The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters #1324
Jan 2, 2026
Join Peter McCormack, a keen commentator and host of the Peter McCormack Show, as he dives into a whirlwind of topics with Carl and Dan. They unveil a shocking investigation into Somali-run daycare fraud, sparking debates about government policies that foster corruption. The discussion takes a turn towards demographic politics, remittances, and how bureaucratic red tape stifles honest business. Adding to the mix, Dominic Cummings critiques the state of British politics, revealing systemic dysfunction and the challenges of reforming entrenched bureaucracy.
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Welfare Expansion Creates A Grift Opportunity
- Minnesota's Somali community exploited expanded government daycare funding to scale fraudulent operations and political donations.
- Carl Benjamin and Dan argue large welfare states create vast "surface area" for grift that organized minorities can exploit.
Viral Clip Exposes Empty Daycare Fraud
- YouTuber Nick Shirley filmed empty Somali-run daycare centres that still received millions in government funds.
- The video showed closed centres licensed for dozens of children yet claiming large public payments and political donations.
From Real Kids To Fake Registrations
- Earlier investigations showed families registered at multiple centres then left, collecting kickbacks without leaving children.
- Dan recounts how centres evolved from inefficiently enrolling real kids to simple fake registrations.