From: officialflagrant
The podcast often incorporates comedic takes when discussing various aspects of American history and significant events, blending factual references with irreverent humor and personal opinions.
American Civil War and Key Figures
Discussions around the American Civil War frequently feature a humorous tone.
- Father Corby: A painting depicting Father Corby with the Irish Brigade at Gettysburg leads to a discussion of his later role as President of Notre Dame, humorously stating he “built it” after it burned down [01:55:00]. The hosts ponder if priests were respected and avoided being shot during the Civil War, concluding “probably not” [02:27:00].
- Military Generals:
- Robert E. Lee: Despite being considered by one host as potentially the greatest general due to working with limited resources [04:40:00], he is also comically called “a little scared” and a “coward” by Grant [06:41:00].
- Stonewall Jackson: He is humorously described as “an autistic man clearly 100%” [05:01:00], citing anecdotes like constantly holding his hand up to prevent blood flow from a cut [05:20:00], and standing still under fire because he believed God would decide his death [05:30:00].
- Ulysses S. Grant: Praised for recognizing Lee’s weakness and overcoming his own fear to “cuck him up” [07:04:00], contrasting with Napoleon, whom Grant is unexpectedly favored over [07:53:00]. Grant is comically noted for being a “failure drunk” working at his dad’s grocery store before the war made him a president [08:01:00].
- “States’ Rights” Argument: The common, yet debated, narrative that the Civil War was about states’ rights, rather than slavery, is satirized. One host recounts a middle school teacher in New York who “kept on hammering that” idea, which he believed for a decade [09:08:00], leading to the retort: “states’ rights to own slaves” [09:20:00].
World War II and its Aftermath
The discussion touches on World War II, specifically the bombing of Nagasaki, with a controversial observation about the city being Catholic [02:57:00]. The comedic implication is that this religious affiliation “didn’t help” [03:05:00].
Napoleonic Warfare
Napoleon is discussed as potentially the “greatest of all time” [04:17:00], with the host humorously admitting to only having read a preview of a book about him [05:15:00]. His military strategy of “Total War,” involving the entire country’s industry in wartime, is humorously presented as a pioneering concept, contrasting with the “gentlemanly” nature of previous wars [05:30:00].
Historical Reliability and Conspiracy Theories
The hosts engage in a comedic take on historical reliability, arguing that “ancient history” is largely “made up” because accounts from thousands of years ago tend to end in a “romantic fashion,” weeding out the “boring stuff” [10:38:00]. This perspective aligns with Napoleon’s quote: “History is a set of lies agreed upon” [10:41:00].
JFK Assassination Conspiracy Theories
The hosts delve into conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of JFK:
- CIA Involvement: It’s argued that the CIA killed JFK because he intended to disband them and avoid the Vietnam War, suggesting a “secret cabal” or “machine” that protects American interests beyond political elections [02:16:15]. This is humorously linked to figures like Woody Harrelson’s father, a convicted contract killer who allegedly claimed to have killed Kennedy [02:14:31].
- “Magic Bullet” and Multiple Shooters: The “magic bullet” theory, where one bullet caused multiple wounds and remained unscathed, is ridiculed [02:13:55]. The idea of multiple shooters, including a “patsy” (Lee Harvey Oswald) and other CIA assassins, is humorously presented as a more plausible explanation [02:12:59].
Other Conspiracies
- Moon Landing: One host expresses skepticism about the moon landing, asking “Do you think we went to the moon?” [02:16:05].
- MK Ultra: Charles Manson and Whitey Bulger are comically linked to the MK Ultra LSD program, which allegedly aimed for mind control but resulted in “violent psychos” [02:10:21].
- Hinckley Connection: A humorous and convoluted “conspiracy” theory links John Hinckley Jr. (who shot Ronald Reagan) to Barack Obama and George H.W. Bush through distant family ties, suggesting a broader, secret control over the presidency [02:21:56]. This is presented as “gibberish” when the family tree shows they are “ninth cousins twice removed” [02:24:04].
American Political Figures and Culture
Presidential Perspectives
- Winston Churchill: Humorously dismissed for “blowing it in World War One” against the Turks [08:22:00].
- Donald Trump: Mentioned as having recently been present at a casino [00:50:00].
- Joe Biden (implied): The host humorously states, “I like Biden making some decisions” [02:21:24].
- Vladimir Putin: His motives are questioned, wondering if he is a “prisoner of the power” unable to step down [01:04:00].
Political Commentary and Comedic Takes
- “Blue Lives Matter” and Palestine: A reference to “blue square” (supporting “Blue Lives Matter”) is humorously challenged with “especially like in modern Palestine do you think the blue lives blue eyes really matter over there” [03:51:00].
- Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell: Referred to as “legacy politicians” who lack term limits and are part of a political “machine” [02:17:23].
- Societal Issues and Humor: A joke about India’s 100% voter turnout but an ongoing campaign to stop public defecation is used to highlight absurd contrasts [01:18:18].
- Voting ID and Race: The concept of needing ID to vote is humorously framed as a “radical left” argument that “some people say it’s racist” [02:57:24].
National Service
The idea of mandatory national service for all Americans, perhaps one year after high school, is debated [02:56:50]. While not explicitly military, it could involve repairing national parks or working on the border wall, with the humorous caveat that rich people would find “easy places” [02:59:30]. The concept is discussed as a way to foster investment in the country and social harmony, contrasting with the “stiff upper lip” culture that often leads to alcohol abuse as an emotional release [01:54:27].