Episode 245: Kenn Thomas, The Octopus, and ‘90s Paranoia feat. Devin O’Shea
Sep 1, 2023
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Kenn Thomas, a parapolitical researcher, is the guest on this episode. They discuss his magazine Steamshovel Press, which inspired The X-Files. Thomas published a book called The Octopus, uncovering a massive conspiracy involving a journalist's suicide, Native American reservations, and a private security firm named Wackenhut. The hosts cover topics like orgone energy, the concept of the 'laughter curtain', and the mysterious death of Danny Casolaro. They also explore the role of Wackenhut in illegal activities like drug trading and murder. The episode concludes with discussions about Marxist aliens, octopuses, and a spy scandal.
The Octopus conspiracy theory delves into themes of surveillance, technological advancements, and the systemic control of information, shedding light on real issues of power, corruption, and the manipulation of narratives in modern society.
The Octopus theory raises questions about the unethical use of surveillance technology, government collusion with private entities, and the potential for abuses of power, exemplified by the alleged involvement of a Native American reservation and a private security firm in clandestine activities.
Deep dives
The Octopus: Uncovering a Deep-State Conspiracy
The Octopus is a conspiracy theory that explores the hidden power structures of the American government, military-industrial complex, and intelligence community. The theory suggests that there is an all-powerful and invisible entity called the Octopus that manipulates public events and controls various aspects of society. The Octopus story revolves around the mysterious death of a freelance writer named Danny Castelero, who was investigating a wide-ranging conspiracy involving Native American reservations, a secret security program called Promise, and a private security firm called Wackenhut. The theory delves into themes of surveillance, technological advancements, and the systemic control of information. While the Octopus conspiracy may be seen as fantastical, it sheds light on real issues of power, corruption, and the manipulation of narratives in modern society.
The Promise Software and the Ins Law Affair
The Octopus theory involves a covert software program called Promise, developed by an American company called Inns Law. Promise was allegedly used for surveillance purposes and had the ability to track the movements and activities of individuals by tapping into various databases and sources of information. The software's alleged capabilities included monitoring phone calls, credit card transactions, and water and electricity usage. The Ins Law affair refers to a legal dispute between Inns Law and the U.S. Department of Defense, claiming that the government stole the software and sold it to foreign intelligence services. The Octopus theory implies that Promise was part of a larger conspiracy involving a clandestine trade in weapons, drugs, and secret information. While the details of this conspiracy may be speculative, it raises questions about the unethical use of surveillance technology and government collusion with private entities.
The Cabazon Reservation and Wackenhut Security
The Octopus theory includes a focus on the Cabazon reservation, a Native American community in California, and its alleged involvement in clandestine activities. The theory suggests that the Cabazon tribe, through a security firm called Wackenhut, engaged in the development and production of advanced warfare projects, including weapons, biological and chemical agents, and even a joint human-alien underground base. Wackenhut, a private detective agency founded by George Wackenhut, was implicated in maintaining a large database of suspected dissidents and collaborating with various government agencies. The Octopus theory connects Wackenhut's operations on the Cabazon reservation to broader conspiratorial activities involving the military-industrial complex and the exploitation of Native lands. While the specifics of these claims may be dubious, they raise issues of surveillance, abuses of power, and the potential collusion between government entities and private security firms.
The Tragic Story of Danny Castelero and the Quest for the Truth
At the heart of the Octopus theory is the tragic death of Danny Castelero, a freelance writer who was investigating the conspiracy surrounding Promise, Wackenhut, and other clandestine activities. Castelero's death, ruled as a suicide, became an iconic event within the Octopus narrative. The theory speculates that his death was orchestrated to silence him and prevent the exposure of the conspiracy he was uncovering. Castelero's story represents the struggles of investigative journalists and the risks they face when trying to reveal the truth. The Octopus theory, while tinged with speculative elements, highlights the importance of independent research, the dangers of powerful covert entities, and the need to question official narratives.
Repeat guest Devin O’Shea regales the boys with a tale straight from ‘90s conspiracy theory culture. It concerns the prolific parapolitical researcher and St. Louis native Kenn Thomas. Thomas’ magazine Steamshovel Press made him a minor celebrity and earned mentions in The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, and The Smithsonian. The magazine was also a source of inspiration for the writers of The X-Files. In 1996, Thomas published his career-defining book: The Octopus: The Secret Government and the Death of Danny Casolaro. The book weaves a complex tale of a massive conspiracy involving a journalist who died in an apparent suicide, Native American reservations, a state-of-the-art-security program, a source named Danger Man, the Contras, the Shah of Iran, and a private security firm called “Wackenhut.”
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QAA's Website: www.qanonanonymous.com
Music by Pontus Berghe and Nick Sena. Editing by Corey Klotz.
Episode Written by Devin O'Shea
https://twitter.com/devintoshea
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