Behind the Bastards: It Could Happen Here Weekly 163

Release Date: January 4, 2025
Host/Authors: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In Episode 163 of Behind the Bastards, titled "It Could Happen Here Weekly 163," the hosts delve into the evolving landscape of abortion laws in the United States, with a particular focus on Texas. The discussion navigates through historical precedents, landmark legal decisions, and the contemporary implications of stringent abortion restrictions. Additionally, the episode explores the controversial use of police drones in Texas, highlighting concerns over surveillance and civil liberties.

The Dobbs Decision and Its Implications

The conversation begins by examining the 2022 Supreme Court decision, Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization, authored by Justice Samuel Alito. This decision overturned the foundational Roe v. Wade ruling, eliminating the federal constitutional right to an abortion and granting individual states the authority to regulate the procedure at any stage of pregnancy.

Samuel Alito claims abortion rights are not deeply rooted in American history.
[02:27]

Michael Phillips, a historian, counters Alito's assertion by tracing abortion's acceptance in American society back to the 19th century. He explains that abortion was widely practiced and only became criminalized due to medical politics, particularly the American Medical Association's (AMA) efforts to discredit midwives and eliminate competition.

Texas: A Central Battlefield in the Abortion Debate

Texas emerges as a pivotal state in the abortion debate. The episode highlights historical figures like Henry Wade, a Dallas district attorney who played a significant role in legal battles over abortion laws. Wade's aggressive prosecution of abortion providers set the stage for Texas's enduring resistance to abortion rights.

Phillips emphasizes Texas's role in the cultural wars over women's bodily autonomy, noting the state's persistent efforts to reverse Roe v. Wade.

Roe v. Wade and the Shifting Legal Landscape

The hosts recount the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which federally protected a woman's right to choose an abortion. The decision was met with widespread support initially but soon faced formidable opposition, particularly from religious and conservative groups in Texas.

Governor Greg Abbott has spearheaded the implementation of some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation.
[31:13]

Under Abbott's leadership, Texas has enacted several stringent laws, such as Senate Bill 8 (2021), banning abortions after six weeks and imposing hefty penalties on providers. The vagueness of these laws has led to fear among medical professionals, resulting in delayed or denied care for women in critical conditions.

Personal Stories and Human Impact

The episode brings to light personal narratives of women adversely affected by Texas's abortion laws. Stories like those of Kate Cox and Neva Crane illustrate tragic outcomes where women suffered life-threatening complications due to restrictive policies and medical hesitancy driven by fear of legal repercussions.

Never forget that some people's choices could just mean death,
the state legislature and governor Greg Abbott did nothing as the deaths of pregnant women in Texas soared 56% in 2021.
[32:48]

The Rise of Anti-Abortion Extremism

In the years following the Dobbs decision, Texas has seen a surge in anti-abortion activism, sometimes taking violent turns. The episode discusses figures like Norma McCovey, whose transformation from a pro-choice advocate to an anti-abortion protester exemplifies the intense polarization surrounding the issue.

Police Drones: Surveillance and Civil Liberties

Shifting focus, the episode explores Texas's adoption of police drones as part of law enforcement strategies. Garrison Davis, a representative from the Texas Police Department, touts the benefits of drones for rapid response and enhanced officer safety.

We are providing information, rapidly, real-time information to officers so that they can make better decisions,
so that everyone goes home safely.
[49:14]

However, critics like Wayne Knight and privacy advocates from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) raise concerns about pervasive surveillance, privacy violations, and the potential for misuse of drone technology.

"Up until the last like five to 10 years, there was this unspoken check and balance on law enforcement power money,"
said Dave Moss of the EFF.
[57:30]

The lack of transparency in drone footage, highlighted by ongoing legal battles in Chula Vista, Texas, underscores fears of an expansive surveillance state.

Legal Challenges and Transparency Issues

The podcast details legal struggles faced by police departments in releasing drone footage under the Public Records Act. Wayne Knight discusses the challenges in balancing transparency with privacy concerns, citing a recent court ruling that necessitates a standardized process for public access to such footage.

"If they truly have nothing to hide and are extremely transparent about the use of their camera-mounted drones,
I wonder why they've spent years in court fighting to keep every second of drone footage from being seen by the public."
[75:56]

Conclusion

Behind the Bastards Episode 163 provides a comprehensive examination of the state of abortion rights in Texas, contextualizing current legal battles within a broader historical framework. The dual focus on abortion laws and police surveillance through drones paints a picture of a state grappling with deep-seated cultural and political conflicts. The episode underscores the ongoing tension between individual rights and governmental control, raising critical questions about privacy, autonomy, and the future of civil liberties in Texas.

Notable Quotes

• Samuel Alito on abortion rights:
  "A right to abortion services is not, deeply rooted in this nation's history."
  [02:27]

• Garrison Davis on drone transparency:
  "We are providing information, rapidly, real-time information to officers so that they can make better decisions, so that everyone goes home safely."
  [49:14]

• Wayne Knight on surveillance concerns:
  "Up until the last like five to 10 years, there was this unspoken check and balance on law enforcement power money."
  [57:30]

This episode serves as a stark reminder of how historical decisions continue to shape present-day policies and societal norms. Through insightful analysis and compelling narratives, Behind the Bastards invites listeners to critically evaluate the forces at play in shaping pivotal issues like abortion rights and state surveillance.