INTERVIEW: Corrupt, filthy, degenerates

In this interview, Chris Hedges and George Galloway discuss a range of pressing political issues, focusing on the implications of the Epstein files and the potential for a US war with Iran. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics: 

 The Epstein Affair and Political Accountability (0:49-12:54): Trump's involvement: Hedges notes Trump's frequent mentions in the Epstein files, the extensive redactions by FBI agents, and the concerted effort to block their release. He highlights how the public release of these documents, despite redactions, has been "cataclysmic." (0:51-2:07) 

International vs. US impact: The speakers observe that the Epstein files have caused more political trouble in the UK and Norway than in the United States, which they attribute to a "democratic deficit" in the US where political leaders are less accountable. (2:07-4:37) Corruption across the political spectrum: Hedges and Galloway discuss how the files expose corruption among both Democratic and Republican figures, including former Senator George Mitchell and figures close to Kier Starmer in the UK. (3:47-6:17) 

Public perception and societal decay: They discuss how the releases confirm public suspicions that rulers are "filthy degenerates" (6:06) and express concern about the lack of public outrage in the US, given the widespread issue of sexual abuse. (6:21-8:50) Unreleased documents and potential for destruction: Hedges mentions that millions of documents, including videos from Epstein's mansion, remain unreleased, and that the Epstein scandal could potentially destroy Trump's political career due to the deeply personal impact of sexual abuse on his base. (7:12-10:00) Trump's Mental Acuity and US Political Landscape (10:00-12:54):

 Decline in mental state: Galloway and Hedges discuss Trump's apparent mental decline, citing an example of him mistakenly claiming to impose tariffs on Switzerland's prime minister (a position that doesn't exist in Switzerland). (10:00-10:59) Dangerous implications: They express concern about this decline, especially given the US military's global presence and the potential for an impulsive commander-in-chief to make dangerous decisions. (10:42-10:59) Dismantling the state: Hedges warns that even if Trump is not fully in control, powerful figures around him are "dismantling the state" and "eviscerating the most basic civil liberties," leading to an authoritarian or police state. (11:15-12:54) The Threat of War with Iran (12:58-18:22): 

  Netanyahu's influence: The discussion shifts to Netanyahu's frequent visits to the US, pressing for war with Iran, similar to his push for the war with Iraq. (13:03-14:08) Israeli policy of failed states: Hedges explains that Israel's policy is to create failed states in the region (Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan) to increase its military dominance, seeing Iran as the last potent challenge. (13:44-14:05) Epstein's alleged Mossad links: Hedges suggests Epstein was "extremely close to the Israeli intelligence service" (14:33) and speculates whether Israel possesses compromising material on Trump. (14:50-15:03) Pentagon's opposition: Despite Israeli pressure, there is "heavy opposition" to a war with Iran within the American military establishment due to the potential for a costly "war of attrition" that Israel cannot endure. (15:20-16:14) Trump's reluctance: Hedges believes Trump is currently "leaning in the other direction" regarding war with Iran, supporting negotiations, but his inconsistency makes him unpredictable. (16:46-18:00) The Enigma of Jeffrey Epstein (18:39-22:33): His obscure rise: Both speakers express bewilderment at how Epstein, an uneducated individual with poor writing skills, rose to such importance and wealth, noting his involvement in various international affairs. (19:04-20:25) Exposing the global elite: Hedges concludes that the Epstein files reveal a "depraved, corrupt ruling global elite" (20:31) whose private lives are at odds with their public images. He states that as these elites are exposed globally, they are "rapidly imposing authoritarian states" to retain control. (21:12-22:33)