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    Part One: Harlon Carter: the Man Who Militarized the Cops and the NRA

    enJune 14, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Community Bonds, Unexpected Joy, and Personal GrowthCommunity organizations foster bonds and support, unexpected joy can be found in unlikely places, and personal growth brings new emotions and perspectives

      There are organizations, like Neighbor to Neighbor, that encourage building strong community bonds and supporting each other in everyday life and during emergencies. Laughter and luck can be found in unexpected places, as shown in the Luckyland Casino promotion. The journey towards a smoke-free future can be challenging, but products like ZYN nicotine pouches offer alternative solutions. Finally, personal growth and new experiences can lead to unexpected emotions and perspectives, as Matt's recent marriage illustrates. Overall, these examples remind us of the importance of community, finding joy in the unexpected, and embracing change.

    • Early gun control laws targeted enslaved African peopleThe history of gun control in the US is rooted in racism and white supremacy, with early laws restricting weapon access for enslaved Africans and later figures like Harlan Carter shaping gun culture with racist undertones.

      The history of gun control in the United States is deeply intertwined with racism and white supremacy. This was evident as early as the 17th century when one of the earliest gun control laws was passed in Virginia, which primarily affected enslaved African people by restricting their access to weapons. Harlan Carter, a significant figure in American history, played a role in both the militarization of the police and the founding of the NRA. His impact on gun culture in the US, rooted in white supremacy, remains influential today. Despite differing attitudes towards firearms, acknowledging this history can provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between race, gun control, and power in the United States.

    • Early Virginia laws restricted black people from carrying weapons or 'weapon like objects', leading to harsh punishments.Early Virginia laws targeted everyday items like canes and dogs, making their possession illegal for black people to make their lives harder and challenge white supremacy.

      Laws during the early colonies in Virginia, such as the one passed in 16/80, restricted African Americans from carrying weapons or "weapon like objects," leading to harsh punishments for holding any object that could potentially be used to harm someone. This law, which applied to both slaves and freed black people, made everyday items like canes and even dogs illegal for black possession. The purpose of these restrictions was to make the lives of free black people more difficult and challenge their existence in a society built on white supremacy. While gun control was a focus, other objects like dogs were also heavily regulated. These laws were exceptions to the rule, as most laws during this time were more focused on making it difficult for black people to challenge white supremacy in any way, rather than specifically banning certain items.

    • Racial disparities in gun ownership during late 1700s and early 1800sDuring the late 1700s and early 1800s, laws restricted black people's access to weapons while allowing fewer restrictions for white people, perpetuating racial disparities in gun ownership.

      During the late 1700s and early 1800s, there were significant racial disparities in gun ownership and the right to bear arms in the United States. White folks, particularly those in power, were afraid of armed uprisings by enslaved or free black people. As a result, laws were enacted to restrict black people's access to weapons, while white people had fewer restrictions. The American Revolution and the resulting Constitution did not extend the right to bear arms to black people. Instead, they were required to register their weapons with the government, while white people were not. These racial disparities continued even after the Civil War, with laws allowing slave patrols to enter black homes and confiscate weapons. It wasn't until the Civil War, when a large number of black men were legally armed and serving in the Union Army, that this dynamic began to shift.

    • Black Americans faced restrictions on their freedoms after the Civil WarDespite gaining freedom after the Civil War, black Americans faced numerous laws and societal pressures that restricted their rights, leading to the formation of militias and continued violence and resistance.

      Despite the end of the Civil War in 1865, black Americans did not immediately receive the same rights as white Americans. Instead, many southern states enacted black codes to restrict their freedoms, including the right to bear arms. For instance, in Mississippi, black people were banned from possessing weapons or ammunition, and if they were caught, their firearms would be confiscated and given to white people as rewards. This resulted in many black people illegally purchasing guns, leading to even greater penalties. The US Congress passed the Civil Rights Act in 1866, which granted black people the same rights as white people, but this was met with violent resistance, including the rise of the KKK and Jim Crow laws. Black Americans responded by organizing militias and carrying guns to protect themselves from lynchings and other forms of violence. This cycle of violence and resistance continued for many years, highlighting the long and complex history of racial inequality in the United States.

    • The history of gun control in the US: protecting the common good or restricting rights?The history of gun control in the US is complex, with regulations being enacted for various reasons including public safety and social order. However, enforcement and impact have varied based on population and location.

      The history of gun control in the United States is complex and nuanced, with regulations being put in place for various reasons, including public safety and social order. During the Reconstruction era, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Ku Klux Klan's right to disarm meetings, leading to the passing of laws banning concealed firearms in some areas. These laws were often enacted to protect the common good and prevent potential violence, such as lynchings. However, it's important to note that gun control laws were also enforced differently depending on the population and location. For instance, in some parts of the "wild west," open carrying of firearms was restricted. The infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral was actually about gun control, and while it didn't have any explicitly racist undertones, it did involve law enforcement overreach. The myth of the "good guy with a gun" has been present throughout history, with some arguing that a giant metal spider could only be stopped by a bigger one. While this might seem far-fetched, it highlights the ongoing debate about the role of guns in society and the need for balanced regulations.

    • Monopoly Go vs Neighbor to Neighbor: Two Different ExperiencesMonopoly Go offers endless fun with new challenges, while Neighbor to Neighbor builds community connections. Historical context reveals the impact of systemic biases.

      Monopoly Go offers constant new experiences with various challenges, rewards, and social features, making it an engaging and exciting game for players. Meanwhile, Neighbor to Neighbor emphasizes the importance of building community connections in everyday life, providing opportunities for neighbors to help each other and prepare for emergencies. On a historical note, gun control during the late 1800s in the United States was deeply influenced by racial tensions, leading to discriminatory laws targeting black people, even when their weapons were fake or harmless. This highlights the significance of understanding historical context and recognizing the impact of systemic biases. So, download Monopoly Go for endless fun, join Neighbor to Neighbor to strengthen your community, and be mindful of the complex history behind seemingly straightforward laws.

    • Laws aimed at disarming black people during the post-Civil War era in Texas were disguised with race-neutral language but their intent was clear.Historical context shaped Carter's experiences and likely influenced his perspective on gun ownership and control, with gun laws being used selectively against certain groups.

      During the post-Civil War era in Texas, laws aimed at disarming certain groups were disguised with race-neutral language, but their intent was to disarm black people and maintain power over them. Harlan Bronson Carter, growing up in this context, was surrounded by gun culture and developed a strong affinity for firearms. When his family moved to Laredo, a border town with a predominantly Mexican population and non-white police force, the border patrol expressed concern and may have used gun control laws selectively against Mexican residents. This historical context shaped Carter's experiences and likely influenced his perspective on gun ownership and control.

    • Laredo's Border Patrol: A Refuge for White ViolenceDuring the 1920s, Laredo's border patrol was purged and replaced with Texas Rangers to remove local influence and enforce white supremacy, leading to tensions and violence.

      During the 1920s in Laredo, Texas, US immigration restrictions were not effectively enforced due to the local Mexican American community's influence. In response, Inspector Perkins carried out a "full scale housecleaning," purging local border patrol inspectors and the chief patrol inspector, and replacing them with experienced Texas Rangers. This strategy aimed to divorce the border patrol station from the local Mexican American political elite. Tensions escalated, leading to the border patrol officers shooting up the Laredo police station. This marked the only time in American history that police were massively fired and replaced with force. The Laredo border patrol transformed into a refuge for white violence within the Mexican-dominated community, enforcing white supremacy and solidifying the border as a dividing line. This period marked the beginning of the border becoming a significant and enforced boundary in American society. Despite the diversity of the border patrol today, this historical event highlights the problematic ways borders have been enforced in the past.

    • The NRA's complex history and the Uvalde shooting incidentThe NRA's history as a sportsman's association and military preparer shouldn't be oversimplified, nor should the Uvalde shooting incident be reduced to racial narratives. Understanding historical context is crucial.

      The complex history of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Uvalde shooting incident should not be reduced to simplistic or superficial interpretations based on race or ethnicity. The NRA, which originated in the late 1800s, began as a sportsman's association for target shooting and hunting, but also had a military component. During the early 20th century, the NRA played a role in preparing civilians for military service in case of emergencies. In 1931, a car theft incident led to a white woman falsely accusing three Hispanic boys of the crime, an early example of what would later be called "Karen behavior." Meanwhile, the demographics of law enforcement in Uvalde, Texas, include Mexican American officers. These historical facts challenge oversimplified narratives and highlight the importance of understanding the nuances of both the NRA's history and individual incidents.

    • The Complexity of Self-Defense ClaimsSelf-defense claims can be subjective and influenced by local biases, as shown in the case of Harlan Carter, whose actions for property defense led to a murder conviction despite a long history of vigilante violence in his community.

      The use of force, even by a minor, can lead to serious consequences, and the interpretation of self-defense can be subjective and influenced by local biases. The case of Harlan Carter, a young man who used a shotgun to defend his property and ended up serving time for murder, shares similarities with other controversial cases like those of Rittenhouse and Zimmerman. At the time, Harlan's actions may have been influenced by a long history of vigilante violence in Laredo, which could have affected the local court's perception of his actions. The case was eventually overturned due to discredited witnesses, but it highlights the complexity of self-defense claims and the potential impact of local biases on legal outcomes.

    • Easily getting away with crimes in the pastWhile it may have been easier to commit crimes in the past, it's important to remember that such actions are morally wrong and have negative consequences. Today, communities and resources exist to help prevent and address crimes, making it essential to stay informed and engaged.

      In the past, people could easily get away with crimes due to the lack of advanced technology and resources for investigation. The discussion mentions the case of Harlan, who changed his name to avoid being found due to his criminal record. Additionally, corporations have historically gotten away with hiring mercenaries to commit crimes. The tone of the conversation also touches upon the ease of committing crimes in the past and expresses a desire to return to those times. However, it's important to note that such actions are not condoned and are morally wrong. In the present day, there are resources and networks, like Neighbor to Neighbor, that help build communities and support each other, creating a more connected and prepared society. Furthermore, there are fun and engaging ways to pass the time, like playing Monopoly Go, which offers new experiences and rewards every day.

    • The complexities of treating juvenile offendersBelief in rehabilitation vs. excessive punishment, blurred lines between self-defense and murder, and racial bias in application of justice impact juvenile offender treatment.

      The treatment of juvenile offenders, especially those involved in violent crimes, is a complex issue with significant implications for their future rehabilitation. The speaker expresses his belief that children, despite their actions, should be given opportunities for rehabilitation rather than being punished excessively. However, the line between self-defense and murder can be blurred, as seen in the case of Harlan Carter and Raymond Casiano. The speaker also notes the issue of racial bias in the application of justice, with minorities often receiving harsher punishments. The speaker's perspective is further illustrated by his critique of how some sources, even those critical of Harlan Carter, describe the incident in ways that may unintentionally reinforce Carter's claims of self-defense. The speaker's analysis highlights the importance of considering the context and potential biases in reporting and understanding complex issues.

    • Authors disagree on details of controversial incident in Carter's pastDespite uncertainty, Carter kept past a secret and rose within border patrol, potentially influenced by incident

      Despite their ideological differences, two authors, Winkler and Kopel, have similar descriptions of the controversial incident involving Harlan Carter's past. The incident in question is Carter's involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy. However, the details of the incident are murky, and both authors have different interpretations of what happened. Winkler, in his book, brushes over the details, while Kopel, in an article defending Carter's legacy, challenges the accuracy of a gun control organization's description of the incident. Regardless, the lack of clear and consistent information about what happened raises questions about the nature of the incident and its impact on Carter's life and career. Despite the uncertainty, Carter went on to join the border patrol and eventually become its head, keeping his past a secret from the public. The incident, while not publicly acknowledged, may have played a role in Carter's rise within the organization.

    • From teenage murderer to border patrol advocate, Harlan Carter's transformation led to Operation CloudburstHarlan Carter's transformation from a criminal to a border patrol advocate initiated Operation Cloudburst, marking the beginning of using walls as a tool for racial exclusion

      Harlan Carter, a former border patrol agent, transformed from a teenage murderer to a vocal supporter of expanding the border patrol's role to target Mexican Americans, justifying it through a humanitarian pretext. This shift led to the proposal of Operation Cloudburst, which aimed to seal the US-Mexico border with military assistance and build the first modern wall. The wall was not just about securing the border but also a system of violence to keep the borderlands white. This marks the beginning of a more concerted vision of using walls as a tool for racial exclusion.

    • Plan to use military for border control during 1950s faced legal challengesDuring the 1950s, attempts to use military for border control were hindered by legal restrictions and controversy.

      During the 1950s, there was a plan to establish roadblocks and checkpoints along the US-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigration, particularly in strategic locations like San Francisco. However, this plan faced significant legal challenges due to the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of the military to enforce domestic laws without congressional approval. Despite the desire to involve the military in this operation, the use of military personnel to enforce domestic laws remained controversial and ultimately, the plan did not come to fruition. Instead, General Joseph Swing was appointed as the commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to address immigration issues. This historical account highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration policy and the role of the military in enforcing domestic laws.

    • The Militarization of the Border Patrol Began in 1954The border patrol was militarized in 1954 under the leadership of General Joseph Swing and Harlan Carter, marking the start of a paramilitary approach to addressing illegal immigration and Mexican Americans.

      The militarization of the border patrol began in 1954 under the leadership of General Joseph Swing and Harlan Carter. Swing, a military general with a history of commanding troops in battle, replaced the Inter-American Security Force (INS) with the border patrol, marking the start of the border patrol's militarization. This shift came as part of an effort to address illegal Mexican immigration, but it also served as a pretext for cleansing the borderlands of Mexican Americans. The campaign, which was announced just one month after Swing joined the INS, was innovative and paramilitary in nature, and it set the stage for future police militarization decades before major events like the Watts and LA riots. Despite the controversial nature of the crackdown, some employers and ranchers opposed it due to their reliance on exploited labor. Overall, Harlan Carter's racist motivations and the need to justify this to large chunks of Americans marked the beginning of this significant period in American history.

    • Exploring Complex Themes with Catchy Phrases and Fun ElementsConnecting with community, taking time for self-care, and prioritizing mental health are all crucial aspects of life, as shown in shows like 'The Wire' and in real life.

      Despite the serious and complex themes explored in shows like "The Wire," they still manage to incorporate catchy phrases and elements of fun. For instance, listeners can't help but remember characters like Klay Davis and Proposition Joe, who bring unique catchphrases to the table. Meanwhile, in real life, initiatives like Neighbor to Neighbor encourage community building and social bonds, emphasizing the importance of connecting with those around us. Furthermore, taking a moment for oneself is crucial, whether it's through listening to a podcast, playing games at Chumba Casino, or enjoying a Keebler Sandies cookie. Lastly, prioritizing mental health is essential, and online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer accessible and affordable solutions for managing mental health challenges.

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    Sources:

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    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

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