Derek and Danny—through Covid and the sniffles, respectively— reunite for a news update. This week, they cover the fraught Iran nuclear discussions in Doha (0:31), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meeting (3:47), the start of the Chilean constitutional campaign (8:05), Ukraine (11:00), Finland and Sweden inching towards NATO membership (17:11), and dear Boris Johnson’s resignation (21:23).
I have been a American prestige head since the first episode I tend to disagree when you say your shows are downers. The fact that you cover any of this and give a shit about it speaks volumes then Nprs the world garbage spouting. In fact that is one of the reasons I subscribed to you to you at almost the highest level which I have only down for three other podcast plus you guys are really funny.
Thank you for the response which reminded me to subscribe to your substack now I have to get a second job just to have time to catch up to your podcast lol
In fact if you permit me building what you said in this recent mail bag what you contribute to a better world. In the words of grandpa Munster (Al Lang)
“Everybody in this society wants the quick fix,”
“So do the radicals, whatever you want to call them. A bumper sticker, put it on your car: ‘I'm a radical’, ‘I'm a lefty’, ‘I'm a progressive’, ‘I'm left of centre’. It's all bullshit. I learned a long time ago — I've been in the struggle over 70 years. It doesn't bother me I may not win.
“After doing X amount of time or years, don't throw your hands up in the air because, you see, everybody wants ‘the win’. They want it today,” he added.
“It doesn't happen. The struggle goes on. The victory is in the struggle, for me. And I accepted that a long time ago.”
Thanks for the suggestion! Danny and Derek are recording an Abe special today and I have a feeling we'll be making something on postwar Japan happen sooner than later.
This episode is more my speed! Great analysis as always but I think Yakety Sax (the Benny Hill theme song) would have been better intro music to the Boris Johnson segment.
Is it just me or is US (the West's) policy in dealing with Russia incoherent? Shouldn't America be extending the olive branch to Venezuela and Iran instead of maintaining (completely unjust) sanctions against them? The extra oil might help reduce inflation. Wouldn't it also make sense to dial back the China bashing and try to be friends at least until the war is over?
I have been a American prestige head since the first episode I tend to disagree when you say your shows are downers. The fact that you cover any of this and give a shit about it speaks volumes then Nprs the world garbage spouting. In fact that is one of the reasons I subscribed to you to you at almost the highest level which I have only down for three other podcast plus you guys are really funny.
Chris thank you for your kind words, but believe me when I say that this one in particular was a downer just on health grounds.
Thank you for the response which reminded me to subscribe to your substack now I have to get a second job just to have time to catch up to your podcast lol
It's more than worth it!
In fact if you permit me building what you said in this recent mail bag what you contribute to a better world. In the words of grandpa Munster (Al Lang)
“Everybody in this society wants the quick fix,”
“So do the radicals, whatever you want to call them. A bumper sticker, put it on your car: ‘I'm a radical’, ‘I'm a lefty’, ‘I'm a progressive’, ‘I'm left of centre’. It's all bullshit. I learned a long time ago — I've been in the struggle over 70 years. It doesn't bother me I may not win.
“After doing X amount of time or years, don't throw your hands up in the air because, you see, everybody wants ‘the win’. They want it today,” he added.
“It doesn't happen. The struggle goes on. The victory is in the struggle, for me. And I accepted that a long time ago.”
It is the 50 anniversary of the man who said “that’s the kind of conversation between the sword and the neck” Ghassan Kanafani by the Israeli Mossad
I would love an episode (series?) on politics/culture in postwar Japan (and this was before recent events). Love all the content- thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion! Danny and Derek are recording an Abe special today and I have a feeling we'll be making something on postwar Japan happen sooner than later.
This episode is more my speed! Great analysis as always but I think Yakety Sax (the Benny Hill theme song) would have been better intro music to the Boris Johnson segment.
Is it just me or is US (the West's) policy in dealing with Russia incoherent? Shouldn't America be extending the olive branch to Venezuela and Iran instead of maintaining (completely unjust) sanctions against them? The extra oil might help reduce inflation. Wouldn't it also make sense to dial back the China bashing and try to be friends at least until the war is over?
Real shame you barely missed Abe
Abe episode forthcoming.