Will MAGA Pirates Help Stop the Drug Cartels?! | Guests: Gov. Ron DeSantis & Sen. Mike Lee | 1/28/25
Jan 28, 2025
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discusses RINO obstruction in immigration policies and local law enforcement's efforts against illegal immigration. Senator Mike Lee proposes using letters of marque and reprisal to tackle drug cartels, introducing an innovative approach to combat crime. Calley Means, co-founder of TrueMed, advocates for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as HHS secretary, navigating the complexities of health policy amidst political divides. The conversation reveals a critical analysis of empathy in immigration discussions and the impact of sanctuary cities.
Colombian officials threatened retaliation against U.S. immigration policies, highlighting the complex dynamics of international relations surrounding immigration.
Governor DeSantis underscored the challenges posed by RINO obstruction to Florida's efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
The podcast explores the potential of letters of mark and reprisal as a historical solution for combating drug cartels through private citizen intervention.
Senator Mike Lee emphasized the need for Republican unity in supporting viable nominees amid partisan challenges in the Senate confirmation process.
Deep dives
The Concept of Letters of Mark and Reprisal
Letters of mark and reprisal are governmental commissions that authorize private citizens, known as privateers, to undertake actions typically regarded as piracy, such as attacking enemy vessels during wartime. This historical tool allows these privateers to seize enemy assets and bring them back to the United States, where a special prize court would determine how the captured assets are distributed. Privateers can keep a portion of the assets they recover, thereby providing a monetary incentive for individuals to undermine the operations of criminal organizations like drug cartels. By empowering private citizens, this approach could disrupt criminal activities without deploying government military forces directly into hostile environments.
Potential for Disruption of Drug Cartels
The use of letters of mark and reprisal could greatly enhance the United States' strategy vis-à-vis drug cartels by allowing private individuals the flexibility to operate without the limitations faced by government entities. Privateers could focus on disrupting supply lines, capturing high-value targets, and recovering liquid assets such as cash and equipment linked to criminal operations. Unlike military incursions, which can lead to escalated tensions with the Mexican government, privateer operations may create a less confrontational and more flexible solution to tackling cartels. This concept leverages self-interest and economic motivation, theoretically harnessing private individuals to provide strategic advantages against criminal organizations.
Constitutional Validity and Historical Context
Though letters of mark and reprisal have not been utilized by the United States for over a century, their constitutional foundation provides legitimacy for this approach in dealing with modern threats. The U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the authority to issue such letters, which historically helped combat piracy and foreign adversaries. Advocates argue that this historical context supports a contemporary application against committed criminal enterprises like drug cartels, which threaten U.S. citizens and national interests. Resurrecting this concept may be particularly timely given the escalating violence and turmoil initiated by drug trafficking across the southern border.
Perspective on International Relations
Should the U.S. implement letters of mark and reprisal, there are likely to be mixed reactions from international players regarding American sovereignty and aggressive tactics. While some entities may condemn the practice as a form of legalized piracy, the operational reality of targeting drug cartels could resonate positively with the affected individuals within Mexico who suffer under cartel rule. If executed correctly, this approach could foster goodwill with Mexican citizens who desire relief from the violence perpetrated by these criminal organizations. The balance of opinions would thus depend heavily on the perceived effectiveness of the operation in genuinely diminishing cartel influence.
Support for RFK Jr. in Senate Confirmation
Senator Mike Lee expressed his support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his potential confirmation process as Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasizing the importance of bringing fresh perspectives to the position. Lee believes that Kennedy's approach to reforming the health department could significantly benefit the American populace, especially regarding transparency and truth in public health policies. Lee pointed out that Kennedy's recognition of the failures within governmental health organizations positions him as a candidate suitable for tackling the challenges currently faced. However, Lee also acknowledged that Kennedy might encounter substantial opposition within his own party, complicating the confirmation process.
The Importance of Political Accountability
Senator Lee stressed that Republicans must remain vigilant and unified in supporting nominees like Kennedy and Cash Patel who may face partisan resistance in the Senate. This requires Republicans to rally behind their candidates to ensure they receive fair consideration during the confirmation process. Lee highlighted that the political landscape has altered, necessitating a focused strategy to counteract adversarial narratives that could arise from within the party. By leveraging electoral mandates and promoting a commitment to accountability, Republicans could more effectively navigate the complexities of confirmation while maintaining party unity.
Concerns over the Future of Republican Nominees
Amidst the discussion of various nominees for key positions, there remains a collective concern about the strength of commitment among Republican senators to endorse party nominees fully. Lee expressed apprehension that some members may exhibit reluctance due to perceived political gains or losses, which could potentially impede the nomination process. He urged his peers to recognize the significance of supporting these nominees with equal fervor as had been received by Democratic appointees under different administrations. This episode in the Senate highlights the ongoing struggle within the party to ensure that Republican values and candidates are prioritized in the political arena.
Implications of Policy on Mexico
In light of a potential operational shift towards implementing letters of mark and reprisal, the implications for U.S.-Mexico relations remain a critical consideration. The idea is to empower private citizens to take direct action against drug cartels without the formalities of military intervention. This strategy could provide a means to combat the rampant criminal activities that pervade border areas while also sparking discussions about shared interests between the United States and Mexico in tackling cartels effectively. Therefore, as conversations deepen regarding operational strategies, it becomes essential to weigh the repercussions on relations with Mexico alongside the potential benefits of restoring order and safety within communities.
The daughter of the president of Colombia issued a threat, saying that for every immigrant Trump sends to Colombia, Colombia will send an illegal immigrant back to America. Glenn explains the difference between genuine empathy and the Left’s twisted version of empathy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) joins to expose the RINO obstruction to keep Florida from deporting illegal immigrants. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey joins to explain how local counties in Florida are cracking down on immigration. The Left’s arguments for keeping illegal immigrants in this country are morally questionable. As some Republicans claim RFK Jr. isn’t pro-life enough to be HHS secretary, Truemed co-founder Calley Means joins to explain why RFK Jr. must be confirmed. RNC Youth Advisory Council co-chairman CJ Pearson joins to discuss New York magazine cropping a photo to push a racial angle. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) joins to discuss the process of implementing a “letter of marque and reprisal” to help combat the drug cartels.
