The John Batchelor Show

PREVIEW. Russian Frustration, US Targeting, and Escalation Risks in the Ukraine War. Anatol Lieven of the Quincy Institute discusses how the US is actively participating in the Ukraine war by supplying targeting intelligence, enabling strikes on Russian war nodes. Russian hardliners view this as the West targeting them and demand retaliation to force peace. Though Putin has resisted direct escalation, he would be forced to retaliate immediately if the West escalates first, for example, by seizing cargoes or shooting down aircraft.

PREVIEW. Security Concerns and Political Legitimacy Risks in Venezuela. Mary Anastasia O'Grady at the Wall Street Journal editorial page discusses how Venezuela's opposition is ready on day one, having drawn up plans for a new government. Edmundo González, the president-elect (in exile), has legitimacy with an estimated 70% of the vote from the July 2024 election. However, security is the main concern, as the government must guarantee it. Whoever possesses the guns and tanks will call the shots, threatening the rule of law and the new democracy.

PREVIEW. AI, Corporate Staffing Reduction, and Consumer Liquidity Issues Threatening a Recession. Chris Riegel discusses how while AI contributes to corporate staff reduction (e.g., IBM), financial results from quick service restaurants like Chipotle indicate consumer challenges. Specifically, younger consumers are financially strained, leading to negative results and consumers trading down. This problem with consumer liquidity represents early signs of what could become a nasty recession, though its progression is unknown. Retry

SHOW 11-5-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT AI AND CHILDREN. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Canada's Troubled Relations with China and the US. Charles Burton (author of The Beaver and the Dragon) analyzes Canadian Prime Minister Carney's meeting with China's Xi Jinping following the APEC conference. Burton described Carney as a "supplicant" who echoed Chinese rhetoric of "constructive and pragmatic interactions," which means focusing on trade while avoiding criticism. Issues discussed included Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and Canada's tariffs on subsidized Chinese EVs. Burton addresses the severely strained Ottawa-Washington relationship due to US tariffs and President Trump's stated unwillingness to talk, feeding "anti-American sentiment" in Canada. This trade uncertainty is a factor in Canada's massive budget deficit, which aims to fund government infrastructure to compensate for lacking investor interest. Furthermore, concerns persist in Canada regarding Chinese EVs potentially functioning as "listening posts" for state security. 915-930 Canada's Troubled Relations with China and the US. Charles Burton (author of The Beaver and the Dragon) analyzes Canadian Prime Minister Carney's meeting with China's Xi Jinping following the APEC conference. Burton described Carney as a "supplicant" who echoed Chinese rhetoric of "constructive and pragmatic interactions," which means focusing on trade while avoiding criticism. Issues discussed included Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and Canada's tariffs on subsidized Chinese EVs. Burton addresses the severely strained Ottawa-Washington relationship due to US tariffs and President Trump's stated unwillingness to talk, feeding "anti-American sentiment" in Canada. This trade uncertainty is a factor in Canada's massive budget deficit, which aims to fund government infrastructure to compensate for lacking investor interest. Furthermore, concerns persist in Canada regarding Chinese EVs potentially functioning as "listening posts" for state security. 930-945 The Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Peter Berkowitz (Hoover Institution Fellow and educator) discusses the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which requires universities to meet ten priorities to qualify for federal benefits like student loans and research grants. While many goals are proper or already legally required (like protecting free speech and obeying civil rights laws), several are highly controversial. These controversial points include demanding that hiring decisions be made solely on individual "merit," which critics redefine to include group diversity, and requiring universities to maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. Most universities rejected the compact, asserting it would impair academic freedom. Berkowitz suggests the administration should use direct financial incentives to reward universities that actively teach free speech, rather than relying on mandates. 945-1000 The Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Peter Berkowitz (Hoover Institution Fellow and educator) discusses the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which requires universities to meet ten priorities to qualify for federal benefits like student loans and research grants. While many goals are proper or already legally required (like protecting free speech and obeying civil rights laws), several are highly controversial. These controversial points include demanding that hiring decisions be made solely on individual "merit," which critics redefine to include group diversity, and requiring universities to maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. Most universities rejected the compact, asserting it would impair academic freedom. Berkowitz suggests the administration should use direct financial incentives to reward universities...

Private Space Enterprise, Artemis Debate, and the Human Body in Space. Bob Zimmerman (Behind the Black) reviews the private space sector, highlighting VAST, which is developing the small manned demo space station Haven One using its own investment capital, unlike other NASA-funded consortiums. VAST's larger planned station, Haven 2, is designed to rotate, creating artificial gravity. This capability is crucial for mitigating the damage extended weightlessness causes the human body, such as cardiovascular weakening, bone density loss, and vision problems (the eye flattens). Zimmerman notes the ongoing debate over NASA's Artemis program, where former administrators clash over SpaceX's ability to build the lunar lander on time, often driven by lobbying interests. He also reports that China recently set a new national record for successful launches in a single year (67 completed). 1940

Private Space Enterprise, Artemis Debate, and the Human Body in Space. Bob Zimmerman (Behind the Black) reviews the private space sector, highlighting VAST, which is developing the small manned demo space station Haven One using its own investment capital, unlike other NASA-funded consortiums. VAST's larger planned station, Haven 2, is designed to rotate, creating artificial gravity. This capability is crucial for mitigating the damage extended weightlessness causes the human body, such as cardiovascular weakening, bone density loss, and vision problems (the eye flattens). Zimmerman notes the ongoing debate over NASA's Artemis program, where former administrators clash over SpaceX's ability to build the lunar lander on time, often driven by lobbying interests. He also reports that China recently set a new national record for successful launches in a single year (67 completed). 1954

Regulating AI and Protecting Children. Kevin Frazier (Law School Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin) addresses the growing concern over AI chatbots following tragedies, noting that while only 1.9% of ChatGPT conversations relate to "relationships," this fraction still warrants significant attention. He criticizes early state legislative responses, such as Illinois banning AI therapy tools, arguing that such actions risk denying mental health support to children who cannot access human therapists. Frazier advocates against imposing restrictive statutory law on the rapidly evolving technology. Instead, he recommends implementing a voluntary, standardized rating system, similar to the MPA film rating system. This framework would provide consumers with digestible information via labels—like "child safe" or "mental health appropriate"—to make informed decisions and incentivize industry stakeholders to develop safer applications. 1941

Regulating AI and Protecting Children. Kevin Frazier (Law School Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin) addresses the growing concern over AI chatbots following tragedies, noting that while only 1.9% of ChatGPT conversations relate to "relationships," this fraction still warrants significant attention. He criticizes early state legislative responses, such as Illinois banning AI therapy tools, arguing that such actions risk denying mental health support to children who cannot access human therapists. Frazier advocates against imposing restrictive statutory law on the rapidly evolving technology. Instead, he recommends implementing a voluntary, standardized rating system, similar to the MPA film rating system. This framework would provide consumers with digestible information via labels—like "child safe" or "mental health appropriate"—to make informed decisions and incentivize industry stakeholders to develop safer applications. 1919

The Dominance of the US Dollar and Its Challenges. Alex Pollock (Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute) discusses Kenneth Rogoff's book, Our Currency, Your Problem, focusing on why the US dollar remains the dominant global currency. The dollar's strength is linked to US military power and superior legal and bankruptcy systems, which provide essential "social infrastructure." Pollock recalls the famous quip, "Our currency, your problem," made by Treasury Secretary John Connally in 1971 after the US defaulted on its gold obligations under the Bretton Woods system. Challenges from the Chinese renminbi and crypto are noted, but Rogoff finds serious institutional flaws in China's system. Critically, the growing US national debt is identified as the dollar's "Achilles heel," posing a major threat if global lenders stop lending. 1936

The Dominance of the US Dollar and Its Challenges. Alex Pollock (Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute) discusses Kenneth Rogoff's book, Our Currency, Your Problem, focusing on why the US dollar remains the dominant global currency. The dollar's strength is linked to US military power and superior legal and bankruptcy systems, which provide essential "social infrastructure." Pollock recalls the famous quip, "Our currency, your problem," made by Treasury Secretary John Connally in 1971 after the US defaulted on its gold obligations under the Bretton Woods system. Challenges from the Chinese renminbi and crypto are noted, but Rogoff finds serious institutional flaws in China's system. Critically, the growing US national debt is identified as the dollar's "Achilles heel," posing a major threat if global lenders stop lending. 1885 NYSE

US Military Operations off Venezuela and the War in Ukraine. General Blaine Holt (United States Air Force retired) analyzes the significant US military buildup off Venezuela, headquartered at Roosevelt Roads, describing it as a "war-winning force" primarily targeting cartels and sending a global message of American might. He suggests that operations will likely use commando-style tactics rather than a full occupation, potentially leveraging historical events like the Bay of Pigs as cover for unconventional approaches. The conversation pivots to Ukraine, where Russia is effectively using new glide bombs and missiles, having shifted to a wartime mobilization economy. Holt notes the profound erosion of Ukraine's infrastructure and the demoralizing lack of manpower. He argues innovative, inexpensive defenses, such as Reaper drones with Sidewinders or lasers, are needed, as current air defense economics are unsustainable. 1917 USS WYOMING

US Military Operations off Venezuela and the War in Ukraine. General Blaine Holt (United States Air Force retired) analyzes the significant US military buildup off Venezuela, headquartered at Roosevelt Roads, describing it as a "war-winning force" primarily targeting cartels and sending a global message of American might. He suggests that operations will likely use commando-style tactics rather than a full occupation, potentially leveraging historical events like the Bay of Pigs as cover for unconventional approaches. The conversation pivots to Ukraine, where Russia is effectively using new glide bombs and missiles, having shifted to a wartime mobilization economy. Holt notes the profound erosion of Ukraine's infrastructure and the demoralizing lack of manpower. He argues innovative, inexpensive defenses, such as Reaper drones with Sidewinders or lasers, are needed, as current air defense economics are unsustainable. 1926 HCMS VANCOUVER

AI Philosophy and Jewish Wisdom. Spencer Klavan (Associate Editor of the Claremont Review of Books) reviews Michael M. Rosen's book, Like Silicon from Clay, which uses ancient Jewish wisdom, specifically the Golem legend, to analyze AI. Rosen categorizes AI believers into four camps: autonomists (who believe AI will achieve consciousness or sentience) and automationists (who view AI as a sophisticated, non-conscious tool). Both camps are divided into "positive" (optimistic) and "negative" (pessimistic) outlooks. Klavan identifies as a positive automationist, seeing AI as an "elaborate adding machine" or "better Google" that is helpful but requires human verification because it often "hallucinates" (makes up facts). He notes that chatbots conclude conversations with questions because they need human input to avoid becoming "deranged" and to improve their ability to predict human speech patterns. 1932

AI Philosophy and Jewish Wisdom. Spencer Klavan (Associate Editor of the Claremont Review of Books) reviews Michael M. Rosen's book, Like Silicon from Clay, which uses ancient Jewish wisdom, specifically the Golem legend, to analyze AI. Rosen categorizes AI believers into four camps: autonomists (who believe AI will achieve consciousness or sentience) and automationists (who view AI as a sophisticated, non-conscious tool). Both camps are divided into "positive" (optimistic) and "negative" (pessimistic) outlooks. Klavan identifies as a positive automationist, seeing AI as an "elaborate adding machine" or "better Google" that is helpful but requires human verification because it often "hallucinates" (makes up facts). He notes that chatbots conclude conversations with questions because they need human input to avoid becoming "deranged" and to improve their ability to predict human speech patterns. 1941

US-China Ceasefire and Competition in Technology and Space. Jack Burnham (Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst) characterizes the Trump-Xi meeting as a necessary "truce" that allows both nations to gain stability and strengthen their positions before the next escalation. Regarding rare earths, China is now employing the US "playbook," setting up a licensing structure rather than a full trade cessation. He emphasizes that building a complete rare earth supply chain outside of China, especially refining capacity, may realistically take seven to ten years. In technology, Beijing is pushing for domestic self-sufficiency in AI infrastructure, partly driven by paranoia that imported chips may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities. Burnham also details China's commitment to militarizing space, including copying US reconnaissance capabilities and practicing anti-satellite operations like "dogfighting." 1914

US-China Ceasefire and Competition in Technology and Space. Jack Burnham (Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst) characterizes the Trump-Xi meeting as a necessary "truce" that allows both nations to gain stability and strengthen their positions before the next escalation. Regarding rare earths, China is now employing the US "playbook," setting up a licensing structure rather than a full trade cessation. He emphasizes that building a complete rare earth supply chain outside of China, especially refining capacity, may realistically take seven to ten years. In technology, Beijing is pushing for domestic self-sufficiency in AI infrastructure, partly driven by paranoia that imported chips may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities. Burnham also details China's commitment to militarizing space, including copying US reconnaissance capabilities and practicing anti-satellite operations like "dogfighting." 1917 PRINCETON IN PEKING

The Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Peter Berkowitz (Hoover Institution Fellow and educator) discusses the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which requires universities to meet ten priorities to qualify for federal benefits like student loans and research grants. While many goals are proper or already legally required (like protecting free speech and obeying civil rights laws), several are highly controversial. These controversial points include demanding that hiring decisions be made solely on individual "merit," which critics redefine to include group diversity, and requiring universities to maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. Most universities rejected the compact, asserting it would impair academic freedom. Berkowitz suggests the administration should use direct financial incentives to reward universities that actively teach free speech, rather than relying on mandates. 1901 Stanford

The Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Peter Berkowitz (Hoover Institution Fellow and educator) discusses the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which requires universities to meet ten priorities to qualify for federal benefits like student loans and research grants. While many goals are proper or already legally required (like protecting free speech and obeying civil rights laws), several are highly controversial. These controversial points include demanding that hiring decisions be made solely on individual "merit," which critics redefine to include group diversity, and requiring universities to maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. Most universities rejected the compact, asserting it would impair academic freedom. Berkowitz suggests the administration should use direct financial incentives to reward universities that actively teach free speech, rather than relying on mandates. 1913 Princeton

Canada's Troubled Relations with China and the US. Charles Burton (author of The Beaver and the Dragon) analyzes Canadian Prime Minister Carney's meeting with China's Xi Jinping following the APEC conference. Burton described Carney as a "supplicant" who echoed Chinese rhetoric of "constructive and pragmatic interactions," which means focusing on trade while avoiding criticism. Issues discussed included Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and Canada's tariffs on subsidized Chinese EVs. Burton addresses the severely strained Ottawa-Washington relationship due to US tariffs and President Trump's stated unwillingness to talk, feeding "anti-American sentiment" in Canada. This trade uncertainty is a factor in Canada's massive budget deficit, which aims to fund government infrastructure to compensate for lacking investor interest. Furthermore, concerns persist in Canada regarding Chinese EVs potentially functioning as "listening posts" for state security. 1907

Canada's Troubled Relations with China and the US. Charles Burton (author of The Beaver and the Dragon) analyzes Canadian Prime Minister Carney's meeting with China's Xi Jinping following the APEC conference. Burton described Carney as a "supplicant" who echoed Chinese rhetoric of "constructive and pragmatic interactions," which means focusing on trade while avoiding criticism. Issues discussed included Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and Canada's tariffs on subsidized Chinese EVs. Burton addresses the severely strained Ottawa-Washington relationship due to US tariffs and President Trump's stated unwillingness to talk, feeding "anti-American sentiment" in Canada. This trade uncertainty is a factor in Canada's massive budget deficit, which aims to fund government infrastructure to compensate for lacking investor interest. Furthermore, concerns persist in Canada regarding Chinese EVs potentially functioning as "listening posts" for state security. 1861