Civics on the Rocks

Over Civics on the Rocks

A history teacher and an engineer walk into a bar…ouch! Except there isn’t a bar. But there are dad jokes. And whiskey. Two guys who know a few things, have been around a few blocks, and a few cocktails, discuss politics, science, history, technology, and the planet Earth. They also warp through rabbit holes in both the Federation and the Galactic Empire, and toast the ashes of the Twelve Colonies. And did I mention dad jokes? Yeah. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for Civics on the Rocks. Oh, and if you want some merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/CivcsRocks/shop?asc=u

Is This Behavior Warranted?

Steve commits murder, Anne pursues him to the full extent of the law, and Mack is on a mission from God. REFERENCES So, by warrant here, we’re talking about honest-to-gosh legal warrants: Legal Information Institute. “Warrant.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/warrant [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/warrant] We need to make a distinction because there are administrative warrants: Legal Information Institute. “Administrative Warrant.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/administrative_warrant [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/administrative_warrant] So, the executive branch: Legal Information Institute. “Executive Branch.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executive_branch [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executive_branch] You need to have probable cause: Legal Information Institute. “Probable Cause.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/probable_cause [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/probable_cause] Article III judge: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ [https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/] For search and seizure: Legal Information Institute. “Search and Seizure.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/search_and_seizure [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/search_and_seizure] In the Fourth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Fourth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ [https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/] A lot of times, it is for a civil thing: Legal Aid Society of Northeaster New York. “The Differences Between Criminal Court and Civil Court.” Updated August 4, 2022. LawHelp.org. https://www.lawhelp.org/resource/the-differences-between-criminal-court-and-ci [https://www.lawhelp.org/resource/the-differences-between-criminal-court-and-ci] ICE, the organization: https://www.ice.gov/ [https://www.ice.gov/] They’ve got to be out in a public place, and then they’re authorized by their own agency to detain them: Diaz, Jaclyn. “What ICE Agents Can and Cannot Legally Do During Arrests.” Updated September 19, 2025. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5517998/ice-arrest-rules-explained [https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5517998/ice-arrest-rules-explained] It’s not just search everything: United States Courts. “What Does the Fourth Amendment Mean?” https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/what-does-fourth-amendment-mean [https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/what-does-fourth-amendment-mean] Writs of assistance: Britannica Editors. “Writ of Assistance.” Updated 2020. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/writ-of-assistance [https://www.britannica.com/topic/writ-of-assistance] The in-between time between the Seven Years War (the French and Indian War)…: Britannica Editors. “Seven Years’ War.” Updated March 23, 2026. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Seven-Years-War [https://www.britannica.com/event/Seven-Years-War] …and the run-up to the Revolution: Wallace, Willard M. “American Revolution.” Updated March 20, 2026. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Revolution [https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Revolution] So famous Supreme Court case, Mapp vs. Ohio, 1961: Oyez. “Mapp v. Ohio.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1960/236 [https://www.oyez.org/cases/1960/236] When did administrative warrants come into play: Arthur, Andrew R. “Going Back to the Past to Explain ‘Administrative Warrants,’ Immigration Enforcement.” February 5, 2026. Center for Immigration Studies. https://cis.org/Arthur/Going-Back-Past-Explain-Administrative-Warrants-Immigration-Enforcement [https://cis.org/Arthur/Going-Back-Past-Explain-Administrative-Warrants-Immigration-Enforcement] I kind of wonder how the Revenue Cutter Service operated: Vergun, David. “Coast Guard Celebrates 235 Years Protecting Nation’s Waterways.” August 1, 2025. Joint Base San Antonio. https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/4261826/coast-guard-celebrates-235-years-protecting-nations-waterways/ [https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/4261826/coast-guard-celebrates-235-years-protecting-nations-waterways/] Like an early DOGE or something: Fields, Gary. “A Year After Trump’s DOGE Cuts, Workers Whose Lives Were Upended Ask What Was Saved.” March 27, 2026. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/a-year-after-trumps-doge-cuts-workers-whose-lives-were-upended-ask-what-was-saved [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/a-year-after-trumps-doge-cuts-workers-whose-lives-were-upended-ask-what-was-saved] While Civics on the Rocks didn't actually find an answer to this question, we’re sure they had something that gave them paper authorization, because otherwise they’re kind of pirate-y. Feel free to look for it for yourselves: National Archives. “Records of the United States Revenue Cutter Service (USRCS).” Reviewed January 11, 2023. https://www.archives.gov/research/military/coast-guard/revenue-cutter-service [https://www.archives.gov/research/military/coast-guard/revenue-cutter-service] And it’s not a letter of marque or reprisal: Mulligan, Steve P. “Letters of Marque and Reprisal (Part 1): Introduction and Historical Context.” February 26, 2025. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11272 [https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11272] And those are called origin statutes, by the way, or organic statutes: Ballotpedia. “Organic Statute.” https://ballotpedia.org/Organic_statute [https://ballotpedia.org/Organic_statute] Some of it is, also, due process rights: Constitution Annotated. “Amdt14.S1.3 Due Process Generally.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-3/ALDE_00013743/ [https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-3/ALDE_00013743/] We couldn’t find a comprehensive list of agencies that use administrative warrants, but multiple ones are authorized to do so, including the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA). Let’s do the EPA, that’s a fun one: https://www.epa.gov/ [https://www.epa.gov/] Oh, postal inspectors(!): United States Postal Inspection Service. “Security: It Comes With the Stamp.” https://www.uspis.gov/ [https://www.uspis.gov/] The EPA has people who enforce EPA regulations: EPA. “Criminal Enforcement: Special Agents.” https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/criminal-enforcement-special-agents [https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/criminal-enforcement-special-agents] Some of what they do, like postal inspectors, it could be a civil thing, it could also be a criminal thing: Office of Inspector General. “Office of Investigations.” https://www.uspsoig.gov/about-us/office-investigations [https://www.uspsoig.gov/about-us/office-investigations] Things like wire tapping: Legal Information Institute. “Wiretapping.” Reviewed July 2024. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/wiretapping [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/wiretapping] Damn spot: Shakespeare. “The Tragedy of Macbeth: Act 5, Scene 1.” https://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/macbeth.5.1.html [https://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/macbeth.5.1.html] You’re on oath or affirmation: Legal Information Institute. “22 CFR § 92.18 - Oaths and affirmations defined.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/92.18 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/92.18] Now, we’re playing Clue: The Strong National Museum of Play. “Clue.” https://www.museumofplay.org/toys/clue/ [https://www.museumofplay.org/toys/clue/] Yes, Anne can go into Steve’s house to arrest him with her warrant: Wallentine, Ken. “Whose House Is This? I Think I Know.” 2023. Lexipol. https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/whose-house-is-this-i-think-i-know/ [https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/whose-house-is-this-i-think-i-know/] And then somebody pulls over Steve, and runs his license and registration through SCMODS: https://youtu.be/pwqwSukyBvg?si=Kz9XB3WL4-k0vU9S [https://youtu.be/pwqwSukyBvg?si=Kz9XB3WL4-k0vU9S] Yes, in most cases, Anne would need a separate warrant to take Steve’s DNA: National Institute of Justice. “DNA–A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook Inventory.” https://nij.ojp.gov/nij-hosted-online-training-courses/dna-prosecutors-practice-notebook-inventory/preparing-cases-involving-dna/admissibility/court-order-or-search-warrant [https://nij.ojp.gov/nij-hosted-online-training-courses/dna-prosecutors-practice-notebook-inventory/preparing-cases-involving-dna/admissibility/court-order-or-search-warrant] So, the phone question is a little more complicated. As one legal source noted, phone technology evolves faster than the law does. If a legal authority figure uses your face to open your phone without your permission, you have a case to bring an unlawful search complaint against them. However, most legal sources we found recommend you use a strong password: Old, Jake. “Privacy Implications of Biometric Phone Encryption in Police Investigations.” Tennessee Bar Association. https://www.tba.org/?pg=crimjustice [https://www.tba.org/?pg=crimjustice] It’s not civil because it’s a misdemeanor: Legal Information Institute. “Misdemeanor.” Reviewed August 2021. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/misdemeanor [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/misdemeanor] So, the two Supreme Court cases that Mack describes did occur, but they happened two years apart. The phone search was unlawful: Oyez. “Riley v. California.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/2013/13-132 [https://www.oyez.org/cases/2013/13-132] But the full body cavity search, because it was motivated by the fact that the police are responsible for the safety of all persons onsite, that search was permissible: Oyez. “Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Burlington. https://www.oyez.org/cases/2011/10-945 [https://www.oyez.org/cases/2011/10-945] Welcome to being a woman in America: Center for Reproductive Rights. “Bodily Autonomy Fact Sheet Series: Abortion, Gender-Affirming Care, and the Fourteenth Amendment.” July 22, 2025. https://reproductiverights.org/resources/bodily-autonomy-fourteenth-amendment-fact-sheet/ [https://reproductiverights.org/resources/bodily-autonomy-fourteenth-amendment-fact-sheet/] Hot pursuit—it was a term that was made a thing by the Supreme Court…: Justia. “United States v. Santana, 427 U.S. 38 (1976).” https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/427/38/ [https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/427/38/] …not Roscoe P. Coltrane: https://youtu.be/mPHnfcg6sPA?si=X4Tul9x0QxMHJHnN [https://youtu.be/mPHnfcg6sPA?si=X4Tul9x0QxMHJHnN] In case you were wondering, hot pursuit comes from maritime law, where a nation’s ships are justified to pursue invaders into international waters, and its first known use was in 1743: Merriam-Webster. “Hot Pursuit: Word History.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20pursuit#word-history [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20pursuit#word-history] So, about the rocket propelled grenade launcher—it’s kind of a good news, bad news thing. So, Texas has declared private ownership of such weapons to be illegal…: Texas Constitution and Statutes. “Sec. 46.05. Prohibited Weapons.” https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=PE&chapter=PE.46&artSec=46.05 [https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=PE&chapter=PE.46&artSec=46.05] …unless they are registered under the National Firearms Act: ATF. “National Firearms Act.” https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/laws-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives/national-firearms-act [https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/laws-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives/national-firearms-act] It depends on what you want to do with the fact pattern of the story: Stockwell Law Firm. “How to Write an Effective Legal Fact Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide.” https://www.stockwelllawfirm.com/single-post/how-to-write-an-effective-legal-fact-pattern-a-step-by-step-guide [https://www.stockwelllawfirm.com/single-post/how-to-write-an-effective-legal-fact-pattern-a-step-by-step-guide] The term for that is exigent circumstances: Legal Information Institute. “Exigent Circumstances.” Reviewed December 2022. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/exigent_circumstances [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/exigent_circumstances] ICE, who many people in this country feel are acting illegally and outside of the bounds for which they were created: Epstein, Kayla. “What is ICE and What Powers Do Its Agents Have to Use Force?” February 4, 2026. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp80ljjd5rwo [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp80ljjd5rwo] And many of those people are federal judges: Cheney, Kyle. “Our Running List of Judges Who Rule on ICE’s Mass Detention Policy.” Updated April 3, 2026. Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/18/trump-judges-immigration-detention-00784614?_sp_pass_consent=true [https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/18/trump-judges-immigration-detention-00784614?_sp_pass_consent=true] They have internal legal advice that tells them their administrative warrants are perfectly fine for entering people’s homes: James, Hannah. “DHS Warrantless Home Entry Memo’s Fourth Amendment Problem.” Updated February 4, 2026. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/dhs-warrantless-home-entry-memos-fourth-amendment-problem [https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/dhs-warrantless-home-entry-memos-fourth-amendment-problem] Including knocking down doors and using explosives to breach them to do so: Brook, Jack. “A U.S. Citizen Says ICE Forced Open the Door to His Minnesota Home and Removed Him in His Underwear After a Warrantless Search.” January 20, 2026. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/a-u-s-citizen-says-ice-forced-open-the-door-to-his-minnesota-home-and-removed-him-in-his-underwear-after-a-warrantless-search [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/a-u-s-citizen-says-ice-forced-open-the-door-to-his-minnesota-home-and-removed-him-in-his-underwear-after-a-warrantless-search] We just generally said ICE, but sometimes it’s Border Patrol: Mehta, Sarah. “Border Patrol Agents Replace Top Leadership at ICE Offices Despite Human Rights Violations.” November 6, 2025. ACLU. https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/border-patrol-agents-replace-top-leadership-at-ice-offices-despite-human-rights-violations [https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/border-patrol-agents-replace-top-leadership-at-ice-offices-despite-human-rights-violations] The incredible lack of training: Bennett, Geoff and Anderson, Jonah. “Whistleblower Warns ICE Has Slashed Training for Recruits [Video and transcript].” PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/whistleblower-warns-ice-has-slashed-training-for-recruits [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/whistleblower-warns-ice-has-slashed-training-for-recruits] Which is why some of the guys have shot themselves: Rahman, Billal and Gooding, Dan. “ICE Agents Keep Accidentally Shooting Themselves.” Updated February 20, 2026. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/ice-agents-keep-accidentally-shooting-themselves-11540132 [https://www.newsweek.com/ice-agents-keep-accidentally-shooting-themselves-11540132] In some of these encounters, like Renee Good…: Schuppe, Jon and Smith, Patrick. “Minneapolis Police, Fire Department Reports Reveal Chaotic Moments After ICE Officer Fatally Shot Renee Good.” Updated January 16, 2026. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/minneapolis-police-fire-department-reports-reveal-chaotic-moments-ice-rcna254362 [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/minneapolis-police-fire-department-reports-reveal-chaotic-moments-ice-rcna254362] …and others: McSwane, J. David. “Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting.” February 1, 2026. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/alex-pretti-shooting-cbp-agents-identified-jesus-ochoa-raymundo-gutierrez [https://www.propublica.org/article/alex-pretti-shooting-cbp-agents-identified-jesus-ochoa-raymundo-gutierrez] Learn what you can do, what you can’t do, and what you shouldn’t do: Yoon, Byul. “Your Questions Answered: Filming ICE Interactions Safely.” March 3, 2026. ACLU. https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/your-questions-answered-filming-ice-interactions-safely [https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/your-questions-answered-filming-ice-interactions-safely] They are murdering people: Bennet, Geoff and Norris, Courtney. “‘He Took My Son’s Life for Nothing,’ Says Mother of Man Killed by Immigration Agent [Video and transcript].” March 19, 2026. PBS News Hour.” https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/he-took-my-sons-life-for-nothing-says-mother-of-man-killed-by-immigration-agent [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/he-took-my-sons-life-for-nothing-says-mother-of-man-killed-by-immigration-agent] They have a habit of leaving: Fanelli, Gino. “ICE Agents in the Park Ave Neighborhood Spark Large-Scale Protest.” September 9, 2025. WXXI News. https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2025-09-09/ice-agents-in-the-park-ave-neighborhood-spark-large-scale-protest [https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2025-09-09/ice-agents-in-the-park-ave-neighborhood-spark-large-scale-protest] Specifically, ACLU: ACLU. “Know Your Rights.” https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights [https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights] The marches, almost all of them, have been peaceful: Reid, Tim and Brooks, Brad. “Anti-Trump Rallies Hit Thousands of U.S. Cities for ‘No Kings’ Protest.” Updated March 30, 2026. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/rallies-planned-thousands-us-cities-no-kings-protest-against-trump-2026-03-28/ [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/rallies-planned-thousands-us-cities-no-kings-protest-against-trump-2026-03-28/] Regular citizens in Minnesota: Janssen, Emma. “When ICE Blows Through Rural America.” March 30, 2026. The American Prospect. https://prospect.org/2026/03/30/apr-2026-magazine-when-ice-blows-through-rural-america-minnesota/ [https://prospect.org/2026/03/30/apr-2026-magazine-when-ice-blows-through-rural-america-minnesota/] The guy who was the head of the Border Patrol operation in Minnesota was removed from that: Raza, Sarah and Fingerhut, Hannah. “Minnesota Launches Probe That Could Bring Charges Against Federal Immigration Officers.” March 3, 2026. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/minnesota-launches-probe-that-could-bring-charges-against-federal-immigration-officers [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/minnesota-launches-probe-that-could-bring-charges-against-federal-immigration-officers] Including law enforcement of the state and local variety: Yang, Hannah; Sepic, Matt; and Schaper, David. “St. Peter Police Chief Intervened and Got Federal Agents to Release Resident, Sources Say.” Updated January 31, 2026. MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/30/st-peter-police-chief-intervenes-prevents-federal-agents-from-arresting-resident [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/30/st-peter-police-chief-intervenes-prevents-federal-agents-from-arresting-resident] Our first cocktail was a Scofflaw: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/scofflaw/ [https://www.liquor.com/recipes/scofflaw/] It is kumquats where you eat the peel of the citrus: Fox 13 Tampa Bay. “How to Eat a Kumquat [Video].” https://youtu.be/OmiUgaic2nE?si=2DSoq-gt1zDlv-f0 [https://youtu.be/OmiUgaic2nE?si=2DSoq-gt1zDlv-f0] Second cocktail was the Algonquin: https://www.liquor.com/algonquin-cocktail-recipe-8383879 [https://www.liquor.com/algonquin-cocktail-recipe-8383879] Which was named for the hotel in New York City: https://www.algonquinhotel.com/ [https://www.algonquinhotel.com/] Sake is not a wine, it is its own thing: Wine and Spirit Education Trust. “5 Sake Facts Every Drinks Professional Needs to Know.” May 2024. https://www.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/blog/2024/march/05/5-sake-facts-every-drinks-professional-needs-to-know/ [https://www.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/blog/2024/march/05/5-sake-facts-every-drinks-professional-needs-to-know/] 27 CFR, Section 5.143 defines whiskey: Code of Federal Regulations. “27 CFR 5.143.” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/section-5.143 [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/section-5.143] You can find whiskeys made from quinoa, for example: Peters, Josh. “Corsair Quinoa Whiskey Review.” February 10, 2016. The Whiskey Jug. https://thewhiskeyjug.com/american-whiskey/corsair-quinoa-whiskey-review/ [https://thewhiskeyjug.com/american-whiskey/corsair-quinoa-whiskey-review/] In the interest of full disclosure, since recording this podcast, Civics on the Rocks has discovered that someone has indeed made a rice whisky: Burke, Eric. “J. T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey.” November 30, 2022. Bourbon Guy. https://www.bourbonguy.com/blog/2022/11/30/jt-meleck-american-rice-whiskey [https://www.bourbonguy.com/blog/2022/11/30/jt-meleck-american-rice-whiskey] No, because there is no honey: Hive Mind Mead. “The History of Mead.” https://hivemindmead.com/pages/mead-101-everything-about-mead [https://hivemindmead.com/pages/mead-101-everything-about-mead] The law has, indeed, changed and it is now totally fine to have a home distillery in Texas: Capriglione, Giovanni. “HB 2278.” Texas Policy Research. https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com/bills/89th-legislature-hb-2278/ [https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com/bills/89th-legislature-hb-2278/] As of this podcast, World Market no longer sells a home brew sake kit. However, several other companies do online, in case you wanted to find something like that. (Anne's out. This is on you.) I don’t know if you ever saw the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi: https://youtu.be/0VB_DrsHDQ0?si=8YjFvlhvUCGrX4a5 [https://youtu.be/0VB_DrsHDQ0?si=8YjFvlhvUCGrX4a5] It’s like family delineated: Japan. “Exploring the Soul of Japanese Sake Breweries Across the Tohoku Region.” January 2022. https://www.japan.travel/en/japan-magazine/2201_exploring-soul-japanese-sake-breweries-across-tohoku-region/ [https://www.japan.travel/en/japan-magazine/2201_exploring-soul-japanese-sake-breweries-across-tohoku-region/] It’s not tequila: Forget, A. J. “The Difference Between Agave Spirits and Tequila.” May 14, 2025. The Takeout. https://www.thetakeout.com/1854905/agave-spirits-vs-tequila-difference/ [https://www.thetakeout.com/1854905/agave-spirits-vs-tequila-difference/] A growing whiskey history in Japan: Japan. “Japanese Whisky.” https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/japanese-whisky/ [https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/japanese-whisky/] That’s how you go blind: Claw Hammer Supply. “Can Making Alcohol at Home Make You Go Blind [Video]?” https://youtube.com/shorts/5VAogia7Oow?si=Zv9RFa0kI0Svhyb9 [https://youtube.com/shorts/5VAogia7Oow?si=Zv9RFa0kI0Svhyb9] A packed column…: Chemical Packings. “Essential Guide to Packed Bed Column Design.” November 24, 2024. https://www.chemicalpackings.com/article/packed-column.html [https://www.chemicalpackings.com/article/packed-column.html] …not a tray column: Chemical Packings. “Distillation Column Trays and Packing: A Comprehensive Overview.” February 1, 2025. https://www.chemicalpackings.com/article/distillation-column-tray.html [https://www.chemicalpackings.com/article/distillation-column-tray.html] We’re going to need black suits, black hats, sunglasses, black ties: https://youtu.be/WZ3zZ-aWi6U?si=y9W6WUMxjdJg6qmi [https://youtu.be/WZ3zZ-aWi6U?si=y9W6WUMxjdJg6qmi] Or NATO straps: Horus Watch Straps. “What is a NATO Watch Strap?” https://www.horusstraps.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-nato-watch-strap?srsltid=AfmBOor5YD3GFgPYbTCgfbQm0h7uHsSAUlMhsjd2IsocQvX5lWQnp-1B [https://www.horusstraps.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-nato-watch-strap?srsltid=AfmBOor5YD3GFgPYbTCgfbQm0h7uHsSAUlMhsjd2IsocQvX5lWQnp-1B] Original Bond or vintage Bond, Bond 2021, and modern Bond: Esprit Nato. “NATO Strap and James Bond.” https://www.esprit-nato.com/en/content/10-nato-watch-strap-band-and-james-bond-007 [https://www.esprit-nato.com/en/content/10-nato-watch-strap-band-and-james-bond-007] Goldfinger, in the beginning of the movie: https://youtu.be/NVg23yjKl1g?si=TisLfRcSQ8sjQHke [https://youtu.be/NVg23yjKl1g?si=TisLfRcSQ8sjQHke] No Time to Die actually starred Daniel Craig: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2382320/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2382320/] Quantum of Solace: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0830515/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0830515/] You wanna fun fact? Sean Connery’s wetsuit is not an authentic wetsuit or dry suit. Here’s someone with a much more thorough explanation than Anne’s: Spaiser, Matt. “The Black Diving Suit in Goldfinger.” November 4, 2024. Bond Suits. https://www.bondsuits.com/the-black-diving-suit-in-goldfinger/ [https://www.bondsuits.com/the-black-diving-suit-in-goldfinger/] So, there’s wetsuits and dry suits: Mustang Survival. “The Difference Between Wetsuits and Dry Suits.” May 21, 2025. https://mustangsurvival.com/blogs/resources/the-difference-between-wetsuits-and-dry-suits [https://mustangsurvival.com/blogs/resources/the-difference-between-wetsuits-and-dry-suits] So, for our last cocktail, we went back to a Saratoga: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/2196/saratoga-cocktail [https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/2196/saratoga-cocktail] ICE is still in Minnesota: Collins, Jon and Martin, Kate. “Half of Those Arrested by Federal Agents in Minnesota This Winter Have Already Been Deported.” April 3, 2026. MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/04/03/half-of-those-arrested-by-federal-agents-in-minnesota-this-winter-have-already-been-deported [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/04/03/half-of-those-arrested-by-federal-agents-in-minnesota-this-winter-have-already-been-deported] And cars: NBC10 Philadelphia. “ICE Agents Smash Car Window During Arrest of Man in Cumberland County [Video].” March 28, 2026. https://youtu.be/zN2MWICVb24?si=hsTequ2py3HGhrop [https://youtu.be/zN2MWICVb24?si=hsTequ2py3HGhrop] And sending people, including little kids, to concentration camps: Martínez-Beltrán, Sergio. “ICE Detention Deaths Are on a Record Pace. One Texas Facility Bears the Brunt.” April 3, 2026. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2026/04/03/nx-s1-5754749/ice-detention-deaths-are-on-a-record-pace-one-texas-facility-bears-the-brunt [https://www.npr.org/2026/04/03/nx-s1-5754749/ice-detention-deaths-are-on-a-record-pace-one-texas-facility-bears-the-brunt] And they literally have: Goodman, Joshua and Sullivan, Tim. “They Thought They Were in Court for a Routine Immigration Hearing, But Walked Into a Deportation Trap.” November 19, 2025. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/they-thought-they-were-in-court-for-a-routine-immigration-hearing-but-walked-into-a-deportation-trap [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/they-thought-they-were-in-court-for-a-routine-immigration-hearing-but-walked-into-a-deportation-trap] Minnesota Public Radio: https://www.mpr.org/ [https://www.mpr.org/] The national news is a business, it’s an entertainment industry: Seth, Shobhit; Brock, Thomas; and Velasquez, Vikki. “The World’s Top 10 News Media Companies.” January 15, 2026. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/021815/worlds-top-ten-news-companies-nws-gci-trco-nyt.aspx [https://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/021815/worlds-top-ten-news-companies-nws-gci-trco-nyt.aspx] Texas Public Radio: https://www.tpr.org/ [https://www.tpr.org/] The Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/ [https://www.texastribune.org/] A Texas journalist named Olivia Messer: https://thebarbedwire.com/author/olivia/ [https://thebarbedwire.com/author/olivia/] The Barbed Wire: https://thebarbedwire.com/ [https://thebarbedwire.com/] A story they did in the aftermath of the July 4th floods: Rangel, Leslie and Messer, Olivia. “‘It’s a Waking Nightmare’: Camp Mystic Alum Recalls Flood That Hit the Same Cabins in 1987.’” The Barbed Wire. July 8, 2025. https://thebarbedwire.com/2025/07/08/camp-mystic-alum-remembers-past-flood/ [https://thebarbedwire.com/2025/07/08/camp-mystic-alum-remembers-past-flood/] ProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/ [https://www.propublica.org/] And “dun-dun” is a reference to the television show Law and Order. But you already knew that.

6 apr 2026 - 1 h 18 min

Is All Fair In Love and War?

In this episode, we tackle war crimes. Please note that we record episodes in the month before they are posted—just in case you are wondering why we aren’t talking about one big event in particular. REFERENCES People have desecrated corpses throughout history: Breed, Allen G. “Desecration of the Dead is as Old as War Itself.” January 13, 2012. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/nation-world/2012/01/14/desecration-dead-old-war-itself/15184013007/ [https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/nation-world/2012/01/14/desecration-dead-old-war-itself/15184013007/] Like a flag of truce: Little, Becky. “How Did the White Flag Become a Symbol of Surrender?” Updated May 27, 2025. History.com. https://www.history.com/articles/when-did-the-white-flag-become-associated-with-surrender [https://www.history.com/articles/when-did-the-white-flag-become-associated-with-surrender] Don’t kill the messenger: Frank, David. “Chapter 19 – The Classical Origins and Modern Expressions of ‘Don’t Shoot the Messenger’.” September 4, 2025. Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/dont-shoot-the-journalists/classical-origins-and-modern-expressions-of-dont-shoot-the-messenger/97A99431730AA8701715ECB376467643 [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/dont-shoot-the-journalists/classical-origins-and-modern-expressions-of-dont-shoot-the-messenger/97A99431730AA8701715ECB376467643] The Defenestration of Prague: Britannica Editors. “Defenestration of Prague.” May 16, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/event/Defenestration-of-Prague-1618 [https://www.britannica.com/event/Defenestration-of-Prague-1618] One of the things that began the Thirty Years’ War in Europe: Britannica Editors. “Thirty Years’ War.” Updated January 6, 2026. https://www.britannica.com/event/Thirty-Years-War [https://www.britannica.com/event/Thirty-Years-War] It ends with the treaty called the Peace of Westphalia: Gesley, Jenny. “The Peach of Westphalia.” October 24, 2017. Library of Congress. https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/10/the-peace-of-westphalia/ [https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/10/the-peace-of-westphalia/] The world today is composed of nation states: Comstock, Nancy. W. “Nation State.” 2024. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/politics-and-government/nation-state [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/politics-and-government/nation-state] Basically, at some point Europe colonized almost the entirety of the world: Becker, Bastian. “European Overseas Colonies and Their Colonizers Over Time [Interactive map].” September 18, 2023. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/european-overseas-colonies-and-their-colonizers?time=earliest [https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/european-overseas-colonies-and-their-colonizers?time=earliest] This is probably not the video Steve was referencing, but it illustrates the point that everyone goes to war: ABC News (Australia). “Dozens Killed in Tribal Fighting in Papua New Guinea [Video].” August 23, 2023. https://youtu.be/EhVpKBJESB8?si=3pIXT2kaNlcmKxQp [https://youtu.be/EhVpKBJESB8?si=3pIXT2kaNlcmKxQp] The most famous being the Hauge conventions: HCCH. “Conventions and Other Instruments.” https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions [https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions] Most of the modern war crimes were as a result of World War II: Penrose, Mary Margaret. “Post-World War II Developments: Genevea Conventions.” December 10, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/war-crime/Post-World-War-II-developments [https://www.britannica.com/topic/war-crime/Post-World-War-II-developments] The Napoleonic Wars gave rise to some: Britannic Editors. “Napoleonic Wars.” November 24, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Napoleonic-Wars [https://www.britannica.com/event/Napoleonic-Wars] The Geneva Convention in 1864: International Committee of the Red Cross. “Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field. Geneva, 22 August 1864.” https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/gc-1864 [https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/gc-1864] A list of war crimes, right now: BBC. “War Crimes.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/war/overview/crimes_1.shtml [https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/war/overview/crimes_1.shtml] How to treat prisoners of war: United Nations. “Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.” August 12, 1949. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/geneva-convention-relative-treatment-prisoners-war [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/geneva-convention-relative-treatment-prisoners-war] Respecting flags of truce: Arnold, Roberta. “Flags of Truce.” May 2006. Oxford Public International Law. https://opil.ouplaw.com/display/10.1093/law:epil/9780199231690/law-9780199231690-e297 [https://opil.ouplaw.com/display/10.1093/law:epil/9780199231690/law-9780199231690-e297] In ’49, Geneva conventions: International Committee of the Red Cross. “Geneva Conventions of 1949, Additional Protocols and Their Commentaries.” https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/geneva-conventions-1949additional-protocols-and-their-commentaries [https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/geneva-conventions-1949additional-protocols-and-their-commentaries] A lot of rules about treatment of noncombatants: United Nations. “Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.” August 12, 1949. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/geneva-convention-relative-protection-civilian-persons-time-war [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/geneva-convention-relative-protection-civilian-persons-time-war] The idea of total war: Britannica Editors. “Total War.” December 5, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/total-war [https://www.britannica.com/topic/total-war] Dresden: Dawsey, Jason. “Apocalypse in Dresden, February 1945.” February 13, 2020. The National WWII Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/apocalypse-dresden-february-1945 [https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/apocalypse-dresden-february-1945] Fire bombing of Tokyo: History.com Editors. “Firebombing of Tokyo.” Updated January 31, 2025. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-9/firebombing-of-tokyo [https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-9/firebombing-of-tokyo] Hamburg: Curatola, John. “Operation Gomorrah: The First of the Firestorms.” July 10, 2023. The National WWII Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/operation-gomorrah-first-firestorms [https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/operation-gomorrah-first-firestorms] The Blitz: Curatola, John. “The Blitz of 1940.” August 27, 2025. The National WWII Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/blitz-1940 [https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/blitz-1940] Not attacking hospitals: International Committee of the Red Cross. “The Protection of Hospitals During Armed Conflicts: What the Law Says.” June 11, 2023. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/protection-hospitals-during-armed-conflicts-what-law-says [https://www.icrc.org/en/document/protection-hospitals-during-armed-conflicts-what-law-says] It’s a horrible thing that Israelis bombed a hospital in the Gaza strip: United Nations. “Pattern of Israeli Attacks on Gaza Hospitals Raises Grave Concerns – Report.” December 31, 2024. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/12/pattern-israeli-attacks-gaza-hospitals-raises-grave-concerns-report [https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/12/pattern-israeli-attacks-gaza-hospitals-raises-grave-concerns-report] Who wrote them: Shaw, Malcolm. “Geneva Conventions.” December 3, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Geneva-Conventions [https://www.britannica.com/event/Geneva-Conventions] The Kellog-Briand pact: Office of the Historian. “The Kellogg-Briand Pact, 1928.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/kellogg [https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/kellogg] The Weimar Republic: Britannica Editors. “Weimar Republic.” December 19, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/place/Weimar-Republic [https://www.britannica.com/place/Weimar-Republic] You had, clearly, violation of international law when Iraq goes into Kuwait: Hensel, Howard M. “Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait.” 2023. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/military-history-and-science/iraqi-invasion-kuwait [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/military-history-and-science/iraqi-invasion-kuwait] What George H. Bush’s administration did: The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “Address to the Nation Announcing Operation Desert Storm, 1991.” https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/address-nation-announcing-operation-desert-storm-1991 [https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/address-nation-announcing-operation-desert-storm-1991] Whereas the second Gulf War was sort of a counterpoint: Doherty, Carroll and Kiley, Jocelyn. “A Look Back at How Fear and False Beliefs Bolstered U.S. Public Support for War in Iraq.” March 14, 2023. Pew Research. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/03/14/a-look-back-at-how-fear-and-false-beliefs-bolstered-u-s-public-support-for-war-in-iraq/ [https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/03/14/a-look-back-at-how-fear-and-false-beliefs-bolstered-u-s-public-support-for-war-in-iraq/] There’s also crimes against humanity: Legal Information Institute. “Crime Against Humanity.” Reviewed August 2022. Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/crime_against_humanity [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/crime_against_humanity] The history of Gaza being a protectorate of Israel: United Nations. “The Question of Palestine.” https://www.un.org/unispal/history/ [https://www.un.org/unispal/history/] Like in Africa: United Nations. “Rwanda: A Brief History of the Country.” https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/historical-background.shtml [https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/historical-background.shtml] If one of the nations is run by a terrorist organization: Robinson, Kali and Merrow, Will. “What is Hamas?” Updated October 6, 2025. Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hamas [https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hamas] In Article I, Section 8, Clause 10: Constitution Annotated. “ArtI.S8.C10.1 Historical Background on Maritime Crimes.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C10-1/ALDE_00001070/ [https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C10-1/ALDE_00001070/] And the next clause: Constitution Annotated. “ArtI.S8.C11.1.1 Overview of Congressional War Powers.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C11-1-1/ALDE_00013587/ [https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C11-1-1/ALDE_00013587/] Like Sarajevo: Lampe, John R. “Bosnian War: War Crimes and Trials.” Reviewed January 5, 2026. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Bosnian-War/War-crimes-and-trials [https://www.britannica.com/event/Bosnian-War/War-crimes-and-trials] The International Criminal Court: https://www.icc-cpi.int/ [https://www.icc-cpi.int/] Why aren’t we a party to it (article from the time): Bradley, Curtis A. “U.S. Announces Intent Not to Ratify International Criminal Court Treaty.” May 11, 2002. American Society of International Law. https://www.asil.org/insights/volume/7/issue/7/us-announces-intent-not-ratify-international-criminal-court-treaty [https://www.asil.org/insights/volume/7/issue/7/us-announces-intent-not-ratify-international-criminal-court-treaty] Why aren’t we a party to it (more recently): Hansler, Jennifer. “Trump Administration Sanctions Two More International Criminal Court Judges for Investigating Israel.” December 18, 2025. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/politics/trump-international-criminal-court-sanctions [https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/politics/trump-international-criminal-court-sanctions] Much like the landmine treaty: United Nations. “Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention.” https://disarmament.unoda.org/en/our-work/conventional-arms/anti-personnel-landmines-convention [https://disarmament.unoda.org/en/our-work/conventional-arms/anti-personnel-landmines-convention] Or the Law of the Sea: International Maritime Organization. “United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/legal/pages/unitednationsconventiononthelawofthesea.aspx [https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/legal/pages/unitednationsconventiononthelawofthesea.aspx] We could not find a source to support Anne’s claim that the U.S. is the most prolific user of landmines in the world. Here is a more accurate description of the country’s usage: Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. “Mine Ban Policy—United States.” https://the-monitor.org/country-profile/united-states/mine-ban-policy?year=2023 [https://the-monitor.org/country-profile/united-states/mine-ban-policy?year=2023] There are massive landmine fields between North and South Korea: Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. “Mine Ban Policy—Korea, South.” https://www.the-monitor.org/country-profile/korea-south/mine-ban-policy?year=2023 [https://www.the-monitor.org/country-profile/korea-south/mine-ban-policy?year=2023] In the past few years, no people have been maimed in Vietnam from U.S. landmines, largely due to organizations like the following that teach children how to avoid them: PeaceTrees. “Humanitarian Mine Action.” https://www.peacetreesvietnam.org/what-we-do/mine/explosive-ordnance-risk-education.html [https://www.peacetreesvietnam.org/what-we-do/mine/explosive-ordnance-risk-education.html] It’s like mustard gas: CDC. “Mustard Gas.” September 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/mustard-gas.html [https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/mustard-gas.html] Princess Diana—that was a major cause of hers: Burke, Myles. “Princess Diana’s 1997 Landmine Walk: ‘I come with my heart’.” January 15, 2024. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240112-princess-dianas-1997-landmine-walk-i-come-with-my-heart [https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240112-princess-dianas-1997-landmine-walk-i-come-with-my-heart] At least we’re not the ones that make cool little fluttery landmines that are brightly colored like children’s toys: Hsu, Jeremy. “Drones Used to Find Toylike ‘Butterfly’ Land Mines.” December 28, 2018. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/drones-used-to-find-toylike-butterfly-land-mines/ [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/drones-used-to-find-toylike-butterfly-land-mines/] They train rats to sniff out the landmines: APOPO. “A Typical Morning for a Mine Sniffing Rat [Video].” https://youtu.be/BX7LnsZU8Nw [https://youtu.be/BX7LnsZU8Nw] They were awarded medals and stuff: BBC. “Magawa, the Landmine-Sniffing Hero Rat, Dies Aged Eight.” January 11, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59951255 [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59951255] Our complex relationship with cluster munitions: Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. “Cluster Munition Ban Policy—United States.” https://the-monitor.org/country-profile/united-states/cluster-munition-ban-policy?year=2023 [https://the-monitor.org/country-profile/united-states/cluster-munition-ban-policy?year=2023] We did, in fact, give some to the Ukraine: Cancian, Mark F. “Cluster Munitions: What Are They, and Why is the United States Sending Them to Ukraine?” Center for Strategic & International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/cluster-munitions-what-are-they-and-why-united-states-sending-them-ukraine [https://www.csis.org/analysis/cluster-munitions-what-are-they-and-why-united-states-sending-them-ukraine] It’s also a World War I problem: Coe, Joshua. “‘Iron Harvest’: A Belgian Team Unearths Unexploded Ammunition From WWI.” August 4, 2023. https://theworld.org/stories/2023/08/04/iron-harvest-belgian-team-unearths-unexploded-ammunition-wwi [https://theworld.org/stories/2023/08/04/iron-harvest-belgian-team-unearths-unexploded-ammunition-wwi] Ukraine fighting back against Russia: The Guardian. “Ukraine War Briefing: Kremlin Denounces European Troops Plan as Kyiv Warns of ‘Massive Russian Attack’. January 8, 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/09/ukraine-war-briefing-kremlin-denounces-european-troops-plan-as-kyiv-warns-of-massive-russian-attack [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/09/ukraine-war-briefing-kremlin-denounces-european-troops-plan-as-kyiv-warns-of-massive-russian-attack] Have you read George Orwell’s essay on pacificism: Orwell, George. “Pacifism and the War.” Originally published 1942. https://www.orwell.ru/library/articles/pacifism/english/e_patw [https://www.orwell.ru/library/articles/pacifism/english/e_patw] We tried to stop that with the U.N.: https://www.un.org/en/ [https://www.un.org/en/] The idea for the League of Nations: Britannica Editors. “League of Nations.” December 29, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/League-of-Nations [https://www.britannica.com/topic/League-of-Nations] Wilson may have been foolish: Cooper, John Milton. “Woodrow Wilson.” Review December 24, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woodrow-Wilson [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woodrow-Wilson] The building still exists (alas, it is not a bar and grill): Genève Internationale. “Chapter 2: Palais Wilson, The Memory and Hostage of Geneva.” https://www.geneve-int.ch/chapter-2-palais-wilson-memory-and-hostage-geneva [https://www.geneve-int.ch/chapter-2-palais-wilson-memory-and-hostage-geneva] Sort of like the Articles of Confederation: National Archives. “Articles of Confederation (1777).” https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/articles-of-confederation [https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/articles-of-confederation] Who’s on the permanent Security Council: United Nations. “Security Council.” https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/current-members [https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/current-members] The Abu Ghraib prison scandal: Shamim, Sarah. “What Happened in Abu Ghraib and Why Did a Court Award Damages?” November 14, 2024. Aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/14/what-happened-in-abu-ghraib-and-why-did-a-us-court-award-damages [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/14/what-happened-in-abu-ghraib-and-why-did-a-us-court-award-damages] Uniform Code of Military Justice: Absher, Jim. “The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).” March 25, 2022. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/the-uniform-code-of-military-justice-ucmj.html [https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/the-uniform-code-of-military-justice-ucmj.html] We could not find a source for Steve’s statement that the last person prosecuted for war crimes, per se, was during the Civil War. Though, someone was certainly prosecuted for their crimes at Andersonville: National Park Service. “History of the Andersonville Prison.” https://www.nps.gov/ande/learn/historyculture/camp_sumter_history.htm [https://www.nps.gov/ande/learn/historyculture/camp_sumter_history.htm] Here’s a recent story about U.S. soldiers and war crimes: Shane III, Leo; Myers, Meghann; and Prine, Carl. “Trump Grants Clemency to Troops in Three Controversial War Crimes Cases.” Military Times. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/11/16/trump-grants-clemency-to-troops-in-three-controversial-war-crimes-cases/ [https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/11/16/trump-grants-clemency-to-troops-in-three-controversial-war-crimes-cases/] Calley: Linder, Douglas O. “Charges Against Lt. William Calley.” UMKC School of Law. https://www.famous-trials.com/mylaicourts/1627-myl-ctchar [https://www.famous-trials.com/mylaicourts/1627-myl-ctchar] There was a canine handler at Abu Ghraib: The Associated Press. “Abu Ghraib Dog Handler Sentenced to 6 Months.” March 21, 2006. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11943182 [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11943182] ICJ: https://www.icj-cij.org/home [https://www.icj-cij.org/home] It was court-martial: Legal Information Institute. “Court-Martial.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/court-martial [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/court-martial] The whole lawful/unlawful order thing: Pereira, Ivan. “What the Military Oath of Enlistment Says About Legal and Illegal Orders.” November 20, 2025. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/military-oath-enlistment-legal-illegal-orders/story?id=127725085 [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/military-oath-enlistment-legal-illegal-orders/story?id=127725085] The My Lai massacre, the short version: American Experience. “The My Lai Massacre.” PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/vietnam-my-lai-massacre/ [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/vietnam-my-lai-massacre/] Seymour Hersh, who broke the story: Brooks, Xan. “‘He’s a son of a bitch–but he’s usually right’: Why Did Seymour Hersh Quit the Film About His Earth-Shattering Exposés?” December 8, 2025. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/08/seymour-hersh-earth-shattering-exposes-my-lai-abu-ghraib-cover-up [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/08/seymour-hersh-earth-shattering-exposes-my-lai-abu-ghraib-cover-up] The fishing boats: Angell, Katie. “2025 U.S. Strikes on Venezuelan Vessels: When Washington’s War on Drugs Reaches Venezuela’s Shores.” January 1, 2026. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/2025-US-Strikes-on-Venezuelan-Vessels [https://www.britannica.com/event/2025-US-Strikes-on-Venezuelan-Vessels] We also just seized an oil tanker: Reuters. “U.S. Seizes Olina Tanker in Caribbean, Fifth Vessel Taken in Venezuela Blockade.” January 9, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-process-seizing-olina-tanker-caribbean-us-official-says-2026-01-09/ [https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-process-seizing-olina-tanker-caribbean-us-official-says-2026-01-09/] We have a previously good Coast Guard that does this all the time: Breen, Kerry. “Coast Guard Offloads 27,000 Pounds of Cocaine as it Uses ‘Disabling Fire’ to Stop Some Alleged Drug Boats.” Updated December 16, 2025. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coast-guard-cocaine-seizure-eastern-pacific-ocean-disabling-fire/ [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coast-guard-cocaine-seizure-eastern-pacific-ocean-disabling-fire/] They have clear rules of engagement: Britannica Editors. “Rules of Engagement.” January 2, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/rules-of-engagement-military-directives [https://www.britannica.com/topic/rules-of-engagement-military-directives] They were in international waters: United Nations. “International Waters.” https://archive.unescwa.org/international-waters [https://archive.unescwa.org/international-waters] An example in a guide for the military of an unlawful order is bombing people who have been shipwrecked due to an attack: Finley, Ben and Toropin, Konstantin. “Experts Explain What the Law Says About Killing Survivors of a Boat Strike.” December 1, 2025. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642 [https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642] Horrific chapter in our history: Office of the Historian. “Indian Treaties and the Removal Act of 1830.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/indian-treaties [https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/indian-treaties] Like in Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy: Tom Clancy. Clear and Present Danger. Berkley. July 1, 1990. That’s how it ends: https://youtu.be/sWwN-yDCjOM?si=QNzS-e2CdSodY8XU [https://youtu.be/sWwN-yDCjOM?si=QNzS-e2CdSodY8XU] So, I’m going to mention Pearl Harbor: Scanlon, Sean. “U.S. Intelligence Failures at Pearl Harbor.” September 18, 2025. The National WWII Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/us-intelligence-failures-pearl-harbor [https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/us-intelligence-failures-pearl-harbor] There was a war warning issued by General Marshall: Brewer, Delaney. “The Attack on Pearl Harbor.” National Museum of the United States Army. https://www.thenmusa.org/articles/attack-on-pearl-harbor/ [https://www.thenmusa.org/articles/attack-on-pearl-harbor/] Kimmel got relieved: History.com Editors. “Commander at Pearl Harbor Relieved of His Duties.” Updated January 31, 2025. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/december-17/commander-at-pearl-harbor-canned [https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/december-17/commander-at-pearl-harbor-canned] We let an awful lot of drugs into our country: U.S. Government Accountability Office. “Fentanyl Continues to Be the Leading Cause of Overdose Deaths. What’s Being Done to Combat Trafficking into the United States?” September 4, 2025. https://www.gao.gov/blog/fentanyl-continues-be-leading-cause-overdose-deaths.-whats-being-done-combat-trafficking-united-states [https://www.gao.gov/blog/fentanyl-continues-be-leading-cause-overdose-deaths.-whats-being-done-combat-trafficking-united-states] Doctors prescribe an awful lot of drugs in this country that kill people all the time: National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. “Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics.” https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics/ [https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics/] They ordered the survivors to be bombed: Pigliucci, Cai; FitzGerald, James; and Drenon, Brandon. “Admiral Testified Hegseth Did Not Give ‘Kill them all’ order, U.S. lawmakers say.” December 4, 2025. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyxjd6pxzro [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyxjd6pxzro] Including several Republicans: Blake, Aaron. “Republicans Are Covering Their Backsides on the Double-tap Strike.” December 2, 2025. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/republicans-double-tap-strike-trump [https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/republicans-double-tap-strike-trump] As far as drugs go, they aren’t the biggest importer: Singer, Jeffrey A. “Trump’s Venezuela Gambit: An Incoherent Encore in a Failed Drug War.” December 3, 2025. CATO Institute. https://www.cato.org/blog/trumps-venezuela-gambit-incoherent-encore-failed-drug-war [https://www.cato.org/blog/trumps-venezuela-gambit-incoherent-encore-failed-drug-war] A lot of people in the past few years have been coming from Venezuela: United Nations Refugee Agency. “Venezuela Situation.” https://www.unhcr.org/us/emergencies/venezuela-situation [https://www.unhcr.org/us/emergencies/venezuela-situation] Ooh, evil socialist, we can combat him: Jeyaretnam, Miranda and de Guzman, Chad. “What’s Happening With the U.S. and Venezuela, Explained.” January 8, 2026. Time. https://time.com/7344628/us-venezuela-trump-maduro-oil-drugs-war-explainer-questions-answered/ [https://time.com/7344628/us-venezuela-trump-maduro-oil-drugs-war-explainer-questions-answered/] There’s also the oil angle: Roy, Diana and Cheatham. “Venezuela: The Rise and Fall of a Petrostate.” Updated July 31, 2024. Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/venezuela-crisis [https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/venezuela-crisis] We’re a net exporter of oil: U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Oil and Petroleum Products Explained.” Updated January 19, 2024. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/imports-and-exports.php [https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/imports-and-exports.php] They could just seize Citgo stations: Weber, Natalie. “Judge Approves Sale of Houston-Based Citgo to Amber Energy.” December 3, 2025. Houston PBS. https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/business/2025/12/02/537526/judge-approves-sale-of-citgo-to-amber-energy [https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/business/2025/12/02/537526/judge-approves-sale-of-citgo-to-amber-energy] The Trump administration have identified an enemy, Tren de Aragua: Roston, Aram. “Maduro Indictment Attempts to Link Venezuelan Leader to Tren de Aragua.” January 4, 2026. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/maduro-indictment-trump-tren-de-aragua [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/maduro-indictment-trump-tren-de-aragua] A lot of things are happening right now in African countries: Le Poidevin, Olivia. “Women Bearing the Brunt of Sudan’s Acute Hunger Crisis, UN Says.” January 9, 2026. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/women-bearing-brunt-sudans-acute-hunger-crisis-un-says-2026-01-09/ [https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/women-bearing-brunt-sudans-acute-hunger-crisis-un-says-2026-01-09/] Anne was incorrect. The Trump administration does seem to care about some things happening in African countries: Okafor, Makuochi and Otalor, Jean. “Trump Warns of More Nigeria Strikes if Christians ‘Continue to be killed’.” January 9, 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3vl3yp2do [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3vl3yp2do] They keep talking about rare earth minerals: American Geosciences Institute. “What are Rare Earth Elements, and Why are They Important?” https://profession.americangeosciences.org/society/intersections/faq/what-are-rare-earth-elements-and-why-are-they-important/ [https://profession.americangeosciences.org/society/intersections/faq/what-are-rare-earth-elements-and-why-are-they-important/] Monroe Doctrine: National Archives. “Monroe Doctrine (1823).” https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/monroe-doctrine [https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/monroe-doctrine] Also, incidentally, sort of welcomed Russia: Boersner-Herrera, Adriana. “What the Capture of Nicolás Maduro Means for Russia’s Influence in Latin America.” January 8, 2026. London School of Economics. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2026/01/08/russia-influence-latin-america-venezuela-maduro-capture/ [https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2026/01/08/russia-influence-latin-america-venezuela-maduro-capture/] Rusty Nails: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/rusty-nail/ [https://www.liquor.com/recipes/rusty-nail/] Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Crystal: Canadian Red Cross. “The Red Crystal.” https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/about-the-canadian-red-cross/red-cross-emblem/the-red-crystal [https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/about-the-canadian-red-cross/red-cross-emblem/the-red-crystal] The one that Thanos talked to Red Skull about: https://youtu.be/I0r9s8mfeWc?si=4gvlFqzrSFSP6G9L [https://youtu.be/I0r9s8mfeWc?si=4gvlFqzrSFSP6G9L] Red star—one group ruined it for everybody: Political Symbols.net. “Red Star.” https://politicalsymbols.net/red-star.html [https://politicalsymbols.net/red-star.html] Oh, Japan: The Government of Japan. “National Flag and Anthem.” https://www.japan.go.jp/japan/flagandanthem/index.html [https://www.japan.go.jp/japan/flagandanthem/index.html] Not a rhomboid: SplashLearn. “Rhomboid Shape: Definition, Formulas, Properties Examples, Facts.” https://www.splashlearn.com/math-vocabulary/rhomboid [https://www.splashlearn.com/math-vocabulary/rhomboid] What Mack is reading: John U. Bacon. The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Schuler Books. 2026. In fact, it’s really popular: Rosenberg, Allegra. “Why is TikTok Obsessed With a 50-Year-Old Shipwreck.” November 7, 2025. Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/edmund-fitzgerald-tiktok-trend [https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/edmund-fitzgerald-tiktok-trend] If you don’t know about the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Commission. “About the Lakes.” https://www.glc.org/lakes/ [https://www.glc.org/lakes/] There’s a term for this—it’s like water sloshing around in a bathtub: National Ocean Service. “What is a Seiche?” https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seiche.html [https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seiche.html] Through the Soo Locks: Visit Sault Ste. Marie. “Soo Locks.” https://saultstemarie.com/attractions/soo-locks/ [https://saultstemarie.com/attractions/soo-locks/] Zug Island, River Rouge: Detroit Historical Society. “Zug Island.” https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/zug-island [https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/zug-island] Including Ford: Detroit Historical Society. “Ford Motor Company.” https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/ford-motor-company [https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/ford-motor-company] It’s called taconite: Department of Natural Resources. “Taconite.” https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/education/geology/digging/taconite.html [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/education/geology/digging/taconite.html] Great Lake freighters: Great Lakes Now. “Freighters on the Move [Video].” Detroit PBS. https://youtu.be/q8qUcW8iY2E?si=zVV6kW801T33KKWl [https://youtu.be/q8qUcW8iY2E?si=zVV6kW801T33KKWl] Just like Panama Canal: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. “Vessel Draft Restrictions on the Panama Canal by Locks: February 2022–August 2024.” https://www.bts.gov/browse-statistical-products-and-data/info-gallery/vessel-draft-restrictions-panama-canal-locks [https://www.bts.gov/browse-statistical-products-and-data/info-gallery/vessel-draft-restrictions-panama-canal-locks] The U.S. could practice naval maneuvers in the Great Lakes: Chicago Navy Memorial. “Navy Training Vessels of WWII.” https://chicagonavymemorial.org/chicagos-role-in-navy-history/training-ships-aircraft-carriers-lake-michigan [https://chicagonavymemorial.org/chicagos-role-in-navy-history/training-ships-aircraft-carriers-lake-michigan] Captain McSorley: Marrin, Doug. “Ernest McSorley: The Last Captain of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” September 30, 2025. The Sun Times News. https://thesuntimesnews.com/edmund-fitzgerald-50th-anniversary-john-bacon/ [https://thesuntimesnews.com/edmund-fitzgerald-50th-anniversary-john-bacon/] The 29: S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald Online. “The Crew.” https://ssedmundfitzgerald.org/crewtribute [https://ssedmundfitzgerald.org/crewtribute] Listen to the song if you haven’t heard it: https://youtu.be/FuzTkGyxkYI?si=8ZORl77irRERpP0w [https://youtu.be/FuzTkGyxkYI?si=8ZORl77irRERpP0w] They rang it 30 times: Detroit Free Press. “Mariners’ Church of Detroit Honors Gordon Lightfoot With Tuesday Ringing of Bells [Video].” https://youtu.be/PIq1ELxH2do?si=64c3Ce8l3znglwgS [https://youtu.be/PIq1ELxH2do?si=64c3Ce8l3znglwgS] The Sea Legs was the only good way to drink Laphroaig in a cocktail: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/34393/sea-legs [https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/34393/sea-legs] The whiskey we drank: https://www.bahnbrecker.com/hefeweizen-whiskey [https://www.bahnbrecker.com/hefeweizen-whiskey] We did that to the Japanese: Scott, James M. “America’s Undersea War on Shipping.” December 2014. U.S. Naval Institute. https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2014/december/americas-undersea-war-shipping [https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2014/december/americas-undersea-war-shipping] What has been called the Liberal World Order: Council on Foreign Relations. “What is the Liberal World Order? [Video].” https://education.cfr.org/learn/video/what-liberal-world-order [https://education.cfr.org/learn/video/what-liberal-world-order] Pax Americana: Smith, Danielle T. “Inflection Points: Pax Americana at a Crossroad.” June 30, 2024. Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2024/06/30/inflection-points-pax-americana-at-a-crossroad/ [https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2024/06/30/inflection-points-pax-americana-at-a-crossroad/] During that period, there were a lot of people lifted out of poverty throughout the world: Yonzan, Nishant; Friedman, Jed; Hill, Ruth; Jolliffe, Dean Mitchell; Lakner, Christoph; and Gerszon Mahler, Daniel. “Estimates of Global Poverty From WWII to the Fall of the Berlin Wall.” November 23, 2022. World Bank Blogs. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/estimates-global-poverty-wwii-fall-berlin-wall [https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/estimates-global-poverty-wwii-fall-berlin-wall] Democracy spread widely: Shapiro, Ian. “The Spread of Democracy in the 20th Century.” December 29, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy/The-spread-of-democracy-in-the-20th-century [https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy/The-spread-of-democracy-in-the-20th-century] And the Borg were a cybernetic race from Star Trek. But you already knew that.

12 jan 2026 - 1 h 33 min