January 25th • 2h 58m
Shownotes
Every new episode of No Agenda is accompanied by a comprehensive list of shownotes curated by Adam while preparing for the show. Clips played by the hosts during the show can also be found here.
TODAY
Linux coming next Sunday!
Minneapolis
More Zapruder film analysis
Minneapolis legal and tactical analysis
Legal & Tactical Analysis: Civilian Interference in Hostile Environments
[!SUMMARY]
Core Insight: In a "hostile environment" (riots, projectiles, active threats), the legal threshold for "reasonable" force shifts significantly. Actions that might be de-escalated in a calm setting (e.g., stepping toward an officer) are legally and tactically viewed as immediate combat threats when the baseline environment is chaotic. Intentionally entering a tactical operation's perimeter removes standard civilian safety buffers.
The Legal Defense: "Totality of the Circumstances"
The primary legal framework for federal agents is Graham v. Connor, which establishes the "Reasonable Officer" standard.
Context Matters: An officer's actions are not judged in a vacuum but based on the specific scene conditions.
The "Fog of War": Factors like loud noises, thrown projectiles (snowballs/rocks), and general hostility legally raise the baseline threat level.
Impact: A court may rule that an agent operating under a barrage of sensory overload is justified in perceiving a neutral movement (stepping forward) as a lethal threat (ambush).
"Interference" as a Legal & Kinetic Trigger
Entering the operational space of a tactical unit creates immediate legal and physical jeopardy.
Legal Risk (Obstruction): Physically interposing oneself (blocking) constitutes Interfering with a Federal Officer. Once this crime is committed, agents are authorized to use force (tackle, spray) to neutralize the obstruction.
Bodily Risk (The Reactionary Gap): In riot control scenarios, agents maintain a strict safety perimeter ("reactionary gap").
Breach: Anyone breaching this gap is treated as a combatant/aggressor, not a bystander.
Escalation: The tragedy often occurs when the *authorized* lower-level force (tackle for obstruction) reveals a secondary factor (a concealed weapon), leading instantly to lethal force.
Tactical Realities: "Tunnel Vision" & Gear
The physical conditions of the agents contribute to the rapid escalation.
Sensory Deprivation: Heavy tactical gear (helmets, gas masks, armor) restricts vision and hearing. Agents likely cannot hear verbal intent ("I'm just helping"); they only see rapid movement breaking their line.
Tunnel Vision: Under stress, peripheral vision collapses. An agent focused on a hostile crowd who sees a figure step in close will resort to "muscle memory" training: Movement Toward = Attack.
The "Printing" vs. "Brandishing" Pivot
While the environment increases risk, the specific legal justification for the Alex Pretti shooting hinges on a narrow distinction:
Tactical Reality: An armed person blocking an agent in a hostile zone is a severe threat profile.
Legal Hurdle: To justify *shooting* (vs. tackling), agents generally need to prove the gun was "brandished" (held threateningly) or that the suspect made a "furtive movement" (reaching).
The Controversy: DHS claims Pretti "brandished" the weapon; video evidence suggests it was merely "printing" (visible in waistband) or discovered *after* the tackle.
Sources & Context
Incident Overview: The Guardian: Man killed in Minneapolis identified as Alex Pretti
Video Analysis: KARE 11: Breakdown of the Encounter
Context on Violence: Fox News: Report on Finger Biting Incident
*
Peter Schweizer
Biblical Analysis - The Tragedy of Deceived Resistance
Biblical Analysis: The Tragedy of Deceived Resistance
Core Insight: From a biblical perspective, this scenario describes the Destruction of the Simple through the Sin of Deception. If the authority is acting justly (Romans 13), resistance is rebellion against God's ordinance. However, the greater condemnation often falls upon the "false witnesses" or agitators who deceived the civilians into harm's way. The civilians bear responsibility for their lack of discernment, fulfilling the Proverb: *"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished."*
The Sin of Rebellion Against Lawful Order
If the law enforcement operation is "legal and justified" (punishing evil/maintaining order), it falls under the protection of Romans 13:2: *"Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."*
The "Hampering": Obstructing a minister of justice is not merely a civil crime but a spiritual error. It opposes the mechanism God established to restrain chaos.
The Consequence: The physical harm ("get hurt or killed") is viewed not necessarily as martyrdom, but as the grim "judgment" (or natural consequence) mentioned in the text for opposing the "bearer of the sword."
The Bloodguilt of the Deceivers
The Bible reserves its harshest condemnation for those who mislead others into destruction.
The "False Telling": Those who convinced the civilians to resist based on lies (agitators, leaders, or false reports) act as False Shepherds.
Jeremiah 23:1: *"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!"*
Matthew 18:6: Jesus warns that for anyone who causes a "little one" (or vulnerable person) to stumble, *"it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."*
Moral Culpability: While the civilian is responsible for their action, the one who *lied* to them bears the greater bloodguilt for the resulting injury or death.
The Failure of Discernment (The "Simple")
Scripture places a high premium on Wisdom—the ability to discern truth from lies and danger from safety.
Proverbs 14:15: *"The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps."*
A "Biblical Worldview" does not absolve the civilian for being gullible. If they blindly followed a mob or a false narrative without verifying the truth ("testing the spirits," 1 John 4:1), they suffer the consequences of their own folly.
Hosea 4:6: *"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."* Ignorance of the law or the truth is a primary cause of destruction.
The Blind Leading the Blind
Jesus addressed the dynamic of leaders inciting followers into harmful error in Matthew 15:14: *"If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."*
The Pit: In your scenario, the "pit" is the physical harm or death.
Shared Fate: The tragedy is that the deception does not save the follower from the pit. Being "falsely told" is an explanation, but it is not a shield against the physical reality of the clash.
Conclusion: A Double Tragedy
The biblical verdict on this scenario is one of unnecessary destruction.
For the Civilian: It is a tragedy of foolishness—dying for a lie because they failed to respect lawful authority or discern the truth.
For the Agitator: It is a crime of bloodguilt—using human lives as pawns by feeding them falsehoods.
Biblical world view of Minneapolis shooting
Biblical Analysis: Authority, Justice, and the Minneapolis Crisis
Core Insight: The Minneapolis incident represents a severe tension between two biblical mandates: submission to civil order (Romans 13) and the obligation to defend the vulnerable and reject falsehood (Proverbs 31, Exodus 20). A biblical worldview judges this event not by political allegiance, but by the alignment with Truth and Justice. God hates both "hands that shed innocent blood" and "a false witness who pours out lies."
The Theology of the Sword (Government Authority)
The biblical foundation for law enforcement is Romans 13:1-4, which describes the governing authority as "God's servant for your good" and "an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."
The Mandate: Agents have a divinely delegated authority to maintain order and restrain evil (anarchy).
The Violation: This authority is conditional on it being used *for good*. When the "sword" (lethal force) is used against a "doer of good" (someone protecting a neighbor) rather than a "doer of evil," the state inverts its God-given purpose.
The Abuse of Power: The Bible frequently condemns rulers who use their power to crush the innocent. Isaiah 10:1 ("Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees") applies to the misuse of tactical force to silence dissent or cover up error.
The Morality of the Narrative (Truth vs. The Lie)
In the biblical framework, the *cover-up* is often treated with as much severity as the crime itself.
The Abomination List: Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord detests. Three are directly relevant to the dispute over the "brandishing" vs. "printing" narrative:
*A lying tongue.*
*Hands that shed innocent blood.*
*A false witness who pours out lies.*
The Spiritual Weight of the Report: If the DHS account (that he "brandished" the gun) is a fabrication to justify the killing, it constitutes Bearing False Witness (Exodus 20:16). From a biblical perspective, protecting the reputation of the institution at the expense of the truth is a grievous sin.
The Duty to Intervene (Defense of the Vulnerable)
Alex Pretti’s action—stepping in to verbally defend or shield a woman being shoved/sprayed—aligns with the biblical imperative to protect the weak.
The Rescue Mandate: Proverbs 24:11 commands: *"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter."*
Self-Sacrifice: Jesus teaches that "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). While Pretti may not have intended to die, his impulse to interpose himself between an aggressor (even a state aggressor) and a victim is consistent with Christian ethics of sacrificial love.
The Rejection of Lawlessness (Mob vs. State)
A biblical worldview does not romanticize anarchy.
Order vs. Chaos: God is a God of order, not disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33). The "finger biting" or violence against agents by the mob is also condemned.
Two Wrongs: The injustice of the state (shooting an innocent man) does not sanctify the lawlessness of the mob (attacking agents). A biblical response demands justice for Pretti without endorsing the destruction of civic peace.
Conclusion: The Crisis of Truth
The ultimate biblical tragedy here is the collapse of truth. When authority fails to be transparent (hiding body cam footage, spinning narratives), it destroys the public trust required for Romans 13 to function. The Christian response is to demand the light of truth (Ephesians 5:11: *"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them"*)—regardless of which side it vindicates.
TDS
People think we are fans of Trump, or Israel or whatever when they don't agree with our opinion
What is wrong with you?
You are definitely missing some great moments in history, no matter the outcome
Being jaded and cynical is never a good idea
Jason on negative libertarian comments
No mocking your viewpoints. I clearly said, when Trump DOESN'T go to war as these podcasters claimed, they never give him praise of his restraint. That's the hypocrisy I'm pointing out. Because they clearly just hate Trump. It detracts from their 'libertarian' principals
Big Tech AI and The Socials
Announcement from the new TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC
Deal for TikTok to Operate in U.S. Officially Closes, Desperate Dems of Course Call for an Investigation
DoD Gen AI BOTG
Just wanted to provide some quick feedback after attempting to use the DoD’s GEN AI I figured I’d share my initial thoughts.
Right now, the only LLM implemented is Gemini the other 3 (Grok, ChatGPT, Claude aren’t accessible yet). Overall, disappointment but I didn’t have high hopes anyways but I figured I’d see if I could use it in several case uses.
First, the military probably has the largest corpus of data to pull from considering all our published instructions and manuals. This was my first attempt. I figured I should be able to get Gemini to format a standard naval letter, considering there is plenty of information to pull from that is presented in plain text for interpretation. Nope, in fact the amount of time it took me to generate a simple message in official formatting with multiple prompts attempting to correct it took me well beyond the timespan of just creating one from scratch. I gave up, as if never could get it correct.
Second, I knew this was a long shot but I had a “brag sheet” for recognizing someone for their service during the quarter, as we call them “Sailor, Soldier, NCO etc of the Quarter”. Packages have a standard format, the brag sheet has the relevant data points to input….in theory it should have just plugged and played what was needed. Instead, it was a repeat of the above.
Last attempt at a real world case use, operational planning. This was a very simple test. I grabbed grid coordinates for a known area that could support one of our rotary wing platforms (helicopter) for a landing zone and promoted “would these grid coordinates support CV-22 land zone”? What I got was generic information about “theorized” capability but no recommendation because it couldn’t assess the area. While we have individuals that specifically do this analysis, I’ve had to do this site assessment previously in my career for off hand work for on the fly Medevac LZs on public plan to support training cycles. Not a big ask, but if it can’t do this basic task I doubt it can do anything very complex.
In essence, the only useful case use I’ve found is rewording citations or write ups for performance reports to include the most up to date buzz words leadership has set forth in their mission/vision statements. Basically, just adding fluff to nothing.
Thus far, it’s just away for the DoD to use AI models on government computers that were previously blocked. Sure, I can use it for generic open source analysis and comparisons but the majority of the time I can do that from my phone as well. This just streamlines information transfer, nothing really ground breaking.
However, seeing the advances in Claude with Excel I’m interested to see how it performs once it comes online for the DoD.
Your most recent discussion on AI triggered email, figured I’d send off just a quick snap shot.
Thank you for all you do,
Not Sent from my iPhone
Google won’t stop replacing our news headlines with terrible AIIt
Qwen3-TTS Family is Now Open Sourced
TikTok Updates Its Terms and Conditions in the U.S
Board of Peace vs UN and Globalism
Despite concerns, PM’s reliance on Trump left him no choice but to join Board of Peace
WHO statement on notification of withdrawal of the United States
Climate Change
Amsterdam bans fossil-fuel and meat advertising in public spaces NL Times
Amsterdam bans fossil-fuel and meat advertising in public spaces | NL Times
## Excerpt
Amsterdam will ban “fossil” advertising, ads from companies that harm the climate. On Thursday, the city council approved a proposal from GroenLinks and the Partij voor de Dieren to prohibit this type of advertising in public spaces. Ads for meat will also no longer be allowed.Amsterdam began curbing this kind of advertising in 2020 through agreements with advertisers. The new rules will now be formalized in the city’s General Local Regulation (APV).
Flying Cars and Batteries
Alef Pre-order Flying Car
Alef | Pre-order Flying Car
## Excerpt
Preorder Alef flying car. The first real flying car.
Donut Lab Battery Explained
This is how the magic battery works, as I understand it. I used to work in a PC board factory in Santa Clara back in 1982–83. I am an Army radio maintenance technician and also worked for Sony building TV studios.
You would use the same techniques as making IC chips and place billions of tiny capacitors in a small space. Due to their size and chemical properties, they would act like a mix between a battery and a supercapacitor. They would be quite easy to produce and would pack a lot of energy into a small package.
What caught my eye was their test rig. In my mind, the whole battery would melt—including the cables and connectors—if that much amperage was fed in. There is always resistance that turns into heat.
The BYD engineer said you cannot have all those properties in the battery at the same time; you always have to drop out one of them. It’s the physics. For me, it’s the heat, but with a clever battery management system, it might work. Think of the PCM-style LED drivers.
I wonder what Dvorak has to say about this.
Tariffs
Trump threatens to impose 100% tariff if Canada makes deal with China
Transmaoism
‘Moral injury’ officially recognized as mental health condition
Venzuela
The Discombobulator
Clip Sources
VIDEO - Bessent axios 20mins kneepads
VIDEO - Bessent says an independent Alberta would be ‘natural partner’ for U.S. Globalnews.ca
Bessent says an independent Alberta would be ‘natural partner’ for U.S. | Globalnews.ca
## Excerpt
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the province's vast oil reserves make it "a natural partner for the U.S." while criticizing Canadian leadership.
VIDEO - Bill Gates announces at the World Economic Forum that his artificial intelligence is being rolled out into the healthcare system
(2) Shadow of Ezra on X: "Bill Gates announces at the World Economic Forum that his artificial intelligence is being rolled out into the healthcare system. He reveals a new partnership with OpenAI aimed at integrating AI directly into health systems worldwide. Gates says he wants AI healthcare linked https://t.co/tDn2EKoRdR" / X
## Excerpt
Live on X
VIDEO - China's top general under investigation • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
China's top general under investigation • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s military purge has intensified sharply, with the party now investigating the last two top military officials who had survived ear...
VIDEO - Daily Mail Press or Predator The lines blur in explosive high-profile trial • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Daily Mail: Press or Predator? The lines blur in explosive high-profile trial • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
A rare public reckoning is unfolding in the High Court of London. For deeper perspective on this high-profile trial targeting the publishers of Britain's pop...
VIDEO - DOJ asks judge to move ahead with inquiry into Sen. Mark Kelly
VIDEO - Donald Trump threatens 100_ tariff on Ottawa • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Donald Trump threatens 100% tariff on Ottawa • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
Donald Trump has threatened Canada with 100% tariffs if it signs a trade deal with China, its second-largest trading partner after the U.S., marking the late...
VIDEO - Finnish president explains why his country isn't joining Trump's Board of Peace - YouTube
Finnish president explains why his country isn't joining Trump's "Board of Peace" - YouTube
## Excerpt
Several U.S. allies decided not to partake in President Trump's new "Board of Peace." One of them was Finland, led by President Alexander Stubb, who explaine...
VIDEO - GB Coordinated criminals bring sent here
VIDEO - Iran, US tensions set region on edge • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Iran, US tensions set region on edge • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
After a brief easing of tensions, relations between the United States and Iran remain strained, with the prospect of potential U.S. strikes weighing heavily,...
VIDEO - Macron calls for ban on social media for under-15s to be in place by September - YouTube
Macron calls for ban on social media for under-15s to be in place by September - YouTube
## Excerpt
Macron calls for ban on social media for under-15s to be in place by SeptemberAccording to France's health watchdog, one in two teenagers spends between two ...
VIDEO - Musk Tesla's robotaxis will be widespread in the U.S. by end of 2026
Musk: Tesla's robotaxis will be widespread in the U.S. by end of 2026
## Excerpt
Tesla robotaxis finally hit the road in Austin, Texas, in June after years of unfulfilled promises from Musk to deliver driverless cars.
VIDEO - NASA astronauts emphasize importance of ultrasound machine AP News
NASA astronauts emphasize importance of ultrasound machine | AP News
## Excerpt
The astronauts evacuated last week from the International Space Station say a portable ultrasound machine came in “super handy" during the medical crisis.
VIDEO - New report says screen time limits for children are no longer enough - ABC News
New report says screen time limits for children are no longer enough - ABC News
## Excerpt
Children are growing up in an increasingly digital world that affects sleep, learning and mental health, making screen-time limits alone no longer enough
VIDEO - New Venezuelan leader spoke to Trump administration for months before U.S. removed Maduro reports Watch News Videos Online
New Venezuelan leader spoke to Trump administration for months before U.S. removed Maduro: reports | Watch News Videos Online
## Excerpt
Watch New Venezuelan leader spoke to Trump administration for months before U.S. removed Maduro: reports Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
VIDEO - Paris Hilton advocates for passing of Defience Act on Capitol Hill - YouTube
Paris Hilton advocates for passing of Defience Act on Capitol Hill - YouTube
## Excerpt
Paris HIlton was on Capitol Hill on Thursday, advocating for young women who fall victim to sexually explicity AI generated deepfakes.
VIDEO - Report Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal includes $33,000 for self-portrait - YouTube
Report: Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal includes $33,000 for self-portrait - YouTube
## Excerpt
A wild week in California politics... the Golden State filed its 55th lawsuit against the Trump administration, Governor Newsom and the President sparred on ...
VIDEO - TikTok's US operations Video platform finalises deal to avoid ban - YouTube
TikTok's US operations: Video platform finalises deal to avoid ban - YouTube
## Excerpt
TikTok will continue operating in the United States following an agreement between China and the US on a spin-off deal.The deal is aimed at addressing concer...
VIDEO - Trump sues Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase over alleged 'political' debanking
Trump sues Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase over alleged 'political' debanking
## Excerpt
Chase Bank closed Trump's accounts on the heels of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot and the president exiting the White House later that same month.
VIDEO - US defence plan prioritises deterring China, limits support for allies • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
US defence plan prioritises deterring China, limits support for allies • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
The 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) released by the Pentagon document on Friday said that the US military will prioritise protecting the homeland and de...
VIDEO - Videos appear to show agent taking gun before Minneapolis shooting - YouTube
Videos appear to show agent taking gun before Minneapolis shooting - YouTube
## Excerpt
A CNN video analysis appears to show a federal immigration officer removing a gun from Alex Pretti just prior to officers fatally shooting him. Bystander vid...
VIDEO - Will we see flying cars soon Driving into the Future - YouTube
Will we see flying cars soon? | Driving into the Future - YouTube
## Excerpt
Flying cars are increasingly becoming a reality.Last week, we showed you a flying vehicle currently in testing.But as more everyday travel goes to the skies,...
VIDEO - YouTube looks to get rid of fake AI videos on its platform - YouTube
YouTube looks to get rid of fake AI videos on its platform - YouTube
## Excerpt
YouTube says it wants to get rid of fake AI videos flooding social media feeds on its platform. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains what...
VIDEO - Zelenskyy says Europe 'looks lost' and living in 'Groundhog Day' in scathing Davos address Euronews
Zelenskyy says Europe 'looks lost' and living in 'Groundhog Day' in scathing Davos address | Euronews
## Excerpt
The Ukrainian president said in his speech at Davos that a year had passed since his last address at the same summit, when he warned Europe that it needed to learn self-defence, yet "nothing has changed".
