The Forge of Freedom Alex Ooley

Show Notes

 

Episode 123. What Charles Ponzi’s Scheme and US Entitlement Programs Have in Common

 

In this episode, Alex Ooley shares an article titled 'What Charles Ponzi's Scheme and US Entitlement Programs Have in Common' by Daniel Kowalski. The article compares the structure of Ponzi schemes to the US social security and Medicare systems, highlighting the inherent problems and unsustainability of these programs. The host discusses how these systems operate like a Ponzi scheme, relying on new money to pay off old investors. The conversation also touches on the national debt and the government's irresponsible financial practices. The episode concludes with a call to protect oneself and be prepared for the possibility of not receiving the promised benefits from these entitlement programs.

 

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Episode Update

01:02 Comparing Ponzi Scheme to US Entitlement Programs

04:39 Expanding Social Security with Medicare

07:20 The Government's Financial Practices

08:26 The Future of the US and Entitlement Programs

11:59 Government's Irresponsible Financial Practices

12:29 Conclusion and Call to Action





Resources

 

"What Charles Ponzi’s Scheme and US Entitlement Programs Have in Common" by

Daniel Kowalski

https://fee.org/articles/what-charles-ponzis-scheme-and-us-entitlement-programs-have-in-common/



 

Sound Bites

 


"A Ponzi scheme promises investors massive returns on an investment that does not really exist."


"The financial amount of these benefits dwarfed what the first retirees put in during their working careers."


"Today, there are more medical treatments available than there were 60 years ago. This helps people live longer."



 

 

Takeaways

 


US entitlement programs like social security and Medicare operate similarly to Ponzi schemes, relying on new money to pay off old investors.


The structure of these programs is unsustainable in the long term, as the number of beneficiaries increases while the number of contributors decreases.


The government's financial practices, including the national debt and printing money, resemble fraudulent activities.


Individuals should be prepared for the possibility of not receiving the promised benefits from these entitlement programs and take steps to protect themselves financially.



 

 

Keywords

 

Charles Ponzi scheme, US entitlement programs, social security, Medicare, Ponzi scheme structure, national debt, government financial practices



Tags



#liberty

#freedom

#forgeoffreedom

#PonziScheme

#entitlementprogram

#SocialSecurity

#medicare

#nationaldebt



 



DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forgeoffreedom/support

Show Notes:

 

Episode 122. Defining a Firearm: The Frame or Receiver Rule at SCOTUS (Garland v. VanDerStok)

 

The United States Supreme Court has accepted a case called Garland v. VanDerStok, which challenges the administrative authority of the ATF. The case focuses on the definition of a firearm and specifically the frame or receiver rule. The ATF argues that incomplete frames or receivers, known as 80% lowers, are firearms because they may readily be converted. However, the Firearms Policy Coalition and the Second Amendment Foundation argue that the ATF is overstepping its authority and changing the law. The case is about limiting agency overreach and maintaining the separation of powers.

 

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction and Case Overview

07:22 Ghost Guns and Unserialized Components

14:00 The Fifth Circuit's Opinion

 

 

Resources

 

Supreme Court Takes Up ATF’s Unilateral ‘Ghost Gun’ Rules

https://reason.com/2024/04/24/supreme-court-takes-up-atfs-unilateral-ghost-gun-rules/

 

Garland v. VanDerStok - SCOTUSblog

https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/garland-v-vanderstok-2/

 

Justices take up “ghost guns” case for next term - SCOTUSblog

https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/04/justices-take-up-ghost-guns-case-for-next-term/

 

Supreme Court Takes Up FPC, FPCAF Lawsuit Challenging ATF’s “Frame or Receiver” Rule - Firearms Policy Coalition

https://www.firearmspolicy.org/supreme-court-takes-up-fpc-fpcaf-lawsuit-challenging-atfs-frame-or-receiver-rule#gsc.tab=0

 

VanDerStok cert resp Final.pdf

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-852/302555/20240307152938802_23-852%20VanDerStok%20cert%20resp%20Final.pdf

 

Definitions, 18 U.S.C. § 921

https://casetext.com/statute/united-states-code/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure/part-i-crimes/chapter-44-firearms/section-921-definitions

 

Meaning of terms, 27 C.F.R. § 478.11

https://casetext.com/regulation/code-of-federal-regulations/title-27-alcohol-tobacco-products-and-firearms/chapter-ii-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-department-of-justice/subchapter-b-firearms-and-ammunition/part-478-commerce-in-firearms-and-ammunition/subpart-b-definitions/section-47811-meaning-of-terms

 

Definition of Frame or Receiver, 27 C.F.R. § 478.12

https://casetext.com/regulation/code-of-federal-regulations/title-27-alcohol-tobacco-products-and-firearms/chapter-ii-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-department-of-justice/subchapter-b-firearms-and-ammunition/part-478-commerce-in-firearms-and-ammunition/subpart-b-definitions/section-47812-definition-of-frame-or-receiver

 

Vanderstok v. Garland - Second Amendment Foundation

https://saf.org/vanderstok-v-garland/

 

https://saf.org/supreme-court-grants-cert-in-saf-vanderstok-frames-receivers-case/

 

Garland v. Cargill - SCOTUSblog

https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/garland-v-cargill/

 

United States v. Rahimi - SCOTUSblog

https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/united-states-v-rahimi/

 

Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo - SCOTUSblog

https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/loper-bright-enterprises-v-raimondo/

 

The Supreme Court Accepts Another Opportunity to Box ATF In - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGqobSI_mqw&t=392s

 

Ron Paul quote

https://quotlr.com/images/quotes/BtPZn-pCQAAxKaF.jpg

 

 

Tags

 

#liberty

#freedom

#firearms

#handguns

#guns

#2A

#training

#personalresponsibility

#firstresponder

#law

#litigation

#lawfare

#selfdefense

#ATF

#agencyrulemaking

#executivebranch

#tyranny

 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

 

Episode 121. The Danger of the West’s Neglect of Individual Rights

 

Alex Ooley shares an article by Finn Andreen that discusses the neglect of individual rights in the West and the consequences of this neglect. It highlights the violation of property rights, exorbitant fiscal and inflationary pressures, mass surveillance, censorship, and the erosion of freedom of speech. The article argues that the Western world has taken individual rights for granted and emphasizes the importance of negative rights over positive rights. It calls for a renewed focus on educating the public about the principles of freedom and the need to protect individual rights.



 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Individual Rights

04:05 The Neglect of Individual Rights in the West

08:22 The Poor Protection of Individual Rights

12:27 The Focus on Positive Rights

 

 

Resources

 

The Danger of the West’s Neglect of Individual Rights | Mises Institute

https://mises.org/mises-wire/danger-wests-neglect-individual-rights

 

TenthAmendmentCenter on X: "The same government..."

https://twitter.com/TenthAmendment/status/1783975613508047221

 

Episode 14. Positive & Negative Rights – The Forge of Freedom

https://forgeoffreedom.com/2023/05/09/episode-14-positive-negative-rights/

 

Quote by Frederic Bastiat

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/132893-socialism-like-the-ancient-ideas-from-which-it-springs-confuses

 

TenthAmendmentCenter on X (@TenthAmendment)

https://twitter.com/TenthAmendment/status/1780732125236367481

 

 

Takeaways

The neglect of individual rights in the West has led to violations of property rights, exorbitant fiscal and inflationary pressures, mass surveillance, censorship, and erosion of freedom of speech.

The Western world has taken individual rights for granted and needs to refocus on protecting negative rights rather than enforcing positive rights.

Education about the principles of freedom and the importance of protecting individual rights is crucial to resist the creeping violation of rights.

The public needs to actively enforce the principles and ideals contained in documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen and the Bill of Rights.

The government's focus on control rather than protecting individual rights is evident in its expansion of surveillance and restrictions on privacy.

 

 

Sound Bites

"There is no massive opposition to these glaring violations of individual rights."

"Liberty dies with apathy. It's up to us to maintain freedom."

"We don't want the government to produce our food, dictate resources for healthcare, education, religion, or equality."

 

 

Keywords

individual rights, neglect, property rights, fiscal pressures, inflation, mass surveillance, censorship, freedom of speech, negative rights, positive rights, education, principles of freedom

 

 

Tags

#liberty

#freedom

#personalresponsibility

#government

#dueprocess

#Constitution

#FISA

#FISA

#section702

#NSA

#FBI

#foreignintelligence

#spying

#tyranny

#warrant

#probablecause

#4thAmendment

#4A

 #mises

#bastiat

#forgeoffreedom



DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forgeoffreedom/support

Show Notes:

 

Episode 120. ATF Final Rule on Firearms Sales and What it Means to Be “Engaged in the Business”

 

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss the ATF's new final rule regarding what it means to be engaged in the business of selling firearms. They highlight the complexity of the rule and its origins in the bipartisan safer communities act. They also discuss the power and history of the ATF, as well as the potential implications of the rule, including increased costs for private firearms transactions and the potential for registration and confiscation. They emphasize the need to be vigilant about government overreach and the importance of focusing on individual and community freedom.

 

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

09:28 The ATF's Power and History

16:18 The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the ATF's Final Rule

35:46 The Government's Disregard for the American People and the National Debt

43:29 Taking Control of What You Can: Individual and Community Freedom

 



Resources:

 

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 - Ballotpedia

https://ballotpedia.org/Bipartisan_Safer_Communities_Act_of_2022

 

S.2938 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Bipartisan Safer Communities Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2938

 

Definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a Dealer in Firearms - eib.fr_.1140-aa58.2024_508.signed_final_4.10.24.pdf

https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/docs/ruling/atf-final-rule-definition-engaged-business-dealer-firearms/download

 

18 U.S. Code § 924 - Penalties | U.S. Code | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/924

 

18 U.S. Code § 922 - Unlawful acts | U.S. Code | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922

 

The White House on X: "It’s time for Congress to act. https://t.co/KEDm5EQg13" / X

https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1781699342178332678

 

Second Amendment Roundup: ATF redefines “engaged in the business”

https://reason.com/volokh/2024/04/19/second-amendment-roundup-atf-redefines-engaged-in-the-business/

 

Justice Department Publishes New Rule To Update Definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a Firearms Dealer

https://www.atf.gov/news/pr/justice-department-publishes-new-rule-update-definition-engaged-business-firearms-dealer

 

Justice Department Publishes New Rule to Update Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Firearms Dealer | United States Department of Justice

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publishes-new-rule-update-definition-engaged-business-firearms-dealer

 

Final Rule: Definition of “Engaged in the Business”

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/final-rule-definition-engaged-business-dealer-firearms

 

Definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a Dealer in Firearms

https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/docs/ruling/atf-final-rule-definition-engaged-business-dealer-firearms/download

 

Episode 57. ATF Proposed Rule on Definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms – The Forge of Freedom

https://forgeoffreedom.com/2023/09/04/episode-57-atf-proposed-rule-on-definition-of-engaged-in-the-business-as-a-dealer-in-firearms/

 

ATF HQ on X:

https://twitter.com/ATFHQ/status/1778393298991775744



 

Tags:

 

#liberty

#freedom

#firearms

#handguns

#guns

#2A

#training

#personalresponsibility

#firstresponder

#law

#litigation

#lawfare

#selfdefense

#ATF

#agencyrulemaking

#executivebranch

#engagedinthebusiness

#FFL

#universalbackgroundchecks

#tyranny

 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mentio

Show Notes:



Episode 119. FISA 702 Explained: Is Your Privacy at Risk?



In this episode, host Alex Ooley discusses the reauthorization of FISA 702, a provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that allows the government to conduct targeted surveillance of foreign nationals without a warrant. He explains the significant privacy implications of this provision and highlights instances of abuse by intelligence agencies. The episode also covers the failed attempt to impose a warrant requirement through the Biggs Amendment and the concerns raised by civil liberties organizations. The host emphasizes the importance of protecting privacy rights and urges listeners to be engaged citizens in order to prevent encroachments on their freedoms.





Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background on FISA 702

06:26 Concerns about Privacy and Abuse

13:59 The Failed Attempt to Impose a Warrant Requirement

27:53 The Importance of Protecting Privacy Rights





Resources:



Elizabeth Goitein on X

https://twitter.com/LizaGoitein/status/1778844476607201640



Final Vote Results for Roll Call 114

https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2024/roll114.xml



Rand Paul on X (@RandPaul):

https://twitter.com/RandPaul/status/1780627078645248462



TenthAmendmentCenter on X (@TenthAmendment)

https://twitter.com/TenthAmendment/status/1780732125236367481



Letter from 21 Privacy Companies

cdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Coalition-Statement-for-Record-Senate-Judiciary-Hearing-on-Section-702-6-12-23.pdf



Edward Snowden (@Snowden) / X

https://twitter.com/Snowden



FISA Section 702: What it is and why Congress is debating it

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/section-702-foreign-intelligence-surveillance-act-congress-what-know-rcna96259



Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Upcoming Vote on Reauthorization and Reform of FISA Section 702 | The White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/17/statement-by-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-on-the-upcoming-vote-on-reauthorization-and-reform-of-fisa-section-702/



Bad Amendments to Section 702 Have Failed (For Now)—What Happens Next? | Electronic Frontier Foundation

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/04/bad-amendments-section-702-have-failed-now-what-happens-next



What is Section 702? | Learn Liberty

https://www.learnliberty.org/videos/what-is-section-702/



Naomi Brockwell (@naomibrockwell) / X

https://twitter.com/naomibrockwell



What is the FISA court, and why is it so secretive? | CNN Politics

https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/08/politics/fisa-court-explainer-trnd/index.html





Tags:

 

#liberty

#freedom

#personalresponsibility

#government

#dueprocess

#Constitution

#FISA

#FISA

#section702

#NSA

#FBI

#foreignintelligence

#spying

#tyranny

#warrant

#probablecause

#4thAmendment

#4A

 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forgeoffreedom/support

Show Notes:

 

Episode 118. Kamala Harris Exploits Tragedy for Gun Control Agenda: The Battle Over Red Flag Laws

 

In this episode, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss Kamala Harris's visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and her use of the massacre as a platform to promote gun control. They delve into the concept of red flag laws and the violation of due process and individual rights that they entail. They highlight the inconclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of these laws and the potential for abuse. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of preserving freedom and liberty.



 

Chapters

00:00 Kamala Harris Exploits Tragedy for Gun Control Agenda

09:06 The Violation of Due Process in Red Flag Laws

32:43 The Importance of Preserving Freedom and Liberty

 

Takeaways


Kamala Harris used the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre as a platform to promote gun control
Red flag laws violate due process and individual rights
The evidence regarding the effectiveness of red flag laws is inconclusive
Red flag laws can be abused and used as a tool for personal vendettas

 

Sound Bites

"Anytime the government says, 'I'm here to help,' that's the most concerning words you could ever hear."

 

Keywords

Kamala Harris, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, gun control, red flag laws, due process, individual rights, evidence, abuse, freedom, liberty

 

 

Resources:

 

FACT SHEET: Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Two Gun Safety Solutions While Continuing Efforts to Keep Schools Safe from Gun Violence | The White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/23/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-gun-safety-solutions-while-continuing-efforts-to-keep-schools-safe-from-gun-violence/

 

National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center - The National ERPO Resource Center

https://erpo.org/

 

U.S. Constitution - Fourteenth Amendment | Resources | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-14/

 

Remarks by Vice President Harris Highlighting Historic Gun Safety Measures | Parkland, FL | The White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/03/23/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-on-gun-violence-prevention-while-at-marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-school-parkland-fl/

 

Office of Gun Violence Prevention | The White House

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ogvp/

 

U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time

https://www.usdebtclock.org/

 

Vice President Marks Parkland Tragedy Anniversary by Dancing-in-the-Blood

https://www.ammoland.com/2024/04/vice-president-harris-marks-parkland-tragedy-anniversary-with-political-gun-grab/

 

Father of Parkland high school victim speaks out on Vice President Kamala Harris' visit: 'Hallowed ground'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/father-of-parkland-high-school-victim-speaks-out-on-vice-president-kamala-harris-visit-hallowed-ground/vi-BB1knFyW#details

 

MSD-Report-2-Public-Version.pdf

https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MSDHS/MSD-Report-2-Public-Version.pdf

 

Kamala Harris delivers remarks in Parkland - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCTp0Bu1boI

 

Episode 55. Red Flag Laws: A Threat to the Constitution and Individual Liberty - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9HKEyKRdwY

 

Policy Arguments Against Red Flag Laws #freedom #firearms #liberty #redflag #guncontrol - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kvQ45IH9pA

 

 

Tags:

 

#liberty

#freedom

#firearms

#handguns

#guns

#2A

#lawfare

#selfdefense

#redflag

#ERPO

#Parkland

#government

#dueprocess

#Constitution

 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. T