Behind the Bastards CZM Rewind: Harlon Carter: the Man Who Militarized the Cops and the NRA
29 snips
Jun 19, 2025 
Matt Lieb, a comedian and co-host of the Sopranos rewatch podcast, brings humor and insight as he dives into the life of Harlan Carter. They discuss Carter's pivotal role in shaping American gun culture and police militarization. The conversation touches on the complex history of gun control, intertwined with themes of racism and societal implications. From the NRA’s evolution to the impact of historical legislation on marginalized communities, the dialogue balances serious issues with insightful banter, examining how past injustices echo in today's gun debates.
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Border Patrol's Racist Militarization
- Harlan Carter's father was an early Border Patrol agent involved in racially violent purges in Laredo, Texas.
- The Border Patrol was transformed into a racially violent enforcement arm against Mexican-Americans under Carter's influence.
Carter's Teenage Murder
- At age 16, Carter killed a 15-year-old Mexican boy with a shotgun after accusing him of theft.
- He was convicted for murder but later released with his conviction overturned on technicalities.
Origin of the Border Wall
- Carter proposed Operation Cloudburst that built the first concertina wire border wall.
- This plan militarized the border deeply, aiming to purge Mexican immigrants and enforce racial hierarchy.
