Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Title: Brazil BANS X, Foreshadowing the Censorship Dems Want in America, plus Mexico is BUSSING Illegal Immigrants to our Southern Border
Release Date: September 2, 2024
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a critical discussion with Senator Ted Cruz about alarming developments in Brazil and Mexico that have significant implications for freedom of speech and immigration policies in the United States. The conversation delves into Brazil's recent ban on X (formerly Twitter), the rise of totalitarianism, and Mexico's role in facilitating illegal immigration to the U.S. border, highlighting concerns about the Biden-Harris administration's influence on these events.

Brazil's Ban on X: A Step Towards Totalitarianism

The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz addressing the shocking news of Brazil banning the social media platform X. He describes Brazil's government actions as a descent into totalitarianism, drawing parallels with oppressive regimes like Venezuela.

Key Points:

• Totalitarianism Explained: Cruz defines totalitarianism as government control over every aspect of citizens' lives, including censorship, arbitrary imprisonment, and property confiscation. He cites historical examples from the Soviet Union, Maoist China, Vietnam, and Cuba.

  "Totalitarianism, very simply, is the government having control over your life, having total control over your life, having the power of censorship, the power of arbitrary imprisonment..." [04:04]

• Context of Brazil's Actions: In 2022, Brazil's election court granted Justice Alexander Demaraes authority to remove online content deemed false or misleading, primarily targeting supporters of the then-President Bolsonaro. This culminated in the recent ban of X after Elon Musk refused to comply with censorship orders.

  "Demora's had also instructed both Apple and Google to remove both X and VPN applications from their virtual stores. But he reversed this decision the same day, citing concerns about potential, quote, unnecessary disruption..." [08:00]

• Consequences of the Ban: Brazil imposed hefty fines of approximately $9,000 per day on individuals accessing X through VPNs and froze SpaceX's Starlink finances in the country. This move has effectively silenced dissenting voices and removed a major platform for free expression.

  "They banned X after attempting to engage in widespread censorship. They're terrified of their citizens speaking..." [00:17]

Implications for the United States: Echoes of Censorship

Senator Cruz draws a direct line between Brazil's censorship and the current U.S. political landscape, expressing concerns that similar tactics could be adopted in America.

Key Points:

• US Government's Stance: Cruz criticizes the Biden-Harris administration for not denouncing Brazil's censorship efforts, suggesting complicity or support for such actions.

  "Where is the administration? Where is... Why is Joe Biden not denounced this atrocious violation of free speech? Why is Kamala Harris been utterly silent..." [09:18]

• Pattern of Censorship: He highlights a global pattern where left-leaning governments and organizations push for censorship, undermining free speech protections reminiscent of communist regimes.

  "This is a pattern we're seeing across the globe of government power being used to censor and silence views they don't like..." [10:17]

• Potential Threat to Free Speech in America: Cruz warns that if censorship continues unchecked, it poses a significant threat to the First Amendment rights in the United States.

  "The more we see leftists getting away with abusing government power to silence dissent, the worse it gets because it encourages everyone else. And this is ultimately a threat to free speech in America." [10:17]

Michael Shellenberger's Insights on Global Censorship

The podcast features a segment with independent journalist Michael Shellenberger, who provides a comprehensive overview of Brazil's actions and their global implications.

Key Points:

• Brazil's Position Among Authoritarian Regimes: Shellenberger notes that Brazil joins North Korea, China, and Iran in banning X, marking it as the 12th largest economy engaging in significant censorship.

  "Brazil's the sixth largest nation by population in the world and it now joins North Korea, China and Iran in the list of countries that have banned X." [12:28]

• US Government's Role: He alleges that the Biden administration has been actively funding and advising Brazilian authorities to implement censorship, undermining Brazil's constitution.

  "The Biden administration and Democrats have been directly funding it for years... The FBI went to Brazil and gave its Supreme Court justices advice on how to censor their population." [12:28]

• Call to Action: Shellenberger emphasizes the need for a global free speech movement to counteract the spread of totalitarianism, urging Brazilian citizens to resist the ban.

  "We need to grow our global free speech movement because if we don't stop the spread of totalitarianism over there, it will make it harder for us to stop it over here." [12:28]

Mexico's Migration Policy: Facilitating Illegal Immigration

The discussion shifts to Mexico's recent announcement to provide escorted bus rides to U.S. border for migrants with asylum appointments, a move that aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's immigration policies.

Key Points:

• Expansion of CBP1 Application: The U.S. has expanded access to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP1) application in Southern Mexico, allowing more migrants to register for asylum.

  "The US government, specifically under Biden and Harris, have decided to expand access to the Customs and Border Patrol one application into Southern Mexico." [24:53]

• Mexico's Role: In response, Mexico is offering bus rides with police and military escorts from southern cities to the U.S. border, effectively facilitating a surge of illegal immigrants entering the United States.

  "Mexico will offer escorted bus rides from southern Mexico to the US Border for non Mexican migrants who have received a United States asylum appointment." [24:53]

• Political Motivation: Cruz argues that both Mexico and the Biden-Harris administration share a mutual interest in increasing illegal immigration to shift U.S. policies leftward and secure Democratic votes.

  "They both have mutual interest. Amlo. The president of Mexico wants as much illegal immigration as possible to go into America, and Kamala Harris wants as much illegal immigration as possible to go into America..." [28:28]

• Potential Consequences: The influx of migrants is portrayed as a strategic move to change the demographic and political landscape of the United States, ensuring long-term Democratic dominance.

Security Concerns: Migrant Gangs and Public Safety

Senator Cruz raises alarms about the direct threats posed by the influx of migrants, citing incidents of violent criminal activity linked to specific migrant groups.

Key Points:

• Migrant Gang Activity: References a recent incident in Aurora, Colorado, where a Venezuelan migrant gang attempted to hijack school buses, highlighting the dangers of unchecked immigration.

  "There is a story that combined with a story from a little over a week ago. There was an announcement... a migrant gang that took over an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado." [30:34]

• Historical Precedents: He draws parallels with Fidel Castro's Mariel boatlift, where Cuba sent prisoners and criminals to the United States, suggesting similar tactics from Venezuela.

  "Maduro I believe is absolutely doing that. He is deliberately sending criminals to the United States. He's sending murderers and rapists and child molesters..." [31:35]

• Administration's Responsibility: Cruz questions why the Biden-Harris administration would align with such actions, emphasizing the administration's role in releasing dangerous individuals into the U.S.

  "Why does Kamala Harris, when they send Venezuelan murderers to America and the Biden Harris administration has them in custody, why does Kamala Harris release the murderers?..." [31:35]

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The episode concludes with a strong warning about the erosion of free speech and the dangers of uncontrolled immigration, urging listeners to remain vigilant and informed.

Key Points:

• Media Silence: Cruz and Ferguson express frustration over the lack of national media coverage on these critical issues, emphasizing the need for public awareness.

  "The national media completely ignores the threat." [36:51]

• Urgency for Change: As the 2024 election approaches, the discussion underscores the importance of choosing policies that protect American values, free speech, and national security.

  "This is the world that many are having to live in. I encourage people every time... don't forget, the Senator and I do the show Monday, Wednesday, and Friday." [36:11]

• Empowerment Through Information: Listeners are urged to share the podcast and stay informed to combat the rising threats to freedom and security in the United States.

  "Share this podcast. Let other people know these news stories. Share them with your family and your friends." [36:11]

Notable Quotes

• Senator Ted Cruz on Totalitarianism:

  "Totalitarianism, very simply, is the government having control over your life..." [04:04]

• Cruz on US Administration's Complicity:

  "Where is Joe Biden not denounced this atrocious violation of free speech? Why is Kamala Harris been utterly silent?" [09:18]

• Michael Shellenberger on Global Censorship:

  "We need to grow our global free speech movement because if we don't stop the spread of totalitarianism over there, it will make it harder for us to stop it over here." [12:28]

• Cruz on Mutual Interests Between Mexico and Biden-Harris:

  "They both have mutual interest... they want as much illegal immigration as possible to go into America." [28:28]

• Cruz on Migrant Threats:

  "Maduro... is deliberately sending criminals to the United States. He's sending murderers and rapists and child molesters." [31:35]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update presents a critical examination of recent international events and their potential impact on American society and governance. Through insightful dialogue between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the threats to free speech and national security posed by actions in Brazil and Mexico, underlining the urgency for proactive measures to safeguard American values.