Sludge

This episode spots the sludge -- every day fictions that block help and information. Recent reports of U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats require us to questions the legal, ethical, and political justifications. The pressure points around Thanksgiving travel, retail spin, and who pays the price during holiday logistics cannot be ignored this week, either.

Word of the Week [2:29]: Sludge: Ever get so frustrated by endless phone menus, dropped calls, and that "unusually high call volume" refrain? Welp, that sludge is by design.

Phase 1 [12:39]: Boat Strikes: Reports of at least 20 strikes across the Caribbean and Pacific waters mention ~80 individuals k*lled and 2 known survivors. The justification of "non-international armed conflict" should all raise a brow given its parameters and how abnormal this is in the realm of human rights and lethal force at sea.

Phase 2 [27:08]: Thanks is Giving...Spin: Air traffic controller strains continue, which then lead to other transportation systems being taxed. Retail is being spun as a win, instead of a loss, given that Thanksgiving meals are NOT cheaper in comparison to last year. This holiday season will shift more burdens on households that are already stretched thin.

Mentioned in the podcast:

Timeline of Vessel Strikes and Related Actions – Just Security

Dissecting the Trump Administration’s Effort to Circumvent the War Powers Resolution for Boat Strikes - Just Security
GOP senators sink resolution to block potential strikes on Venezuela – The Hill

Trump Serves a Misleading Thanksgiving Meal Statistic - FactCheck.org

Trump touts cheap groceries ahead of Thanksgiving. The reality is a mixed plate – The Guardian

Your Call is Important to Us – 99% Invisible podcast