The Fifth Column #518 - Angry Indians, the Socialist Right, TikTok's Propaganda War
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Aug 8, 2025 Delve into the tech disaster humor and everyday frustrations that kick off the show. Explore the tangled web of tariffs and planned obsolescence impacting consumer tech and business. Laugh and ponder over D.C.'s political landscape and the implications of recent federal actions. Unpack the geopolitical dynamics of India's relationship with Russia while navigating international trade complexities. Finally, scrutinize media narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the evolving public opinion that shapes these pressing issues.
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Apple Store Fury And A Stuck Train
- Michael Moynihan's laptop died just after warranty and Apple wanted $749.
- He missed his stop and was trapped on a train for 25 minutes, leaving him furious.
Tariff Escalation Is Broad And Uncertain
- The administration plans steep, graduated tariffs touching many allies.
- Tim Cook sat with the president during the announcement, highlighting exemptions theater.
Tariffs Are A Right-Wing Socialism
- Michael Moynihan calls tariff policy 'socialism of the right' that centralizes market choices.
- He argues tariffs raise prices while governments politically promise to lower them.
