The Forge of Freedom
Firearms, Personal Responsibility, and All Things Freedom Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/forgeoffreedom/support
Episodes
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...
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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 becaus...
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 t...
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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 histo...
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 agenc...
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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 i...
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Episode 117. ‘The Zone of Interest’ in Forgiveness
The episode discusses the movie 'The Zone of Interest' and explores the themes of forgiveness and mercy, particularly in relation to the character Rudolf Höss, the Commandant of Auschwitz. It raises questions about the capacity for evil in seemingly ordinary people and the Christian belief in forgiveness. The episode also touches on the importance of learnin...
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Episode 116. Soft on Crime, Hard on Self-Defense? Indianapolis & the Fight for Gun Rights
In this episode, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss two topics related to gun rights and self-defense. The first topic focuses on the push for soft-on-crime policies in Indianapolis, which is leading to a rise in self-defense cases. The officials in Indianapolis are upset that people are defending themselves and using ...
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Episode 115. What is The Presumption of Innocence? (rerun of Episode 7)
In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses the concept of the presumption of innocence and its importance to a civilized society. The presumption of innocence is the legal principle that every person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution to present compelling evidence to prove guilt b...
Show Notes:
Episode 114. Glock Under Fire: Politicians Attempt to Shift Blame for Violence to Gun Manufacturers
In this episode, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss the lawsuit filed by the city of Chicago against Glock, alleging that the company should be held responsible for the criminal misuse of their firearms. They also touch on the topic of soft on crime policies and the scapegoating of gun manufacturers. The hosts highligh...
Show Notes:
Episode 113. The Only Good One Is a Closed One: No Reform of Government Schools (with Marina Rocha)
In this episode, Marina Rocha discusses the problems with government schools and makes the case for their abolition. She highlights the lack of passion for learning and the indoctrination that occurs in these institutions. Marina also emphasizes the inefficiency of government schools and the negative impact on discipl...
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Episode 112. Beyond the Beam: Gun Digest, Weapon Lights, and Responsible Self-Defense
In this episode, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss various topics related to self-defense and firearms. They start by following up on the previous discussion about weapon-mounted lights and the support for Ken Hackathorn's views. They then talk about the legal implications of pointing firearms and the practical and legal ramifi...
Show Notes:
Episode 111. The Forge of Freedom – Why Would an Innocent Person Plead Guilty? (rerun of Episode 18)
This episode explores the topic of innocent people pleading guilty in the criminal justice system. The host discusses the widespread problem of innocent individuals accepting plea deals, influenced by factors such as overcharging, the trial penalty, lack of adequate defense counsel, overcriminalization, and pro...
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Episode 110. Hackathorn on Lights: Are Weapon-Mounted Lights Overrated?
In this episode, Alex Ooley and Mike Ooley discuss the controversy surrounding weapon mounted lights. They address the misinterpretation of Ken Hackathorn's comments and emphasize the importance of understanding his perspective. The conversation highlights the significance of training and the need to be cautious of influencers on the interne...
Show Notes:
Episode 109. Four Years Ago This Week, Freedom Was Torched (Jeffrey Tucker)
This episode reflects on the lockdowns implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the negative consequences and lack of accountability. It discusses the initial closures of venues and travel restrictions, as well as the government's role in exacerbating the situation. The extension of lockdowns, protests, and the impa...
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Episode 108. Prosecutors Challenge 2nd Amendment in Rajon Rondo Case (Part 2)
This episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast discusses the prosecution of Rajon Rondo for unlawful possession of a handgun. The host examines the charges, the motion to dismiss, and the response from the prosecutor. The prosecutor argues that domestic violence restraining orders can justify the deprivation of the right to bear arms, whi...
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Episode 107. Liberty and Responsibility
In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses an article titled 'Liberty is Meaningless Without Responsibility' by Tyler Brandt. The article explores the inseparable relationship between liberty and responsibility. Alex emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in a free society and how it contributes to human flourishing. He also highlights the role of responsibility...
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Episode 106. Rajon Rondo's Arrest: Bruen, the 2nd Amendment, and Gun Control on Trial
In this episode, host Alex Ooley discusses the arrest of NBA player Rajon Rondo in Indiana. Rondo was stopped for not having a license plate and was subsequently found to be in possession of marijuana and a firearm. The focus of the discussion is on the charge of unlawful carrying of a handgun, which is based on Rondo being sub...
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Episode 105. From Beat Cop to Ballot Box: Mike ter Maat’s Libertarian Campaign for President
In this episode, Mike ter Maat, a Libertarian candidate for president of the United States, discusses his campaign and his ideas for police reform and criminal justice reform. He emphasizes the need for a principles-forward and professional campaign that differentiates the Libertarian party from Republicans and Democrats....
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Episode 104. NRA Jury Verdict in New York Corruption Case
In this episode, Alex Ooley provides an update on the trial against the NRA in New York. He shares quotes on freedom and discusses the power of thoughts and the consequences of absurd beliefs. Alex questions the authority and effectiveness of lockdowns during the pandemic. He delves into the details of the NRA lawsuit, bankruptcy, and the revelations of corru...
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