Good Morning friends,
A special edition of the Dispatch this morning— our podcast/conversation with Lt. Col. Allen West, that we mentioned recently.
We began recording in mid-conversation, while talking about the Oliver Anthony phenomenon, and how a regular seeming guy whose stylings are suggestive of that old union label, is somehow being disregarded or dismissed by seemingly half of the country.
From there, the conversation starts wheeling and dealing.
A few notes: This is our first podcast attempt, ever. We taped it with one microphone plugged into a smartphone— and predictably, perhaps— one of us is a good bit louder than the other. Apologies for that!
If this becomes a regular thing, we’ll have to come up with a nice studio space, split microphone tracks, and maybe even some pro-gloss like musical intros and outros.
Do people care about musical intros and outros? No clue!
For now, it is what it is— two dudes rappin’ in the middle of Southwest Texas at the end of August, trying to solve the Republic’s problems.
Hope you enjoy the podcast and hope we don’t get too far out there at the end, talking about what we assume the NSA is capable of.
Newswise this week, it seems the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton is off to a lackluster start. Attendees we’ve spoken to described day one as boring, or lame, or confusing— though we still have yet to speak with our Austin Socialist secret squirrel, who was in the public seating Tuesday Morning.
A couple stories do catch our eye today: First, this one in the Arizona Republic. It may have the worst headline ever.
“Federal funding process for humanitarian aid at border comes under scrutiny.”
Isn’t that awful? Drier than toast. Someone’s scared to speak plainly. Probably the editors. Reporter Rafael Carranza does a credible job of bringing some interesting facts to light about Federal Emergency monies coming from DHS and FEMA, and how the Feds seem to be shafting border states and agencies.
For example, New York City alone has received $106.8 million, more than any single border state. It has received more than 100,000 asylum seekers since April 2022, according to the mayor's office, straining city resources and forcing hundreds of them to sleep in the streets waiting for shelter beds to open up.
—Reporter Rafael Carranza, in the Arizona Republic
How’s this for a better headline: “Border Crisis Monies Going Elsewhere”
You’re welcome, Arizona Republic.
We hate to be too chummy with other substacks, but that retired CIA character we mentioned in a recent previous edition is back at it, with another zinger.
Sam Faddis is highlighting recent reporting by the Washington Examiner, which states that the Cartels and their reach are going beyond the drug trade and the human trafficking business.
Have you seen the footage of “flash mobs” looting certain stores all around the country?
Apparently, the cartels are involved in that too.
It all boils down to an opportunity to make easy money. Cartel “boosters” are hidden in the crowd, and they make a point of stealing stuff that’s easy to fence.
The merchandise is often repackaged with heat guns and shrink wrap— anti-theft stickers and other measures removed— and sold anonymously online to unsuspecting buyers.
Faddis reports retailers lost an estimated 90-Billion dollars last year. Even if the Cartels only see pennies on the dollar, that still amounts to hundreds of millions in profit.
Folks— this all may be news to us— but if there’s one organization that knows better than anyone what is happening— it’s the Department of Homeland Security.
So why? That is the question. Why are we all being lied to about the border being secure? Why are we being given bogus stats about how great newest policy is? And still more about next newest policy?
Honestly, W-H-Y are starting to feel like the most dangerous letters in the alphabet.
And on that note— we’ll call it a day.
Have a great rest of the week. We’ll see you again soon. As always, the Cavalry-Dispatch is an independent work product, and should not be mistaken for any sort of an official communication by Kinney County government. Any errors, misdeeds, or amateurish podcasting are entirely our own doing.
Do you have an opinion on musical intros and outros in podcasts? Are they necessary? Say something in the comments below or click “reply” on your email if you want to keep your opinion between us.
As for future guests— we have a few in mind, obviously. But if anyone out there wants to inflict us on someone else they know, feel free to play matchmaker.
A Quick Conversation with Lt. Col. Allen West