Summary of "The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson" Episode: "The FBI is Targeting Catholics, NBA Coaches Are Attacking The 2nd Amendment, & Bud Light is Going Woke"

Release Date: April 12, 2023

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in a comprehensive discussion with Senator Ted Cruz on three pivotal issues: the FBI's infiltration of Catholic groups, the politicization of the Second Amendment by NBA coaches, and the backlash against Bud Light’s "woke" marketing strategies. The conversation delves deep into concerns about governmental overreach, erosion of civil liberties, and the consequences of corporate political endorsements.

1. FBI Infiltration of Catholic Groups

Initial Concerns and Revelations

The episode opens with Ben Ferguson addressing alarming reports that the FBI has been attempting to infiltrate Catholic organizations. This revelation comes amidst suspicions that the FBI may have lied to Congress about their activities within religious communities.

• Ben Ferguson [00:01]: Ben introduces the topic by questioning the FBI's intentions behind infiltrating Catholic groups and whether the agency misled Congress about these actions.

Senator Cruz’s Reaction

Senator Ted Cruz expresses deep concern over these developments, highlighting a pattern of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI targeting religious faiths.

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:43]: "We have seen that the Biden Justice Department has a persistent animosity to religious faith and that they are willing to weaponize the Department of Justice and the FBI to target people of faith."

He references a leaked FBI memo titled "Interest of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists in Radical Traditionalist Catholic Ideology," indicating an attempt to label traditional Catholics as potential extremists.

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:43]: "The ongoing convergence of the far right white nationalist movement and RTCs... if you're pro-life, that is an indication that you are a dangerous radical."

Undercover Operations and Trust Issues

The discussion shifts to the specifics of the FBI's undercover operations within Catholic churches, as revealed by the House Committee on the Weaponization of Law Enforcement.

• Ben Ferguson [04:18]: Emphasizes the FBI's lack of transparency and accountability, drawing parallels to past instances where the DOJ and FBI have been untruthful.

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:40]: Highlights the FBI's use of symbols to identify extremism, questioning the rationale behind labeling traditional Catholic practices as suspicious.

2. Lack of Accountability in the DOJ and FBI

Persistent Stonewalling

Senator Cruz criticizes the DOJ and FBI for their persistent refusal to provide clear answers to Congressional inquiries, fostering a growing distrust among the American populace.

• Senator Ted Cruz [05:03]: "Neither the FBI nor the Department of Justice have shown any willingness to be held accountable by Congress or the American people."

He recounts instances where the DOJ and FBI have stonewalled investigations, including topics like January 6th and other politically sensitive matters.

• Senator Ted Cruz [05:03]: "They typically will stonewall. They'll refuse to answer any specifics."

Historical Context of Targeting Conservatives

Drawing parallels to previous administrations, Cruz cites the Obama-era IRS scandal to illustrate a long-standing issue of targeting conservative groups under the guise of national security.

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:46]: "The Obama IRS was targeting Tea Party groups and conservative groups... exposing how the Department of Justice stonewalled over and over again."

3. Historical Targeting of Conservative Groups

Obama Administration’s IRS Scandal

Senator Cruz provides a historical perspective by referencing the Obama administration's targeting of Tea Party organizations, showcasing a continuity in the DOJ's antagonism towards conservative factions.

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:46]: "Barack Obama publicly gave a press conference where he said that it was an abuse of power."

Bias in Current FBI Practices

The conversation emphasizes that the current FBI's actions are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of politicized law enforcement.

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:40]: "These documents indicate that they see as a quote, warning sign, people who attend Latin masses... it's absurd."

4. NBA Coaches and the Second Amendment

Gregg Popovich’s Comments

The discussion transitions to the NBA, where Coach Gregg Popovich has publicly criticized the Second Amendment, labeling it as a myth.

• Ben Ferguson [25:50]: Introduces Popovich’s stance by playing a segment where Popovich questions the validity of the Second Amendment.

• Senator Ted Cruz [14:42]: Defends his right to display the Gonzalez battle flag, a symbol of Texas independence, against FBI guidelines labeling it as extremist.

Hypocrisy and Symbolism

Cruz challenges the FBI’s rationale by illustrating the historical significance of symbols like the Gonzalez battle flag and the Gadsden flag, questioning why such patriotic symbols are now deemed extremist.

• Senator Ted Cruz [14:53]: "The battle flag simply has a picture of the cannon with a star, and underneath it the legend 'come and take it.'"

He criticizes the FBI for targeting symbols that represent American patriotism and freedom, suggesting a partisan bias against right-leaning ideologies.

• Senator Ted Cruz [15:00]: "It's worth remembering... the Department of Justice refused to prosecute her [Lois Lerner]."

Impact on Public Perception

Senator Cruz argues that such labeling by the FBI erodes trust in law enforcement and misrepresents the intentions of law-abiding citizens.

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:40]: "If you're pro-life, that is an indication that you are a dangerous radical."

5. Bud Light’s "Woke" Marketing Backfire

Woke Campaign Missteps

Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss Bud Light’s recent marketing campaign, where the company featured a gender-nonconforming individual on their beer cans, aiming to promote inclusivity.

• Ben Ferguson [39:05]: "Budweiser decided to go really woke... put a dude dressed like a chick on a beer can."

Consumer Backlash and Brand Loyalty

The episode highlights the backlash from traditional beer consumers who feel alienated by the company's move, leading to calls for boycotts and a shift towards other brands like White Claw.

• Senator Ted Cruz [42:34]: "If you bring me one, I will refuse it. That's how far. That's how offended I was by it."

Comparison with Nike’s Political Stance

Drawing parallels with Nike’s endorsement of Colin Kaepernick, Cruz underscores the risks companies face when aligning too closely with specific political or social agendas.

• Senator Ted Cruz [39:55]: "Nike stock has continued to do fine... They don't care if I buy their products... same with Bud Light."

Consequences of Political Engagement

The discussion emphasizes that Bud Light’s attempt to embrace progressive values may backfire, alienating their core customer base without significantly boosting their market share.

• Senator Ted Cruz [46:15]: "Bud Light is getting some real traction... go woke, go broke."

6. Conclusion and Final Remarks

In wrapping up the episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz reiterate the importance of holding governmental and corporate entities accountable. They emphasize the need for transparency within law enforcement agencies and caution against the overreach of corporate political endorsements that may alienate traditional consumer bases.

• Ben Ferguson [47:05]: "Just stay out of politics. Just, just sell your damn beer."

The conversation serves as a call to action for listeners to remain vigilant about the protection of civil liberties and to support companies that align with their values without succumbing to politically motivated corporate strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:43]: "We have seen that the Biden Justice Department has a persistent animosity to religious faith and that they are willing to weaponize the Department of Justice and the FBI to target people of faith."

• Senator Ted Cruz [07:46]: "Barack Obama publicly gave a press conference where he said that it was an abuse of power."

• Senator Ted Cruz [14:42]: "It's worth remembering... the Department of Justice refused to prosecute her [Lois Lerner]."

• Senator Ted Cruz [39:55]: "Nike stock has continued to do fine... They don't care if I buy their products... same with Bud Light."

• Senator Ted Cruz [46:15]: "Bud Light is getting some real traction... go woke, go broke."

This episode underscores the ongoing tensions between governmental agencies, political ideologies, and corporate actions, highlighting the intricate balance between national security, civil liberties, and consumer preferences.