The World and Everything In It

Episode: 1.9.25
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Host: Mary Reichard & Myrna Brown
Produced by: WORLD Radio

Chinese Cyber Attacks on the United States

Segments: [00:05 – 14:26]

The episode opens with a pressing concern about China's escalating cyberattacks targeting American cyberspace. Reports have emerged indicating that Chinese hackers infiltrated the U.S. Treasury Department, potentially accessing sensitive information related to sanctions and economic data. Myrna Brown highlights the sophistication of these operations, noting that over the past year, China has planted malware and established infrastructure within major U.S. phone companies, remaining undetected for extended periods.

Expert Insights: Glenn Gerstel, from the Center for Strategic Studies and former general counsel of the NSA, explains the depth of these intrusions:

"This isn't a case of just a burglar going down a block trying every front door handle. This instead is very sophisticated." ([07:35])

Harold Furchgott Roth of the Hudson Institute emphasizes the complexity and persistence of the attacks:

"They just lay low and came back every few months to make sure that the door was still open." ([09:14])

Policy Debate: The discussion shifts to potential U.S. responses. While some advocate for imposing stricter sanctions or enabling retaliatory actions against China, others caution against escalation that could lead to cyber warfare. Ronald Furchgott Roth argues for holding perpetrators accountable through legal means, whereas Glenn Gerstel suggests that the U.S. might need to accept a "chronic disease" scenario, where cyber threats become a persistent issue akin to living with a chronic illness.

FBI Warnings: Mary Reichard reports on the FBI's advisory to the public to exercise caution with digital communications:

"Users are being warned to be careful when texting one another. These hackers could potentially intercept text messages or even listen to your conversations on your phone." ([11:58])

Cybersecurity expert Dr. Eric Cole adds:

"Cybersecurity for the average person is not about being the most secure. It's about being just a little more secure than everyone else." ([12:40])

He further elaborates on the relentless nature of cyber threats:

"It's inevitable that this will continue to happen short term because we don't have any international laws on cybersecurity." ([13:07])

The Or Levy Hostage Story

Segments: [14:32 – 22:16]

Travis Kercher brings a moving account of Michael Levy's relentless efforts to secure the release of his brother, Or Levy, who remains a hostage of Hamas. The narrative details the harrowing experience of the Levy family, highlighting the personal toll and the broader geopolitical implications.

Personal Testimony: Michael Levy shares his deep sense of responsibility and emotional anguish:

"I always felt a sense of responsibility for my youngest brother... to protect him and watch out for his happiness." ([15:13])

The episode recounts the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Or Levy was abducted during the Supernova Music Festival near Gaza. Terrorists attacked the bomb shelter where Or and others sought refuge, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals, including Or's wife, Inav, and their son, Alma.

Michael Levy’s Plea: Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Michael Levy passionately advocates for action:

"Your silence is deafening. Your inaction is suffocating. For every day this council fails to act, the message to the world is clear that some lives are worth saving and others are not." ([19:22])

Trump’s Involvement: President-elect Donald Trump issues a stern warning to Hamas, vowing to take severe actions if hostages are not released before his inauguration:

"I'll do everything to bring him back. I will not rest. I will not stop until Or and the rest of the hostages are back." ([21:31])

The segment underscores a glimmer of hope as Hamas releases a list of hostages willing to be freed if a ceasefire is achieved, with Or’s name included. Michael Levy expresses cautious optimism following Trump’s threats:

"For the first time in 15 months, I have hope." ([20:49])

Wildfires and Severe Weather in the United States

Segments: [01:02 – 06:51]

Kent Covington delivers urgent news from Los Angeles, where massive wildfires are ravaging the region under extreme Santa Ana winds. The Pacific Palisades fire has become the most destructive in the city's history, devastating over 10,000 acres and more than a thousand structures. Actor Steve Guttenberg describes the chaos:

"I've never seen the winds in my 25-year career." ([01:44])

As firefighters grapple with the blazes, southern states brace for an onslaught of freezing rain and snow, threatening millions with hazardous travel conditions. Officials urge residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary:

"If you're one of the parts of the state that's going to have icy roads, stay home for the next day or so." ([03:02])

Political Landscape: Trump’s Agenda and Legal Challenges

Segments: [03:09 – 06:51]

The political segment covers President-elect Donald Trump's meeting with GOP lawmakers, where he pushes for a comprehensive bill encompassing tax cuts, border security, and energy policy. Trump emphasizes unity within the party:

"We're going to make America great again." ([02:44])

However, internal debates arise over whether to pass a single omnibus bill or break it into multiple pieces to expedite legislative success. Senator Roger Marshall optimistically predicts swift progress:

"I think that the president is practicing the art of the deal." ([03:54])

The episode also touches on Trump's legal battles, including his request to the Supreme Court to halt his sentencing in a business fraud case. Legal experts like Ilya Soman suggest Trump's motives may be more about reputation than legal outcomes:

"This may be more about clearing his name than anything else." ([04:35])

U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine and Recent Tragedies in Israel

Segments: [04:35 – 06:51]

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announces an additional $500 million in military aid to Ukraine, aiming to bolster defenses before the Biden administration transitions. Secretary Tony Blinken remarks on ensuring that any negotiations to end the war are approached from a position of strength:

"We want to make sure that the incoming administration will be able to oversee such a negotiation from a position of strength." ([05:35])

Tragic news from Israel reports the death of Yosef Al Zaydeni and his son Hamza at the hands of Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military continues efforts to identify additional remains, underscoring the ongoing regional tensions and humanitarian crises.

Recycling Christmas Trees: A Cautionary Tale

Segments: [22:52 – 24:07]

In a lighter yet informative segment, the podcast explores a Belgian initiative promoting the recycling of Christmas trees into food. Cities like Ghent suggest methods such as stripping needles and blanching them for use in flavored butter. However, concerns from the Belgian Food Agency highlight potential risks from pesticides and flame retardants:

"Christmas trees are not destined to enter the food chain." ([23:13])

The segment humorously references Yule Gibbons’ nostalgic cereal promotions, juxtaposing public health advisories with festive recycling ideas.

The American Steel Industry: Challenges and Prospects

Segments: [24:07 – 31:27]

The finale delves into the declining American steel industry, focusing on Pittsburgh-based Kasanek Manufacturing. Ken Kasanek, the owner, recounts the industry's hardships exacerbated by global trade agreements like NAFTA and recent political decisions. He criticizes NAFTA as the "worst trade deal" for the U.S., leading to outsourcing and reduced competitiveness:

"NAFTA was probably one of the worst... it kept the steel manufacturers of the United States from spending money improving their steel mills." ([26:31])

The Biden administration’s decision to block a $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel sparks controversy. While some argue it protects national security, others, including economist Clark Packard from the Cato Institute, caution against alienating key allies and hindering foreign investment:

"It's legal in China to hack a US company, and Cole says until there are incentives to stop, hacking will continue." ([10:59])

Ken Kasanek defends the blocked deal, believing it would have safeguarded jobs in Pittsburgh:

"It's gonna keep people working here in the Pittsburgh area." ([30:07])

The segment concludes with a reflection on the future of American manufacturing, underscored by a dwindling workforce and the enduring legacy of Pittsburgh's steel heritage.

Education Standards Under Scrutiny

Segments: [31:27 – 35:19]

World commentator Cal Thomas critiques New Jersey's Act 1669, which eliminates the requirement for teachers to pass basic reading, writing, and math tests. Thomas argues that lowering educational standards undermines student performance, citing U.S. students' mediocre rankings in math and science on OECD assessments:

"If spending on students and teachers were directly related to enhanced performance, New Jersey and the rest of the country would be at or near the top in positive education outcomes." ([31:52])

He parallels this policy shift to the military's lowered physical fitness standards, suggesting a broader trend of diminishing expectations. Thomas advocates for a universal school choice program to attract qualified teachers without compromising standards:

"Would a universal school choice program help attract more qualified teachers so the bar could be raised to the previous level instead of lowered? It should be worth a try." ([35:07])

Conclusion

Closing Remarks:
Mary Reichard and Myrna Brown wrap up the episode by reaffirming WORLD Radio’s commitment to delivering biblically grounded journalism. They encourage listeners to engage with the content thoughtfully and look forward to upcoming segments, ensuring a comprehensive and insightful experience for their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Guttenberg on Wildfire Winds:
  "I've never seen the winds in my 25-year career." ([01:44])

• Michael Levy’s Appeal:
  "Your silence is deafening. Your inaction is suffocating." ([19:22])

• Ken Kasanek on NAFTA’s Impact:
  "NAFTA was probably one of the worst... it kept the steel manufacturers of the United States from spending money improving their steel mills." ([26:31])

• Cal Thomas on Education Standards:
  "Would a universal school choice program help attract more qualified teachers so the bar could be raised to the previous level instead of lowered? It should be worth a try." ([35:07])

This episode of "The World and Everything In It" offers a multifaceted exploration of current events, blending urgent national security issues with deeply personal human stories and critical industry analyses. Through expert interviews and firsthand accounts, WORLD Radio provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping today's world.