Middle Theory

Middle Theory

Micah Hanks

News, Current Events, History and Politics Without the Slant.

1 hour 2 minutes

05.12.22. This is Middle Theory
This week, we ask how we became so polarized, and look at the underlying reasons for division in our culture in a discussion about the meaning behind the “Middle Theory.”

Can’t we all just get along? What are the roots of the conflicts we see in the world around us… from the geopolitical stage, to our neighborhoods and communities? Although polls over the years offer mixed results, a recurring theme is that voters often tend to be more moderate than the politicians they vote for. Why, then, does there appear to be so much polarization in society, both in politics, and in other areas of life? One result has been that many profess to be politically independent, entirely apolitical, or political “centrists” in an attempt to avoid the polarized viewpoints that so often predominate discussions in the media. And yet, an analysis of the range of ways people define “centrism” even gets confused… how can we have a discussion over the merits, or lack thereof, of a political philosophy when no one seems to agree on a definition for it? This has been one of the long-running themes of the Middle Theory podcast, and one that we explore in depth on this special edition of the podcast. This… is Middle Theory.

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A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Jon Haskins
- Victoria Pinderski
- Jonathan Taylor
- John Lipartito
- James Malone
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
- CAWTHORN: Madison Cawthorn says ‘blackmail won’t win’ after nude video surfaces
- MYSTERY MUSK: Elon Musk fans concerned after billionaire writes chilling post on Twitter about dying ‘under mysterious circumstances
- FED: Fed raises rates by half a percentage point — the biggest hike in two decades — to fight inflation
- NO JOKE: “Nobody’s Safe”: Dave Chappelle Attack Raises Concerns for Performers
- POLARIZED: This Is The Reason American Politics Are So Polarized
- How Politics Got So Polarized | The New Yorker
- EVIDENCE: How Polarized are Citizens? Measuring Ideology from the Ground-Up
- Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization
- CENTRIST MISCONCEPTIONS: The Problem with Balance: My Issue with Centrism
- Why You Shouldn’t be a Centrist | YIP Institute
- The Impossibility of Centrism – The Atlantic
- THE MIDDLE WAY: Middle Way – Wikipedia
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To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
12 May 2022, 1:23 pm
42 minutes 15 seconds

05.03.22. Nuclear Options
This week, growing concerns over Russia’s nuclear rhetoric in recent days have experts looking at how far Vladimir Putin might go in his quest to conquer Ukraine.

This week, as recent polls (finally) show Biden’s approval ratings are on the rise, we take a look at what it could mean heading into the mid-terms in November. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has provided reporters with a few vague ideas of what he plans to do with Twitter… putting him into a unique position in terms of political perception and leanings. Then, shifting our attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, world leaders have expressed concerns about simulations broadcast on Russian state media depicting potential nuclear strike targets throughout Europe. How far might Vladimir Putin be willing to go as his back is increasingly pressed against the wall, and could this even escalate to the point of weighing the dreaded nuclear option?

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Dennis Koch
- Daniel Baumberger
- Jill Ellis
- Brett Giles
- Robert Walshe
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
3 May 2022, 3:40 pm
44 minutes 19 seconds

04.27.22. Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter
With Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, controversy ensues over issues of transparency and freedom of speech, and whether the platform can improve under Musk’s leadership.

This week, the White House announced that Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19, which may be the least of her problems based on a new book that reportedly reveals tensions between she and other members of the Biden Administration, including the President. We also look at the current situation involving statements this week by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which shed new light on the U.S. military’s role in the war in Ukraine. Elsewhere, controversy has erupted around Elon Musk’s sudden acquisition of Twitter… and many are concerned about what this means for the future of the company, and issues related to free speech and transparency. We look at all of these stories this week on Middle Theory.

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Robert Cramer
- Jennie Vongvith
- Jessica Riley
- Jennifer Garland
- Kevin Webb
- Mark Hankins II
- Stacia Schwartz
- Ali Buchan
- Brian Davis
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
28 April 2022, 7:50 pm
41 minutes 49 seconds

04.18.22. Holy War
As Ukrainian officials say the “Battle of Donbas” has begun, we look at how one controversial Russian cleric has urged for “holy war” as the conflict in Ukraine wears on.

This week, news that record numbers of retirees are fleeing to countries like Portugal is making headlines amidst reports about economic woes around the world, and news about the latest strain of the coronavirus sweeping the United States. That, in addition to the unsurprising news that Alex Jones’ INFOWARS company has filed for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have now said that their fears about battle in the Donbas region have come to fruition. However, the views of one controversial Russian cleric take center focus in this week’s analysis, and the notion that some in Russia view the invasion that has led to the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians alike is tantamount to a “holy war.” We explore this, and other themes in recent news this week on Middle Theory.

Image Credit: Міністерство оборони України, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Connie Fletcher
- Jonathan Taylor
- Shelly Orlandini
- Doug Davis
- James Knight
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
- EXPATS: Americans Move to Portugal in Droves
- BANKRUPT WARS: Alex Jones INFOWARS Files for Bankruptcy
- SEEK AND DESTROY: Zelenskiy says Russia wants to ‘destroy’ Ukraine’s Donbas region
- Mariupol on brink as fighters defy surrender demands
- Mystery as ‘dead’ captain at ‘survivors’ parade
- Orthodox leader backs war, divides faith
- Syrians ready to join next phase of conflict
- TAIWAN: Taiwan says China’s threats will only increase support for island
- WRAP UP: BA.2 Proves Pandemic Isn’t Over, but People Are Over It
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
19 April 2022, 8:49 pm
45 minutes 33 seconds

04.11.22. Twitter: Battle of the Bots
This week, we analyze Elon Musk’s new influence on social media giant Twitter, and the company’s issue with bots posing as users.

Former President Donald Trump is back in the news for his recent controversial endorsement of television doctor Mehmet Oz in his Senate bid in Pennsylvania, which has evoked ire from conservatives. Meanwhile, as the situation in Ukraine remains at a standstill for now, what do things look like within Russia, where Vladimir Putin appears to still be suffering from delusions of grandeur and victory? Then we turn our attention to the controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s recent purchase of shares in Twitter, followed by a surprise rejection of an offer to sit on the company’s board amidst Tweets that the company is “dying” over the weekend. What will this mean for the social media giant, who faces new claims that a surprising number of its users may actually be bots helping to steer widespread misinformation?

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Vicki Pinderski $10
- Sean Boyle $10
- John Lipartito $5
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
12 April 2022, 5:55 pm
1 hour 11 minutes

04.04.22. Cancel Culture and the Subscription Society
In this episode, we are joined by YouTube documentarian and essayist Peter Coffin for a philosophical and economically-minded discussion about cancel culture.

Earlier this week, much of the world awakened to horrifying images out of Ukraine which appear to show the bodies of civilians who were killed by Russian forces, who are now steadily retreating from the embattled country. The images prompted U.S. President Joe Biden to double down on his war crime accusations against Vladimir Putin, and now many are asking whether the Russian leader will be made to stand trial for the atrocities. Then, following our news segment, we are joined by Youtuber and essayist Peter Coffin of the Very Important Documentaries YouTube channel, who joins us to discuss his new book ”

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Dennis Koch
- Daniel Baumberger
- Robert Westfall
- Jill Ellis
- Brett Giles
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
- UKRAINE: Images of dead civilians in Ukraine shake the world – CNNPolitics
- Joe Biden calls for Vladimir Putin to face war crimes trial over Ukraine
- Will Putin ever be held accountable for crimes in Ukraine?
- KING OF TWITTER: Musk takes 9% stake in Twitter to become top shareholder | Reuters
- CANCEL CULT: Why millennials drive cancel culture
- PETER COFFIN: Peter Coffin on Twitter
- Very Important Documentaries on YouTube
- Cancel Culture: Mob Justice or a Society of Subscriptions?
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
5 April 2022, 2:46 pm
51 minutes 4 seconds

03.28.22. Assault at the Oscars
This week, violence erupts at the Oscars during an unscripted episode between Best Actor Award recipient Will Smith and host Chris Rock.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine may have now reached a standstill, as Russian and Ukrainian officials meet to discuss moving toward an end to the conflict that has now raged for almost a month. However, the world’s attention put toward the crisis unfolding in the East was temporarily diverted on Sunday, when during the 94th Academy Awards, actor Will Smith, who would later the same night go on to win the award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, stormed the stage and slapped host Chris Rock following an unmemorable joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident has received an unprecedented amount of attention since Sunday, and we attempt to analyze the media response, as the Academy weighs options that might include disciplinary action against Smith for what many viewed as an assault on live television.

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Sean O’Neal
- Connie Fletcher
- Mark Hankins II
- Stacia Schwartz
- Ali Bucan
- Kevin Webb
- Brain Davis
- Sascha Neubauer
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
29 March 2022, 4:24 pm
49 minutes 21 seconds

03.21.22. Stalemate
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, world leaders ask how long the present stalemate might continue, and whether an attempt at removing Putin from power could soon occur from within Russia.

The Ukrainian conflict has now been underway for almost a month, as many western leaders and commentators look at the apparent stalemate that has erupted between the embattled country and Russian invaders. However, as the crisis continues to unfold, many are asking questions about Russia’s claims that it recently used hypersonic weapons against targets in Ukraine. Meanwhile, many are also wondering about the broader messaging coming out of Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying recently that perhaps the most frightening thing of all could be the idea that Vladimir Putin is buying his own hype. However, while the Russian leader continues to propagandize claims of Russian unity, what is the likelihood that a takeover attempt from within Russia could occur, in an effort to oust Putin as the Russian military continues to lose soldiers by the thousands, while innocent Ukrainians are captured, deported, and killed in the conflict?

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Sean Wick
- Robert Cramer
- Jessica Riley
- Jennie Vongvith
- Shelli Orlandini
- Jennifer Garland
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
- TIME SHIFT: Daylight savings change faces trouble in House
- SAUDI ARABIA ATTACK: Yemen rebels launch wide strikes on Saudi sites
- Jake Sullivan White House Statement on Houthi attack
- HOT TOPIC: ‘Madness’ to turn to fossil fuels because of Ukraine war
- NO SURRENDER: Mariupol rejects Russian demand to surrender as war shows no let-up
- Captives shipped to labor camps?
- HYPERSONICS: Russia Claims to Use a Hypersonic Missile
- We Have Questions About Russia’s Claimed Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile Use In Ukraine
- Report to Congress on Hypersonic Weapons – USNI News
- Pentagon to Speed Development of Hypersonic Weapons | Arms Control Association
- STALEMATE: War could be headed toward stalemate
- Russia, Failing to Achieve Early Victory in Ukraine, Is Seen Shifting to ‘Plan B’
- COUP FOR YOU: Putin ‘panicking’ over revolution in Moscow as he battles to control Ukraine
- BUYING HIS OWN HYPE: Why Zelensky is ‘very frightened’ of Putin believing his own claims
- AMERICAN AID: Frustrations of novice Americans who signed up to fight
- American Fighters Flying Dozens of Deterrence Missions
- Pentagon Work With Biological Facilities Becomes Flashpoint
- Biden to visit Poland
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
22 March 2022, 4:42 pm
1 hour 9 minutes

03.14.22. Ukraine: The Red Line
This week, we discuss the latest on the developing situation with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, whether there is a “Red Line” for the Biden Administration, and insights on the conflict with reporter Tim McMillan.

As the Russian Invasion of Ukraine continues, more experts and analysts are becoming worried about the possibility of humanitarian threats from Vladimir Putin amidst rumors of possible use of chemical weapons. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Pskaki has said the Biden Administration remains committed to avoiding war with Russia… but while Psaki says the White House won’t get into “speculations” about future conflict, is there a red line?

Then later in the program we are joined by reporter Tim McMillan of The Debrief, who has been covering the developing situation in Ukraine since the outset. McMillan offers his perspectives on the developing situation, and offers insights as to why things aren’t going so well for Russia at the moment… could the invasion attempt actually buckle in the days ahead?

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Connie Fletcher
- Vicky Pinderski
- Jonathan Taylor
- Doug Davis
- James Malone
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
- THE LATEST: Moscow widens assault in Ukraine, raising fears of humanitarian disaster
- NATO: Nato masses 30,000 troops & 50 warships for huge war games on Russia’s border
- WAR CRIMES: ‘They were shooting civilians’: Ukraine refugees saw abuses
- THE RED LINE: Jen Psaki suggests Putin using chemical weapons is not a ‘red line’ for US
- THE WAR WITHIN: Is Russia Really “at war with U.S. inside Ukraine”?
- STOP, MR. PRESIDENT: Even State TV Pleading With Putin to Stop
- SACRIFICE: Americans will sacrifice more to help Ukraine than most did for our own wars
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
16 March 2022, 5:21 pm
46 minutes 6 seconds

03.07.22. Battleground: Ukraine
With Russian forces meeting stronger resistance from Ukraine than expected, we look at recent anti-war protests in Russia, and possible motives driving Putin’s decision to invade the country.

This week, the United States and other countries make the difficult move toward banning oil imported from Russia, a decision which leaves open both the necessity for reliance on the Middle East, but also the prospect of returning to oil production at home. Elsewhere, with the war in Ukraine leaving the Russian military several thousand fewer in numbers, some officials are now weighing the possibility that Russia’s invasion may not have its intended result… but more importantly, what are the possible factors driving Putin’s choice in proceeding with the now very costly move? We explore all these questions, and much more, this week on Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Julia Gali
- Betty June
- Daniel Baumberger
- Rick Dale
- Robert Westfall
- Jill Ellis
- Robert Walshe
If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES
JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too… this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.
9 March 2022, 12:21 am
57 minutes 50 seconds

02.28.22. World War Wired

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ensues, we examine the complicated dynamics between nations, and the new face of warfare in the technological age of the 21st century.

1 March 2022, 3:36 pm
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Middle Theory

Micah Hanks

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