SNAFU with Ed Helms S2E8: Statute of Limitations
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Aug 21, 2024 Neil Welch, a lead FBI agent known for his transformative work in Philadelphia, joins the discussion on the FBI's evolving practices and historical surveillance tactics. They dive into Judy Feingold's haunting legacy following a pivotal FBI document burglary, exploring the personal toll of paranoia. Welch shares insights on the agency's quest for accountability amidst modern security measures and highlights the enduring spirit of activism against governmental power. The conversation weaves through true crime narratives, emphasizing resilience and the fragile balance between security and civil rights.
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Judy Feingold's Undercover Life
- Judy Feingold committed a federal crime by burglarizing the FBI in 1971 and had to live underground with a new identity for decades.
- She kept her involvement secret for 43 years until a book revealed her story in 2014, which shocked and betrayed her.
FBI Reform Challenges Post-Hoover
- The Church Committee hearings exposed the FBI's widespread abuses, prompting hopes for reform.
- However, ingrained loyalty to Hoover's methods made true accountability difficult to achieve initially.
Neil Welch Cleans FBI
- Neil Welch, opposed to COINTELPRO tactics, was tasked with cleaning up FBI domestic intelligence.
- He prioritized focusing on actual criminals rather than activists or political dissenters.
