinating post.

[Michael]

Sure.

[Jack Armstrong]

To some extent it ensures that information is being shared between agencies and, and their, their turf isn't jeal. Guarded like it used to be in the past to our terrible detriment to avoid stove piping. What now? Stove piping.

[Michael]

That's what got us in 911. You had, you had one intelligence agency that had information in their stovepipe and then another agency had had their information, their stove pipe, and they didn't work together in any way. And that's. And we could have seen 911 coming so that the DNI is jam it up their chimney.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's what you got to do.

[Michael]

The DNI is a reaction to that. But I'll bet you're right. I'll bet a lot of the intelligence people are holding back stuff from her. I bet you're right about that.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah.

[Michael]

I would guess that because they don't trust her and, or agree with her, now there are more people. I feel like making the this is Iraq all over again, weapons of mass destruction argument partially with the help of Tulsi Gabbard because he got some people Screaming out there. No, they aren't close to a bomb. And Bibi says they are. Pete Hegseth says they are. I was picturing Colin Powell at the UN with his little vials.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, yeah. The parallels are there. Absolutely. I think the facts are different, but that's not a crazy question to ask. At the very least.

[Michael]

Also worth remembering, I think this gets left out of some people's conversation about Iraq. Saddam Hussein's own generals believed they had weapons of mass destruction.

[Jack Armstrong]

Correct.

[Michael]

Wasn't just our government making this crap.

[Jack Armstrong]

Up and all of his enemies to.

[Michael]

Get oil or something. Which we somehow didn't end up with. Right? Right.

[Jack Armstrong]

There were many moronic arguments on that side of the page too. So here is your bunker buster fact of the day.

[Michael]

Cool.

[Jack Armstrong]

It's designed to blast through 200ft of solid rock before it explodes.

[Michael]

Wow. How's it do that?

[Jack Armstrong]

Just its weight and then you got a 30,000 pound behemoth about to go. Kurt Bluey. It's. Its design is really interesting. Fascinating. It's propulsion systems, blah, blah. I've got quite a bit of information on it. I'm looking forward to sharing it.

[Michael]

Although something that weighs 30,000 pounds falling at maximum velocity would go quite a way. Just down, I would think. On its own. That's heavy.

[Jack Armstrong]

Michael. What weighs more a pound of lead or a pound of feathers?

[Michael]

That's a good one.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's a classic I take lead childhood class. That's correct.

[Michael]

Okay, let's start the show. Officially, I'm Jack Armstrong. He's Jo Getty on this. It is Wednesday, June 18, the year 2025. We are Armstrong and Getty and we approve of this program.

[Jack Armstrong]

Let's begin then. Officially, according to FCC rules and regulations. Here we go at mark. The Ayatollah is saying that he's not going to surrender. Even though President Trump has publicly stated that the Pentagon has him in its crosshairs. The President says we know exactly where the so called Supreme Leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there. We are not going to take him out kill. At least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter. That's our favorite part.

[Michael]

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Like he was sending a memo out to everyone. Uh, we've cleaned the refrigerator. Let's try to keep it tidy from here on out.

[Jack Armstrong]

Folks.

[Michael]

Take your keep. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[Jack Armstrong]

Somebody keeps using the heavy stock in the copy machine. It keeps jamming. I remind you, you need to use the copier paper. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[Michael]

Pull the front door all the way closed. It doesn't latch. Otherwise.

[Jack Armstrong]

If it doesn't click, it's not all the way closed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Or.

[Michael]

Or we know where you are. We're going to kill you soon.

[Jack Armstrong]

Don't be shooting at our troops. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[Michael]

Good luck in your future endeavors.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wow.

[Michael]

Yeah, That's a funny ending to that. Do you think we and or Israel actually know where the Ayatollah is? They've known where all these generals are and the scientists.

[Jack Armstrong]

I was going to say at this point, I would not cast aspersions toward the Israeli intelligence services. Ability to know where anybody is at any given moment.

[Michael]

Is the son of the Shah. If you're old enough to remember the Shah of Iran who was in charge before the Iranian revolution and the Ayatollah took over in 1979, is the son of the Shah going to end up back in charge of Iran? That's the push over the last 24 hours. That's an interesting one. So we can talk about that. We got case headlines. We got a bunch of stuff. Oh, it's another thing. Oh. One thing I'm actually excited about is our move toward nuclear power that Trump's pushing. But it's not getting any attention obviously because we got a number of wars going on. But I do want to talk about that. That's an interesting story.

[Jack Armstrong]

Love that. Yeah.

[Michael]

Where some developments in the Diddy trial. A lot on the way. I hope you can stay here.

[Katie Green]

Armstrong and getty this July 4th celebrate freedom from spills, stains and overpriced furniture with Annabe, the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Where designer quality meets budget friendly pricing. Sofas start at just $699, making it the perfect time to upgrade your space. Annabe's pet Friendly stain resistant and interchangeable slipcovers are made with high performance fabric that's built for real life. You'll love the cloud like comfort of hypoallergenic, high resilience foam that never needs fluffing and a durable steel frame that stands the test of time with modular pieces you can rearrange anytime. It's a sofa that adapts to your Life. Now through July 4th, get up to 60% off site [e-mail] Every order comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees. Every penny back. Declare independence from dirty, outdated furniture. Shop [e-mail] Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Joe Getty]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Jack Armstrong]

This medal is for the men who went down that day. It's for the families of those who didn't make it.

[Joe Getty]

I'm J.R. martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran myself, and I'm honored to tell you the stories of these heroes on the new season of Medal of Stories of Courage from Pushkin Industries and I Heart podcast from Robert Blake, the first black sailor to be awarded the medal. To Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice. These are stories about people who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor going above and beyond the call of duty. You'll hear about what they did, what it meant, and what their stories tell us about the nature of courage and sacrifice. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Michael]

If you just look at mainstream media coverage, the. The cable news. Anyway, their big story is the clash between MAGA isolationists and GOP hawks. The Civil war in the Republican Party.

[Jack Armstrong]

Okay, funny you should bring that up. I have a recent poll that would suggest that's a silly headline. Cool, because I. Silly narrative.

[Michael]

I assume it's way more one side than the other, so I can't wait to hear that. We've also got Tucker Carlson. Had Ted Cruz on his show and got into a little debate with him. And I don't know if Tucker Carlson was aware that Ted Cruz was a college debate national debate champion, but he was. And Ted Cruz doesn't mind arguing with anybody. And it's very sprightly. I mean, it's. It's a good little argument.

[Jack Armstrong]

Excellent. Final thought before we get into the headlines. It's just useful. Let these things out. We will have human beings on Mars before my pharmacy is able to coordinate having all three of my prescriptions ready at the same time. Humans will colonize Mars and be playing NBA games before they can get that s together. Tough, isn't it? It must be beyond the ken of humankind to figure that out. All right, I'm done.

[Michael]

Don't get me started on the whole pharmacy thing.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I'll bet. All right, here we go. Let's figure out who's reporting what it' lead story with Katie Green.

[Katie]

Katie, starting with abc, War will be met with war. Iran warns the United States.

[Michael]

What are you going to use? What are you, what are you going to fight back with there Iran?

[Jack Armstrong]

Just strong statements, mother of all battles, blood running in the streets, etc.

[Katie]

From the new York Times, images of handcuffed Democrats starting to pile up in Trump's crackdown.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I saw that. It's, it's, it's the publicity stunt du jour. You show up and join arms with an illegal who ICE is trying to arrest and they're like, all right, now we got to arrest you too. And oh no, look at me, look at you. Might want to send 20 bucks to my website. Oh, look at me suffering for what is good, decent, please.

[Michael]

Fascism, etc, etc.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right. Blah, blah, blah. Totalitarianism.

[Katie]

From Reuters, Trump is to again extend Tick Tock's retrieve from US Band.

[Michael]

What the hell is that? Totally against it and not a big outcry from Congress on either side, so. Because they like the Tick Tock and fundraising and everything on it.

[Jack Armstrong]

So yeah, that's their constituents sure do.

[Michael]

Yeah, that's a tough, it doesn't seem like a tough one to me. It's a Chinese spy tool. But the fact that we're not following the law on yet another thing, it's.

[Jack Armstrong]

Almost a lab created or AI created experiment in political courage and everybody's failing it. Trump, explain yourself. It's, I don't get it.

[Michael]

Or maybe a lab created experiment in decadence. A country that's like, yeah, it's a spy tool for our number one enemy, but it sure is fun.

[Katie]

So, yeah, speaking of, from Breitbart, Alabama. Police say Chinese illegal on student visa posed as federal marshal to scam elderly victim out of $400,000.

[Jack Armstrong]

Awful.

[Katie]

From CNN, Amazon says it will reduce its workforce as AI replaces human employees.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I was just reading up on that. There is a huge, huge move in corporate America right now to downsize which.

[Michael]

Which, which employees are getting replaced by AI at Amazon.

[Jack Armstrong]

A lot of white collar middle management. And this is not just Amazon. It's all sorts of companies but people.

[Michael]

Doing like computer stuff or.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I could dig into it again, but yeah, yeah, it's, it's, it's not the guys. Well, actually it is the guys in the warehouse doing the physical work too, because they're getting better and better at automating that.

[Katie]

From the Wall Street Journal. Private space stations are racing to be the next quote. It destination.

[Jack Armstrong]

Private space stations.

[Michael]

Well, now that you know, the Louvre and what we're talking about yesterday. The various hot spots for tourism around the world are so crowded that people are miserable there. Venice, whatever. Yeah, go to your private space station. That's your cool place.

[Jack Armstrong]

The room's a little cramped, but the view's great.

[Michael]

The view would be amazing.

[Katie]

From study finds a flesh eating fly is spreading north to the United States. And it could devastate livestock farming if not controlled.

[Michael]

Does it do anything? Does it do anything to humans?

[Katie]

It does. It can spread to us.

[Michael]

That's the first thing I'm gonna think tonight when something lands on me. Well, I hope that's not a flesh eating fly.

[Jack Armstrong]

We need to. We need to form an alliance with the Murder Hornets. Our hornet brothers take on these flies.

[Katie]

This is called the New World Screw worm.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wow. I've been called that myself. Yeah? Yeah.

[Katie]

From the New York Post. The 80 year old man who held a plank for 50 minutes.

[Michael]

Whoa. He stuck a rod in his pants. I think he cheated. There's no way you held the plank for 50 minutes.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wow, it's terrible. I was gonna salute the plucky oldster. Courage, achievement, osteoporosis.

[Michael]

His bones are all locked up. He couldn't stop it, wouldn't move if he wanted.

[Jack Armstrong]

Okay.

[Katie]

Finally, the Babylon Bee. San Francisco protesters spell out no king with sidewalk poop.

[Michael]

Oh boy.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh no. See that's in effect a criticism of progressivism. That headline there's.

[Michael]

So we're going to drop the mother of all bombs. We got all the details on that. It's really quite the piece of machinery. Among other things. On the way. Hope you can stick around.

[Katie Green]

Armstrong and getty this July 4th, celebrate freedom from spills, stains and overpriced furniture with Annabe, the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Where designer quality meets budget friendly pricing. Sofas start at just $699, making it the perfect time to upgrade your space. Annabe's pet friendly stain resistant and interchangeable slipcovers are made with high performance fabric that's built for real life. You'll love the cloud like comfort of hypoallergenic, high resilience foam that never needs fluffing. And a durable steel frame that stands the test of time with modular pieces you can rearrange anytime. It's a sofa that adapts to your Life. Now through July 4th, get up to 60% off site wide at washable washablesofas.com Every order comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees. Every penny back. Declare independence from dirty, outdated furniture. Shop [e-mail] Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Joe Getty]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Jack Armstrong]

This medal is for the men who went down that day. It's for the families of those who didn't make it.

[Joe Getty]

I'm J.R. martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran myself and I'm honored to tell you the stories of these heroes on the new season of Medal of Stories of Courage from Pushkin Industries and I Heart podcast from Robert Blake, the first black sailor to be awarded the medal to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice. These are stories about people who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor going above and beyond the call of duty. You'll hear about what they did, what it meant, and what their stories tell us about the nature of courage and sacrifice. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Michael]

We're gonna try to get Mike Lyons back on our favorite military strategist, advisor, thinker, guy, analyst, analyst. And I mean, we had him on Monday, but so much has changed in the last couple of days. I'd like to hear him lay out a worst case scenario for things going wrong in Iran's response because I don't have enough knowledge to know what that would look like.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right, right. Yeah, I would love to talk to him. So we've got some really interesting information on the will they or won't they? Will he or won't he unleash the massive ordinance penetrator, mother of all bombs, GBU 57. Let's just call it the Bunker Buster. Jennifer Griffin of Fox News to tell us a little bit more about the weapon. The decision.

[Michael]

All eyes now on Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, home to the B2 stealth bombers, which are designed to carry carry two 30,000 pound GBU 57 bunker buster bombs, the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or MOP, the only conventional munition capable of reaching deep underground and into mountainsides and hitting the main nuclear site at Fordo, 120 miles south of Tehran and 300ft underground. Usually the way this works, each B2 can carry two of these bunker busters, these 30,000 pound bombs. They drop one, then they circle back or a second bomber will circle and Drop in the same spot. So usually it is a two bomb process, if you will. How does a plane carry 60,000 pounds of bombs?

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I know, it's astounding. Yeah, the B2 stealth bombers are just a spectacular achievement. But. Yeah, as we mentioned earlier, this bomb, the bunker buster, is designed to plummet through 200ft of mountain rock before it explodes. And then it's a massive, massive explosion.

[Michael]

So are we under the impression that there are scientists down there working right now? I would, I would, I would schedule my vacation.

[Jack Armstrong]

I. Yeah, I suspect that they're going as fast as they possibly can. Definitely try to develop a nuclear weapon.

[Michael]

I'm going to use my personal day or my spirit day or whatever the company allows to take the next couple of days off.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. Not feeling real good. Sure, I'll be right as rain by next Tuesday. Yeah. Military analyst said the large bunker buster has the best chance of getting through to targets like the Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which Iran buried under a mountain.

[Michael]

Good idea on their part.

[Jack Armstrong]

And honestly, Mark Cancian, whose job with the military and later as a civilian at the Pentagon was matching bombs to targets. I didn't know that was a gig, but it makes perfect sense.

[Michael]

Sure.

[Jack Armstrong]

I mean, you wouldn't shoot a 9 millimeter bullet at a tank, for instance, and you wouldn't try to take out a hut with something unnecessarily large.

[Michael]

Yeah, yeah, that's a good point.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right. Anyway, he says that Fordo is essentially what it's designed for. Before bunker busters, the military figured it could turn to nuclear weapons to blast through mountains. But that is obviously unpalatable for global political reasons. Nobody wants to use them for anything. And so the US worked on a new conventional alternative. Spent $400 million to develop and define refine the MOP. We now have around 20 of them designed to be delivered once again by the B2s. It's quite the tool. Speaking of which, turning to the free.

[Michael]

You're quite the tool. What, are you supposed to just leave that laying there?

[Jack Armstrong]

Yes, among adults. Go on.

[Michael]

So apparently if we. Even if we gave that bomb to anybody, there isn't anybody else that could drop it. There's nobody else that's got the plane that could pick it up, carry it and drop it. Correct.

[Jack Armstrong]

And the pilots that know you know how to do that. I mean, I'm not a pilot, but can you imagine flying an aircraft and in an instant being suddenly £30,000 lighter as an involved.

[Michael]

Right, right.

[Jack Armstrong]

Got to know what you're doing. I thought this was an Interesting perspective from the Free Beacon. Should President Trump decide to join nuclear's military. I'm sorry Israel's military campaign. An attack on Fordo could eradicate decades of nuclear know how crippling Tehran's ability to build a nuke. According to a bunch of analysts and officials they talked to, only we possess the advanced bunker busters could wipe out a complex underground where Toronto is believed to store its most sensitive nuclear equipment. The heavily guarded site contains five above ground entrances. According to recent satellite images, they lead into labyrinthine passageways that reach up to 300ft below ground, fortifying the site against most conventional weapons in Israel's arsenal.

[Michael]

300Ft. So 30 stories underground, I'd be a little ooged out having to go to work 30 stories underground.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I've been down in a coal mine and if you're not prone to freaking out about it, it's an uneasy feeling but. Well if you're all prone to freaking out, you'd freak out. Of course I've been under the ocean, the submarine too and I. But yeah, it's scary.

[Michael]

Yeah.

[Jack Armstrong]

Well the, if the US is raining down the largest bomb ever built, the.

[Michael]

Subway, the subways in Russia are super deep like that because they're supposed to be a bomb proof for, for nuclear war. And when I would go down those escalators, I think geez, we're way down underground. It would freak me out.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, interesting. So yeah, the plan would be depending on, you know, the particulars. The engineers I'm sure are studying the question. You'd hit a particular point with the first bunker buster. It burrows 200ft through solid rock, then goes Kurt Bluey. Then you hit that very same spot with a second one and then perhaps a third and fourth. And that's how you, you know, like, like the world's most explosive mole, you get way, way underground and do catastrophic damage.

[Michael]

The world's most explosive mole.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's right. And it's been pointed out that this sort of physical damage on top of the mysterious deaths of a number of Iran's leading nuclear scientists would really set them back a very long time.

[Michael]

You know, if I was going to steel man, the other side's argument, part of it would be the argument that this is a war of choice and not necessity. I don't agree with it but it would be that they have been claiming that Iran is like a week from getting a nuclear bomb. It's similar to the, the US debt can't continue to be this, we like this just it can't go on they've been saying that my whole life and it keeps going on. And they've been saying Iran is this close to their, just a week away or a month away or whatever they are from getting a nuclear weapon forever. What, what gives their somehow get pushed back all the time or were they exaggerating then, but not now? Particularly, particularly Bibi.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. Oh yeah, yeah. He has an existential motivation to maximize the threat, of course, because if he airs five minutes to the overly comfortable side of things, they won't get one anytime soon. Israel could cease to exist. So, you know, I'm going to leave him aside. I would say that having followed this for years and years, it depends who you listen to, what the estimates are. And there's a lot of. Could be because Iran worked very hard to keep secrets as well as it could. And yeah, there would be agreements and treaties that would slow them down. They would give up certain capabilities in return for the heat being off. And then you'd try to think, okay, how much did they really give off? What are they doing behind the give up rather, how much are they doing behind the scenes to accelerate, you know, and we don't know about it, it's in violation of the treaty. It's, it's a tough, tough number to come up with how close they actually are.

[Michael]

But Ian Bremmer, who's a friend of the Armstrong and Getty show, is going on a bunch of shows this week saying that Bibi Netanyahu is doing this because he's in political trouble.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's ridiculous.

[Michael]

Ian Bremmer also tweeted out yesterday. I expect Trump goes forward with direct military strikes. It's an unnecessary risk in my view. I would advise against it. It's an unnecessary risk to try to take out the nuclear weapons facility as opposed to. It's an unnecessary risk to let it go and let them get a weapon. Or does Ian Bremmer think they won't? Of course. He's a guy as a, as a, you know, more international globalist than I am, that you can always make all these international deals that international organizations will enforce. And I just don't believe that that plays out quite that way.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, I really like Ian.

[Michael]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Jack Armstrong]

He's a very global think tanky guy.

[Michael]

Definitely. And then one more thing from Ian Bremmer's Twitter feed, which I thought was good because this just came out. A YouGov poll asks if Americans think the US military should get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. I don't know if I like that. Wording. You could word it should. If you. If you worded it, should the United States help Israel stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon? I think the answer would be a lot different than should the US Military get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. But currently it's no. 60%, yes. 16. Only 16% of people said yes. I find that.

[Jack Armstrong]

That we should get, quote, unquote, get involved.

[Michael]

Should the US Military get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran? Like I said, I think if you worded it, should the United States help Israel stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon? Yeah, I think you could flip those numbers.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. Interesting. I'm looking at a couple of polls right now. They're not polls I'm really familiar with. Here's the Gray House poll. I've never even heard the League of American Workers poll. According to this Gray House poll, whatever.

[Michael]

That is, was this about Iran or is this. What's your favorite pie? Is that what you're.

[Jack Armstrong]

Well, I'm getting to that. Found that 83% of those voters support the strikes on Tehran's nuclear programs, Israel's strikes, and 95% approve of Trump as the president rallies behind the Jewish state.

[Michael]

I'm not comfortable commenting on polls I know nothing about.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, the same poll conducted shortly after Israel began its war effort shows that 67% of those who voted for Trump strongly support the attack on Tehran's nuclear facilities. 16% said they somewhat approve.

[Michael]

Well, this YouGov poll, which is a pretty respected organization, only 16% say yes. But again, I think it's worded in such a way, squishy way, but that's an indication of how we. How. Let's not get involved. The Middle east, again, we are as a population.

[Jack Armstrong]

Right? Yeah. Yeah. I need to see more polls come out. Honestly, it's. It's easy to get a distorted sense of who believes what through, A, the mainstream media and B, you know, Twitter also.

[Michael]

This is definitely, though, the sort of thing that. This is why you get paid the big money, though you don't really get paid the big money as president, United States. This is why you get paid the big historical value. You're not supposed to do this based on the polls. Is this a good idea or not? And the President's gonna make the call. Maybe he already has in the next day or so. Quick question. What is your favorite pie, Michael? That's my poll.

[Jack Armstrong]

Banana cream.

[Michael]

Banana cream. Interesting.

[Jack Armstrong]

Katie's favorite pie, Fringe pie.

[Katie]

I call it Forest fruit, but just like a very berry, you know, BlackBerry.

[Michael]

Multiple berry pie.

[Katie]

Berry.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wow. Choose a berry Joe Getty Wishy Washy. Oh, this is so hard.

[Michael]

Is it?

[Katie]

Oh, make up your mind.

[Jack Armstrong]

It absolutely is. You shut up, Berry girl.

[Michael]

The powerful tool can't come up with his favorite pie.

[Jack Armstrong]

It's like beetles or stones. I don't know. Why do I have to choose? Why are you making me choose? All right. Key lime. I freaking love key lime pie.

[Michael]

That's pretty good.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, says you. Pick a berry.

[Michael]

I'm an American, so I'm gonna go apple. We've got Mailbag on the way. Stay here.

[Jack Armstrong]

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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[Joe Getty]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Jack Armstrong]

This medal is for the men who went down that day. It's for the families of those who didn't make it.

[Joe Getty]

I'm J.R. martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran myself and I'm honored to tell you the stories of these heroes on the new season of Medal of Stories of Courage from Pushkin Industries and I Heart podcast from Robert Blake, the first black sailor to be awarded the medal to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice. These are stories about people who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor going above and beyond the call of duty. You'll hear about what they did, what it meant, and what their stories Tell us about the nature of courage and sacrifice. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Michael]

Oh, my God. I think I'm gonna go to Florida with the kids for vacation. We're on vacation week after next. Think I'm taking it to Florida when it's super, super hot. I will go when places are unpleasant to avoid crowds, kind of. Speaking of, that story yesterday about Europe being so crowded and people are hating it.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah. Some of my favorite travel memories are exactly the same. You throw on a jacket or you drink a little more water or whatever it takes. Right? And the huge throngs are not there. Got a lot to talk about. First of all, your freedom loving quote of the day. This is from the great Salman Rushdie.

[Michael]

I'm a big Rushdie fan, although he's a weirdo.

[Jack Armstrong]

He is a weirdo.

[Michael]

And it's the response.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yeah, he's a brilliant weirdo, but that's fine. The response of anybody interested in liberty is that we all have a say in the ability to have an argument is exactly what liberty is, even though it may never be resolved again. I read that poorly. We all have a say in the ability to have an argument. That's what liberty is. And in any authoritarian society, the possessor of power dictates. And if you try to step outside, he'll come after you.

[Michael]

When Iran decided they wanted to kill him for the book he wrote, the number of people from Margaret Thatcher to. I mean, just people you can't imagine who like kind of, you know, I kind of understand. Where Iran's coming from is just amazing. We have been too soft on radical Islam for a long time.

[Jack Armstrong]

I would agree. Don't get me started. That was an early sign of the accommodationist impulse, the. The what they call it appeasement crowd.

[Michael]

Yeah.

[Jack Armstrong]

Mailbag. Barely have any time, but we'll squeeze some in. Drop us a note mailbag, @armstrong getty.com Next hour, a couple of emails from loyal listeners against any involvement of the US helping Israel. We will let them steel man their own argument and hash it out. That's what we do here.

[Michael]

First.

[Jack Armstrong]

This from Aaron Ayatollah Ayatollah. Ya all along. We'd come knocking when you enriched your uranium. Martyrdom's not so much fun when it's your top brass doing all the dying. Looks like the Shiite is really hitting the fan. Your 72 virgins are all awaiting your chain of command. Okay, I'm done, right?

[Michael]

I told you this was gonna Happen.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wow. On the topic of returning to the old base names we talked about yesterday renaming them for a different guy named Bragg, not the Confederate general, a different hero named Bragg. He mentions. About 30 years ago in my hometown, Louisiana had a similar issue. People want to rename the main street in the city because the namesake was a slaveholder. Too expensive for a little town. So the compromise was that the street was renamed for the man's grandson who had none of the baggage. Solved the PR quandary. Minimal cost.

[Michael]

That's really pretty hilarious.

[Jack Armstrong]

Silly. To me it does. There's more on this topic. Mike in northern Minnesota writes, growing up, I had no idea who the armed forces forts were named after. Nobody brought it to light.

[Michael]

Yep.

[Jack Armstrong]

Then as much as I hated the woke reasoning, it did seem odd that they were named after Confederate generals. On a similar note, most northwestern cities are named after prominent officers from Indian Wars. Miles City, Montana's General Nelson Miles Sturgis, South Dakota Major Samuel Sturgis.

[Michael]

Yeah, I know that. That hangs how long before the left.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wants to change those names? I'm sure they want to change them right now.

[Michael]

Yeah, I didn't know who the various bases were named for. Repeating the names my whole life.

[Jack Armstrong]

Of course those generals were not in open rebellion against the United States. This is a great point from Steve and Everett, Washington. The callback to previous names of forts like Fort Bragg is important for the following reasons. 7870 to 80% of new recruits have family ties with the military within two generations. According to a recent Pentagon report, family history in the military is the greatest predictor of whether a candidate will join. However, according to a study by Blue Star Families, the likelihood that a family member with prior service would recommend the military to their children dropped from 55% to 32% in seven years. Recently, it is clear that the Biden presidency had a negative effect on recruitment. I believe part of that is the result of renaming the basis for what many veterans perceive as woke reasons. If my grandfather and father served at Fort Bragg, I want nothing to do with Fort Freedom. I want to serve whatever my family is served. Fort Bragg. Imagine if your father and grandfather played for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but somebody changed the team name to the Sparkle Ponies. Odds are you'd be less enthused and matriculating to that school. The title of his email is the Fort Freedom Sparkle Ponies.

[Michael]

Well, did the Buckeyes try to overthrow the US Government? Now I understand the point there. I understand. Well, they found an interesting workaround, didn't they?

[Jack Armstrong]

It seems a little dopey and phony. But if we can now move on to important stuff, I'll accept it. Like war.

[Michael]

A lot more an hour too. If you miss a segment gets podcast Armstrong. You get it on demand.

[Jack Armstrong]

Armstrong and Getty.

[Joe Getty]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the important probable, the unexpected, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Jack Armstrong]

This medal is for the men who went down that day.

[Joe Getty]

On Medal of Honor Stories of Courage. You'll hear about these heroes and what their stories tell us about the nature of bravery. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michael]

This is an iHeart podcast.