

Very Heavy Force
50 snips Jun 12, 2025
Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard professor and former Massachusetts homeland security advisor, dives into pressing political issues this week. She critiques Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to manage protests in LA, raising concerns about government overreach. The discussion also touches on RFK Jr.'s drastic move to dismiss the CDC vaccine advisory board, posing questions about vaccine trust. On a lighter note, the group shares thoughts on the dark comedy 'Hacks,' blending serious topics with cultural insights.
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Unprecedented Federalization of National Guard
- The federalization of state National Guard troops for urban unrest is unprecedented without a governor's request.
- This move risks confusion, poor logistical planning, and blurs traditional chains of command.
Low Bar for Federal Troop Deployment
- Trump uses inflammatory language about protesters and federalizes troops to control even peaceful protests.
- This sets a low bar for federal intervention in civil demonstrations and signals insecurity.
Vaccine Advisory Board Shake-Up Risks Herd Immunity
- RFK Jr.'s firing of CDC vaccine advisory members puts skeptics in power, risking vaccine preparedness.
- The long-term impact may reduce herd immunity and increase preventable disease outbreaks.