Centered From Reality

Piers Morgan Torpedoes George Santos, Worries Grow in Moldova, China Sides with Russia & National Divorce Insanity

In this episode, Alex starts by going into troubling pro-Russian protests that are occurring in Moldova. There were already concerns that Russia would intervene in Moldova, now pro-Russian parties and Kremlin rhetoric are dividing the country along ethnic and cultural lines. Biden met with Moldova’s President, Maia Sandu, who has struggled to keep the country happy after rising fuel and food costs have turned her people against her. Alex notes that Sandu is pro-Ukraine and westward leaning and has warned of a potential Russian coup attempt or the use of violence to destabilize the country. Many worry that Moldova could be Putin’s next target. Next, Alex discusses President Biden’s trip to Kyiv and why it shows the world that the United States is committed to the conflict. However, Putin held his national speech on Tuesday and formally withdrew Russia from the New Start Nuclear Treaty with the United States. At the same time, China has blamed the US for fanning the flames in Ukraine and the State Department has warned that China may be getting closer to Russia. Some even worry that China may start sending aid to Russia. Finally, Alex breaks down an amazingly insane interview between Piers Morgan and George Santos. He discusses how Morgan perfectly exposes why Santos cannot be trusted. 

Faux News Shows its True Colors, DeSantis Goes Too Far, Don Lemon Implodes & Modern Fascism’s Coded Characteristics

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing a tale of two unequal, but interesting controversies that have occurred over the weekend inside of CNN and Fox News. The Fox News scandal involves texts that show how executives and top show hosts (like Tucker Carlson) knew that Trump’s lies were bogus; however, they decided to still entertain the conspiracies because they did not want to anger their viewers. The CNN scandal involves Don Lemon being sexist and irritating when he mentioned that Nikki Haley was not in her prime. Alex questions which network will have more pushback for its controversy (hint — not Fox News). For the rest of the show, Alex goes into his thoughts on the differences between authoritarianism and fascism. He also discusses how modern fascism is more coded and moderated than the earlier versions. He worries that we are starting to see some on the right intermingle with modern fascist rhetoric and ideas. Finally, he relates this to Ron DeSantis’ actions in Florida where he has used the government to make policy decisions that seem antithetical to conservativism. 

Trump Wants Public Executions, An Ideology of Brutality & A Troubling Bird Flu Epidemic

In this episode, Alex starts with another rant about his grievances towards Netflix and other streaming platforms. Netflix has announced that it is removing the entire Arrested Development library in March, even though the last two seasons were made by Netflix. Next, Alex looks into why the current Bird Flu, H5N1 epidemic, has lasted for almost two years and is more deadly and serious than previous epidemics. He also discusses how it has jumped to other mammals and is putting several wild and domesticated species at risk. While the epidemic is unlikely to infect a lot of humans, it could kill off large amounts of species and impact the entire ecosystem. For the remainder of the episode, Alex goes into a new report from Rolling Stone Magazine. The article discusses how aides of former president Donald Trump have said that he has expressed a desire to bring back firing squads and other formers of public executions. He mainly wants to expand the death penalty and use it to execute drug dealers and other criminals. Alex discusses that Trump has always been enamored with autocrats that use extra-judicial means to enact justice. He also discusses how Trump’s movement has always been driven by brutality.

Russian Balloons in Ukraine, A Dire Warning from the US Embassy-Moscow & The UAP Mystery Deepens

In this article, Alex starts by going into a new low for Marjorie Taylor Greene where she completely downplayed the tragedy of Flight 93 on 9/11. Then he talks for a moment about the opening of a senate seat in California and why he wants Ro Khanna to run for the Senate. Later, Alex rants about George Santos and new allegations that he wrote bad checks to buy puppies from an Amish community in Pennsylvania. Apparently, George Santos is also considering a run for reelection; however, some House Republicans are plotting to get rid of him. For the remainder of the episode, Alex discusses how it seems that these three objects shot down over North America were not dangerous to the public, but also do not seem to be from China. Alex notes that many experts with National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, and the National Weather Service, do not believe these were weather balloons. Ultimately, Alex ponders reports out of Ukraine that describe the Russians using balloons to distract and confuse the Ukrainian military. This comes as a new offensive has begun, Moldova fears a Russian coup attempt is coming, and the US Department of State has told Americans to leave Russia immediately. 

A UFO Fever Infects the US, Nikki Haley Announces & Ohio Chernobyl?

In this episode, Alex starts by going over Nikki Haley’s announcement that she is officially running for president. He plays her campaign ad/announcement ad and then ponders many things. He questions why she is running, whom she will appeal to, and whether she can even beat Liz Cheney or Mike Pence. Next, Alex discusses the train derailment that happened in East Palestine, Ohio, that led to dozens of cars falling off the tracks and the release of toxic chemicals that ended up burning into the area and the air. People were evacuated but have since returned to their homes. There are reports of pets showing illness and people complaining of burning eyes and other symptoms. Alex is worried that this issue not only shows regulation and infrastructure concerns but also may lead to a new “cancer cluster” in which the people of this area are negatively impacted by this disaster. Finally, Alex goes into the recent chaos around a recent “object” shot down over Lake Huron. As CNN has reported, this recent object over Huron marks“ the third day in a row that an unidentified object was shot down over North American airspace. An unidentified object was shot down over northern Canada on Saturday. On Friday, an unidentified object was shot down in Alaska airspace by a US F-22.” Alex goes into all the different theories, how the Pentagon has reacted, and why he is not convinced these are UFOs. 

A False Narrative Spreads in Peru as Violence and Turmoil Follow

In this episode, Alex talks about the congressional hearings that are aimed at  Twitter and free speech. Then he reflects on why he thinks the GOP is merely focused on projection instead of solutions. Finally, he goes into the recent events in Peru. Political turmoil has crippled the country as a false presidential narrative has spread like wildfire. Alex worries that Democracy and Peruvian stability are at stake.

The State of the (Dis)Union

In this episode, Alex goes into his thoughts after viewing a problematic, yet entertaining State of the Union address. He goes into how President Biden used some fascinating traps, how Republicans created an unnecessary optics problem, and why George Santos and Mitt Romney won't be best friends. 

A Spy Balloon of Disinformation, Earthquake Horrors in Turkey/Syria & Santos Strikes Again

In this episode, Alex discusses his thoughts on the State of the Union address and why he is okay with a little chaos. Then he goes into the chaos around the Chinese Spy Balloon getting shot down. He is surprised that the reaction from the right has been so chaotic, disingenuous, and completely illogical. It shows time and time again, that the Republicans only want Biden to fail and don’t care about governance. Later, Alex goes into George Santos, and new issues that the freshman congressman may face, as he rocks an AR-15 pin to fit in with his new tribe. Finally, Alex goes into the devastating earthquake and its aftershock that occurred in Turkey and Syria. He discusses how this tragic act of nature will only lead to an emergency on top of existing emergencies. 

Democracy is Dying in Georgia, One Slow Prison Death at a Time

In this Saturday special, Alex starts by laughing about how the NBA All-Star Game is going to be held in Salt Lake City. Usually, the game brings in people wanting to party for the weekend, Utah may be a hard sell for a party weekend. Next, Alex admits he was wrong — the Chinese balloon was shot down after the Biden Administration waited for it to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. He notes that politicians must look for answers but also must be patient and be sure to not escalate the situation. Finally, Alex discusses why democracy is dying in Georgia. Its former president, and a reformist for democracy, is currently dying in a Georgian prison on trumped-up charges. In an Atlantic article, Anne Applebaum notes that these forms of death were common in the Soviet Union, “The slow prison death was a Soviet specialty: not a murder, not an assassination, just a well-monitored, carefully controlled, long, drawn-out decline. Most of the people who died in Soviet prison camps were not executed; they were merely starved until their heart stopped beating.” Alex goes into why Georgia is on the brink. 

Spy Balloons Over Montana, Post-Fascist Populism on the Brink & Larry Hogan’s Moral Dissonance

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing his irritation with the Former Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan. After years of criticizing Trump, Hogan has now gone into the zone of moral dissonance and has said he would support the Republican candidate no matter what. Alex ponders this and wonders why this is happening because this will not help Hogan gain any support, he is closer to Biden than Trump on politics. Next, Alex goes into the Chinese Spy Balloon that was found 60,000 feet above Montana. He goes into what it means, why it hasn’t been shot down yet, and why he supports mutual surveillance if it stops conflicts. Finally, Alex looks into the state of populism (mainly right-wing populism) in Europe. He is skeptical, yet also optimistic, and thinks that it is slowly waning due to a myriad of factors. One example Alex discusses involves a recent presidential election in the Czech Republic where a moderate, institutionalist, beat the Trumpian populist.