Podcast Summary: Bannon's War Room – Episode EP 686: "The Ones Left Behind; Building The External Revenue Service"

Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Podcast: WarRoom.org
Title: Bannon's War Room – WarRoom Battleground EP 686: The Ones Left Behind; Building The External Revenue Service

Introduction

In Episode 686 of "Bannon's War Room," host Stephen K. Bannon delves into pressing issues facing American communities neglected by the current administration, particularly focusing on the inadequate response to natural disasters and advocating for a restructuring of the nation's revenue system. The episode features key guests, including Ben Berquam, James Lunsford, and Terry Ramey, who provide firsthand accounts and expert insights.

Segment 1: Critique of Media and Government Response

Timestamp [00:06 - 00:31]

Stephen Bannon opens the discussion with a strong critique of mainstream media and the current government's handling of crises. He states:

"This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on these people. Reasons I got a free shot on all these networks lying about the people. The people have had a belly full of it." ([00:06])

Key Points:

• Bannon expresses frustration with media biases and the government's failure to address the needs of the populace.
• He emphasizes the inevitability of change despite the administration's resistance.

Segment 2: FEMA's Inadequate Disaster Response

Timestamp [03:06 - 22:09]

The core of the episode focuses on the insufficient response from FEMA during disasters, particularly in North Carolina's Appalachian region. Guests James Lunsford and Terry Ramey share their experiences and frustrations.

Quotes:

• James Lunsford: "There are campers all over this community... they've been abandoned by Joe Biden, the Democrats, FEMA." ([04:00])
• Terry Ramey: "We've got about a hundred people living out here... they knock on doors and then the people come and say, where were those FEMA people today?" ([05:50])

Key Points:

• Four months after a devastating hurricane, FEMA's assistance dwindled, leaving communities to fend for themselves.
• Local leaders like Terry Ramey highlight the lack of timely and adequate support, citing only five FEMA trailers provided in four months.
• Bannon criticizes the focus on international crises over domestic needs, mentioning the billions allocated to Ukraine while American citizens suffer.

Discussion Highlights:

• The lack of proactive measures by FEMA led to widespread hardship, compelling communities to organize their own relief efforts.
• Bannon calls for immediate action and funding to support these grassroots initiatives, stressing the importance of self-reliance and community resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen K. Bannon: "If you have not called your senator... about support of Pete Hegith. Pete Hexis was nothing but magnificent." ([02:43])
• James Lunsford: "It's breaking my heart, Steve. This is America. What the hell?" ([22:09])

Segment 3: Building an External Revenue Service

Timestamp [31:16 - 43:57]

Bannon shifts focus to economic restructuring, proposing the establishment of an External Revenue Service to replace the current IRS system. This segment features insights from Ben Berquam and John Gardner.

Quotes:

• Ben Berquam: "A global tariff of 15% could easily replace the $461 billion. The bottom 90% of income taxpayers would pay, redirecting dollars back into the economy." ([39:17])
• Stephen K. Bannon: "Tariffs paid for everything up until the early 20th century... we have to rethink that." ([41:10])

Key Points:

• Historical Context: Berquam explains that for the first 140 years, America was funded through tariffs, a system abandoned in favor of internal taxation.
• Economic Proposal: Reintroducing tariffs and creating an External Revenue Service could reduce the burden on individual taxpayers and stimulate domestic manufacturing.
• National Security: Emphasizes that an independent economy is crucial for national security, especially in the face of global threats like the Chinese Communist Party.

Discussion Highlights:

• The transition from tariff-based to tax-based revenue significantly impacted America's economic independence.
• Re-establishing tariffs could revive American manufacturing, create jobs, and restore the middle class.
• Bannon and Berquam advocate for policies that prioritize American interests over globalist agendas.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Berquam: "President Trump knows tariffs are not a four-letter word... they allow you to enter our market and operate here, funding us to be independent." ([41:43])
• Stephen K. Bannon: "We're saying goodbye to the American citizen as the primary revenue source." ([43:22])

Segment 4: Cybersecurity and Privacy

Timestamp [46:11 - 51:27]

Aaron Zar discusses the importance of cybersecurity and personal privacy in the digital age, promoting his company's products designed to protect individuals from data harvesting.

Quotes:

• Aaron Zar: "Resilience should be the theme of 2025... take control of your own security and privacy." ([47:58])
• Steve Bannon: "Slnt.com… Go check it out today." ([50:43])

Key Points:

• The pervasive nature of digital devices makes personal data vulnerable to harvesting by malicious entities.
• Silent Faraday bags and signal-blocking tools are essential for maintaining privacy and security.
• Emphasizes the need for individuals to be proactive in protecting their digital selves.

Discussion Highlights:

• The conversation underscores the intersection of personal freedom and technological privacy.
• Zar highlights the ethical implications of data ownership and the importance of safeguarding information against unauthorized access.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Zar: "You can't take the battery out, can't unplug it, can't disconnect the hardware components or the radios." ([47:58])
• Steve Bannon: "Slnt.com put in b and get a discount." ([50:43])

Segment 5: Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp [51:27 - End]

Bannon wraps up the episode by reiterating the urgency of addressing both the neglected communities and the broader economic reforms. He mentions upcoming content on Pete Hegseth’s confirmation and the need for strong leadership to tackle these issues.

Key Points:

• Emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in sustaining communities neglected by federal responses.
• Highlights the role of political endorsements in advancing nominations that align with conservative values.
• Encourages listeners to take actionable steps, such as supporting local initiatives and advocating for economic reforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen K. Bannon: "Our greatest existential threat is actually the Chinese Communist Party." ([46:11])
• Steve Bannon: "Tomorrow 10:00am Eastern Time… be part of the posse." ([51:27])

Conclusion

Episode 686 of "Bannon's War Room" presents a passionate critique of the current administration's handling of domestic crises, advocating for community-driven solutions and significant economic restructuring. Through firsthand accounts and expert discussions, Bannon highlights the immediate needs of neglected American communities and proposes strategic reforms to restore economic independence and personal privacy. The episode serves as a rallying call for listeners to engage actively in shaping the nation's future.

Note: This summary omits advertisements, non-content segments, and introductory or concluding remarks unrelated to the core discussions. Notable quotes are attributed with specific timestamps for reference.