9/26/23: Perfect Storm Economy, Debunking Auto CEO Lies, Menendez Uses Cuban Heritage, Newsom DeSantis Debate, New UFO Whistleblowers, Landmark Case For Podcasts, US Subsidizing Ukraine Businesses, EV Future, Big Pharma Corruption
Corporate corruption expert Robert Weissman joins Krystal and Saagar to discuss corporate corruption in the USA and his new book. Other interesting topics include the factors that may crash the economy, debunking auto CEO lies, Menendez using his Cuban background to defend corruption allegations, a debate between Newsom and DeSantis, new UFO whistleblowers, a landmark case for podcasts, US subsidizing Ukrainian businesses, autoworkers fighting for the EV future.
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Quick takeaways
The debate between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will shed light on their different approaches to governance and policies, such as autonomous trucks and job protection.
Governor Newsom's veto of a bill requiring human operators in autonomous trucks, seen as catering to Silicon Valley donors, emphasized the growing conflict between the tech industry and workers' rights.
The pharmaceutical industry's extensive lobbying power and its blocking of drug price negotiation exemplify corporate corruption and the financial burden it places on taxpayers.
Deep dives
Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis to Debate in Red State vs Blue State Showdown
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have agreed to participate in a debate moderated by Sean Hannity. The 90-minute debate will take place in Georgia and will be broadcast on Hannity. This is the first time the two governors will face off in a debate, showcasing their different visions of governance and policies on issues such as autonomous trucks and job protection. The debate is set to provide insights into the future of both states and the potential presidential ambitions of both governors.
Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill Requiring Human Operators in Autonomous Trucks
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required autonomous trucks to have a human operator on board. The bill passed with overwhelming support in the California legislature, but Newsom's decision was seen as appeasing his Silicon Valley donors and tech industry supporters who opposed the measure. Labor unions, such as the Teamsters, strongly backed the bill due to safety concerns and the protection of jobs that could be lost in a future with fully autonomous trucks. This move by Newsom has sparked criticism from labor unions and further highlighted the tensions between the tech industry and workers' rights.
Influence of Big Pharma
Big Pharma, with its extensive lobbying power, wields significant influence over government policies and regulations. This includes blocking efforts to negotiate drug prices, resulting in significant financial losses for taxpayers. The Medicare drug program is highlighted as a corrupt deal that prevented the government from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies, costing an estimated $500 billion over a decade.
Impact of Big Oil
Big Oil is accused of perpetrating the greatest crime in history by denying climate change and obstructing climate action. Despite knowledge of climate change dating back to the 1970s, the industry engaged in a concerted effort to deny the science and block meaningful action. Their political influence continues to hinder progress towards a clean energy future, contributing to ongoing environmental disasters and jeopardizing future generations.
Legalized corruption
Corporate influence and corruption extend to various industries, including Big Pharma, Big Tech, and Big Oil. The pharmaceutical industry's extensive lobbying presence influences legislation and prevents the government from negotiating drug prices. Similarly, Big Oil's denial of climate change and obstruction of climate action has resulted in disastrous consequences. These industries use their political influence to protect their interests and maintain their monopolies, to the detriment of the public and the future of our country.
Krystal and Saagar discuss four major factors that may crash economy, debunking auto CEO lies amid strike, Menendez uses his Cuban background to defend corruption allegations, Newsom vs. DeSantis debate confirmed, Newsom vetoes bill to protect truckers from AI vehicles, dozens of whistleblowers on UFOs come forward, landmark case for podcasts, Biden admin subsidizing Ukrainian businesses, autoworkers go to war for EV future, and Robert Weissman joins to discuss corporate corruption in the USA and his new book "The Corporate Sabotage of America's Future"