Podcast Summary: "It Could Happen Here Weekly 153" – Behind the Bastards

Episode Title: It Could Happen Here Weekly 153
Podcast: Behind the Bastards
Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Description: This episode delves into the unraveling of Infowars and the evolving landscape of white nationalist groups, particularly focusing on the Oregon chapter of White Lives Matter.

I. The Downfall of Infowars and Alex Jones

Discussion Summary: The episode opens with host Garrison Davis introducing a special compilation episode featuring insights into the disintegration of Infowars and the legal troubles facing its founder, Alex Jones. Joining Davis are Dan and Jordan from Knowledge Fight, experts on Alex Jones and related media phenomena.

Key Points:

• Infowars' Decline: Infowars has been in decline for over five years, with ongoing legal battles exacerbating its downfall.
• Alex Jones' Bankruptcy: Alex Jones filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, leading to an auction of Infowars’ assets. There is significant debate over whether his Twitter handle will be included in the auction, with Jones attempting to exclude it to retain control over his primary communication platform.
• Potential Outcomes: Dan and Jordan discuss the likelihood of a white nationalist billionaire purchasing Infowars, but express skepticism about the process and the trustee's role in potentially keeping the platform accessible to Jones.
• Long-term Impact: Despite the financial and operational setbacks, Jones remains a persistent figure due to his ability to relocate his revenue streams and maintain a loyal audience. The legal judgments against him are not fully dischargeable, meaning he may continue to face financial and legal pressures indefinitely.

Notable Quotes:

• Robert Evans: "It appears that almost anybody could make a solid argument that the Twitter handle is company property" ([06:00]).
• Dan Jordan: "The trustee has the ability to even say if there was a bid that was from whomever you want to say, like George Soros... if there were higher bids, it would be very difficult to rationalize not taking them" ([08:55]).

II. White Lives Matter: The Oregon Chapter’s Rise and Activities

Discussion Summary: The conversation shifts to the rise of White Lives Matter (WLM), focusing on the Oregon chapter. Garrison Davis is joined by Alex from Corvallis Antifa and Hank (a pseudonym) from Left Coast Right Watch to discuss the strategies and implications of WLM’s activities.

Key Points:

• Origins and Evolution: White Lives Matter originated as a slogan in 2015 but re-emerged in 2021 as an organized group promoting white nationalist rhetoric, primarily through Telegram channels.
• Infiltration and Exposure: The Oregon chapter was infiltrated by antifascists who exposed membership details and disrupted their propaganda efforts. The group, under new leadership by Cruz Dean Walters—a disillusioned Marine with a history of domestic abuse and criminal behavior—attempted to expand its influence but faced significant setbacks due to poor organizational security and internal conflicts.
• Violent Incidents: Members of WLM Oregon have been involved in violent actions, including the attack on an anti-racism concert in New Jersey and firebombing a church in Ohio targeting drag events. These actions demonstrate a troubling escalation from propaganda to real-world violence.
• Government and Community Response: Despite the violent activities, WLM Oregon continues to receive government contracts through Michael Witt Gatenbein's company, WIT Industries, raising concerns about state and federal oversight. Gatenbein is actively using his resources to build a white supremacist hub in Coos Bay, Oregon, which includes plans to influence local government positions.
• Community Resistance: Local antifascist groups like Rose City Antifa and West Coast Right Watch are actively countering WLM’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and pressure to prevent the normalization and expansion of white nationalist groups.

Notable Quotes:

• Robert Evans: "Alex isn't going to just shut up and ride into the sunset. He's physically incapable of doing that" ([07:15]).
• Alex from Corvallis Antifa: "The group was doing stuff that was not, like, extremely intense... but in their chat, we also found that they were talking a lot about military training and escalating" ([52:42]).
• Hank from Left Coast Right Watch: "The port of Coos Bay is a public body... this is a state body that is giving state funding to this Nazi" ([65:19]).

III. Insights and Conclusions

Discussion Summary: The episode concludes with reflections on the resilience of extremist figures like Alex Jones and the persistent threat posed by organized white nationalist groups. The hosts emphasize the importance of community action, legal oversight, and consistent exposure of such groups to mitigate their influence.

Key Points:

• Perpetual Threat: Despite legal and financial setbacks, figures like Alex Jones continue to find ways to sustain their platforms and influence, highlighting the challenges in dismantling long-standing extremist networks.
• Community Vigilance: The success of antifascist groups in infiltrating and exposing white nationalist organizations underscores the need for sustained community efforts to counteract these groups' propaganda and violent tendencies.
• Government Accountability: The case of Michael Witt Gatenbein receiving government contracts despite his overt white supremacist activities raises questions about the efficacy of oversight mechanisms in preventing state resources from supporting extremist agendas.
• Call to Action: The hosts urge listeners to remain vigilant, support antifascist initiatives, and apply public pressure to ensure that government funding does not inadvertently support extremist groups.

Notable Quotes:

• Robert Evans: "It's our job to make sure that the government... are not giving funds to an explicit neo Nazi who hires alleged pedophiles to fund right-wing activism across the Pacific Northwest" ([74:48]).
• Garrison Davis: "There just shouldn't be state money going to help a Nazi build a white supremacist utopia" ([75:35]).

Conclusion: "It Could Happen Here Weekly 153" provides a comprehensive examination of the declining influence of Infowars and the ongoing rise of white nationalist groups like White Lives Matter in Oregon. Through expert interviews and detailed analysis, the episode highlights the complexities of combating entrenched extremist networks and underscores the critical role of community activism and government accountability in preventing the normalization of hate-driven agendas.

References:

• For more information on combating white nationalist groups, visit Corvallis Antifa and Left Coast Right Watch.
• Knowledge Fight for expert analysis on media extremism.