Podcast Summary: "A New Cold War" on The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode Details:

• Title: A New Cold War
• Release Date: August 11, 2020
• Host: Ben Ferguson (Note: Transcript features Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles)
• Description: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson delves into the latest news and political developments, emphasizing the President's administration and its policies. This episode, titled "A New Cold War," explores the escalating tensions between the United States and China, scrutinizing the roles of big tech, human rights issues, and the broader implications for American democracy.

1. Big Tech's Response to Allegations of Chinese Technology Theft

The episode begins with an examination of a congressional hearing involving major technology executives—Tim Cook (Apple), Sundar Pichai (Google), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), and Jeff Bezos (Amazon). The central question posed by a Congressman was whether the Chinese government is stealing technology from U.S. companies.

• Congressman's Inquiry: "Do you believe that the Chinese government steals technology from US companies?" (01:24)

  • Tim Cook (Apple): "I don't know of specific cases where we have been stolen from by the government." (01:35)

  • Michael Knowles: Critiques the executives for their evasive answers, highlighting that only Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged the issue: "The Chinese government steals technology from American companies." (02:47)

  • Jeff Bezos (Amazon): Admits awareness of reports but lacks personal experience: "I have heard many reports of that, and I haven't seen it personally..." (02:18)

  Ted Cruz summarizes the situation: "Of all four of these titans of Big technology, only Mark Zuckerberg would admit what we've all known for decades. China is stealing our stuff." (02:47)

Insight: The conversation underscores a perceived reluctance among big tech leaders to openly condemn Chinese government actions, primarily due to economic dependencies and the substantial revenue generated from the Chinese market.

2. NBA's Training Camps in China and Human Rights Abuses

The discussion shifts to the NBA's operations in China, particularly focusing on training camps that have come under scrutiny for human rights violations against Uyghur minors.

• Mike Adams' Report: ESPN exposed that NBA-run camps in Xinjiang involve severe physical abuse of Uyghur teenagers, including incidents where coaches physically assaulted players. Moreover, these camps fail to provide basic education, leaving many youths destined for menial jobs. (03:49)

• Uyghur Minority Crisis: The Uyghurs, an ethnic and religious minority in China, are subjected to mass internment and torture in concentration camps. The episode references drone footage depicting Uyghurs being forcibly transported: "There was drone footage that came out showing this Uyghur minority shaved, blindfolded... being loaded onto boxcars." (09:44)

Ted Cruz's Analysis: He connects the NBA's actions to broader economic incentives: "The NBA is a giant cash register... $5 billion. You want to understand why Mark Cuban curls up in a ball... It ain't complicated. And by the way, why do you think Tim Cook can't answer that question? Cuz he wants billions of dollars." (08:00)

Insight: The episode highlights the ethical compromises businesses make for financial gain, criticizing big organizations like the NBA for overlooking human rights abuses in favor of lucrative partnerships with China.

3. Confrontation with Mark Cuban Over China Criticism

An incident involving Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is discussed to illustrate the broader issue of business leaders' hesitance to criticize China.

• Scenario: Michael Knowles recounts a Twitter exchange where he questions Cuban's willingness to condemn China's actions comparably to criticisms against the U.S.: "Tell us, what do you think of the Uyghurs in concentration camps. Crickets Not a word." (06:10)

• Mark Cuban's Response: Cuban expresses frustration over not being directly tagged in the conversation, leading to a tense exchange that underscores his reluctance to publicly criticize China despite evident issues. (06:05)

Insight: This confrontation exemplifies the challenges conservatives face when attempting to hold influential business figures accountable for their stances on international human rights and economic policies.

4. The Passing of Conservative Figures and Rising Rhetoric

The episode touches upon the recent deaths of notable conservative personalities like Herman Cain, analyzing the impact on the conservative movement.

• Herman Cain Tribute: Michael Knowles reflects on Cain's contributions, highlighting his role in the Tea Party movement and his advocacy for radical tax reform: "I think his leadership played a foundational role in the Tea Party movement." (10:34)

• Rising Partisan Rhetoric: A listener's question addresses the increasing attacks against conservatives and the need to reduce venomous rhetoric: "Is there any way to tone down the rhetoric?" (09:44)

  • Michael Knowles' Response: Acknowledges the divisiveness but attributes the heightened vitriol primarily to the left, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respectful discourse: "The really overheated rhetoric is more on the left right now." (10:34)

Insight: The discussion emphasizes the internal struggles within American politics, particularly the challenges conservatives face in combating negative rhetoric while mourning the loss of influential figures.

5. America's New Cold War with China: Strategies and Implications

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to framing the U.S.-China relationship as a new Cold War and strategizing appropriate responses.

• Listener's Question: Norman inquires about avoiding a "costly boondoggle" in the rivalry with China, seeking clarity on America's interests and practical engagement strategies: "How can Republicans avoid making America's new Cold War rivalry with China into another costly boondoggle?" (12:10)

• Michael Knowles' Perspective:

  • Rejection of Military Escalation: Advocates for a firm stance without engaging in direct military confrontation: "We should be very reluctant to engage in military force." (12:39)

  • Defining the Enemy: Asserts that China is at war with the U.S., driven by a pursuit of global domination: "China's intent towards us is entirely malevolent." (12:39)

  • Ronald Reagan's Cold War Strategy: References Reagan's straightforward approach: "We win, they lose." and criticizes calls for détente as surrender: "Detente, which I've joked is French for surrender." (12:39)

  • Modern Parallels: Compares current Chinese actions, like hacking the Vatican, to Soviet-era tactics, reinforcing the need for a strong defense: "The CCP is the new evil empire." (14:30)

  • Peace Through Strength: Emphasizes economic and military robustness as deterrents against aggression: "If we're strong, that's how we avoid the boondoggle." (15:16)

• Ted Cruz's Agreement: Reinforces the notion that weakness invites aggression and underscores the importance of learning from historical precedents: "Weakness invites aggression." (15:16)

Insight: The episode advocates for a clear, uncompromising stance against China's expansionist and espionage activities, drawing lessons from the Cold War era to navigate contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Conclusion

"A New Cold War" presents a critical analysis of the United States' strained relationship with China, highlighting the complicity of big tech and major corporations in facilitating Chinese economic and technological advancements at the expense of national security and ethical standards. Through incisive conversations between Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles, the episode calls for a resolute and strategic approach to counter China's ambitions, emphasizing that economic interests should not overshadow moral and national imperatives. The discussion also touches upon internal political dynamics, urging conservatives to maintain unity and respectful discourse amidst external and internal challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Cook: "I don't know of specific cases where we have been stolen from by the government." (01:35)

• Michael Knowles: "Big Tech in particular has been a willing partner in this. And calling it out is hugely important." (02:12)

• Ted Cruz: "Of all four of these titans of Big technology, only Mark Zuckerberg would admit what we've all known for decades. China is stealing our stuff." (02:47)

• Michael Knowles: "China's not our friend. They are at war with us." (12:39)

• Michael Knowles: "The CCP is the new evil empire." (14:30)

• Ted Cruz: "Weakness invites aggression." (15:16)

Timestamp References:

• 01:24 – Congressional hearing introduction
• 02:47 – Big tech executives' responses
• 03:49 – NBA's training camps in China
• 06:05 – Interaction with Mark Cuban
• 09:44 – Uyghur minority and political attacks on conservatives
• 10:34 – Herman Cain and rising rhetoric
• 12:10 – Listener's question on the Cold War
• 12:39 – Michael Knowles on U.S.-China relations
• 14:30 – Modern parallels to the Cold War
• 15:16 – Conclusion on strength and aggression

Final Note: This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive overview of the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, critiquing the roles of big tech and major corporations in perpetuating these dynamics. Through expert commentary and real-world examples, listeners gain insights into the complexities of modern geopolitical rivalries and the imperative for strategic, principled responses.