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On this episode, Improving US Russian Relations, Colorado Stands with Cannabis, and Australia’s Economy Ahead of Elections.
Welcome to this week’s edition of West Coast Milblogger. I’m your host Cyrus Emerson.
This channel enjoys success now, after more than 16-thousand views of Valentine’s Day music content with our Friday Refrain segment. These curated playlists help fans get ready for Sunday’s flagship show as we share trending news on major events around the world.
Also, on Wednesdays, From A to Z is going to stop airing Rabbit Burrow Descent playlist for the time being. The final episode features a tribute to David Lynch. Then on March 5, Pandemic Manifesto playlist starts, featuring journal entries from Trump’s last year in office, through the January 6 riots, and ending on July 4 of 2021 as the initial pandemic seemed to end. Looking forward to sharing that with our now more than 12-thousand subscribers.
While the Pandemic Manifesto tells the story of hemp suppression after federal legalization, we’re now hearing of a Russian prisoner release this last week of an American, stemming from possession charges. Todd Cortez has more. Todd.
Reporter Todd Cortez – Australian Accent
Juneau, Alaska
Hi Cyrus.
Russia releases imprisoned schoolteacher Marc Fogel in ‘show of good faith,’ says Trump administration.
This story by Meduza originally appeared on their website February 11, 2025, and remains as written:
https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/02/11/russia-releases-imprisoned-schoolteacher-marc-fogel-in-show-of-good-faith-says-trump-administration
U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, announced on Tuesday that Washington has secured the release of Marc Fogel. According to Waltz, the exchange “serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.” The New York Times reported that the deal was negotiated by Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Fogel was flown out of Russia on Mr. Witkoff’s plane.
Marc Fogel, a former U.S. Embassy employee in Moscow and a schoolteacher, was arrested on drug smuggling charges in August 2021 after officials at Sheremetyevo Airport found cannabis and hash oil in his possession. Fogel says he was carrying medical marijuana prescribed by his doctor. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
“We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that after more than three years of detention, our father, husband and son, Marc Fogel, is finally coming home,” Fogel’s family said in a statement.
Open access granted by Meduza on war related content.
Back to the studio.
Thanks Todd.
While Marc Fogel’s release could be a sign of improving relations between America and Russia, and some are now saying this could help with China’s cooperation on key issues as well, it’s important to note both hemp and marijuana remain Schedule 1 drugs in the United States.
Trump is responsible for hemp federal legalization with the 2018 farm bill, yet as we’ll see in Pandemic Manifesto, hemp businesses remain overregulated strangling their potential. Even in this current business friendly environment looking to slash the federal budget. Now, we’re being joined by Olivia with more on Colorado’s efforts to maintain a strong cannabis revenue. Olivia.
Reporter Olivia Montgomery – California Accent
Salem, Oregon
Good to see you Cyrus.
Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser's Statement Protecting Colorado's Legal Cannabis
This story by Steven W Giles originally appeared on Colorado Cannabis Times’ website February 12, 2025, and remains as written:
https://www.coloradocannabistimes.com/colorado_cannabis_news/colorado-s-attorney-general-phil-weisers-statement-protecting-colorados-legal-cannabis/article_94f1105a-e970-11ef-9bfe-df83d8a14f22.html
https://www.coloradocannabistimes.com
https://www.facebook.com/ColoCannaTimes
Colorado has been a leader in legal cannabis for 25 years and has created an infrastructure that works well and is a model for other states legalizing cannabis, the Jared Polis administration is pro-regulated cannabis and even established the Cannabis Business Office.
While rescheduling is currently on hold and with a new administration in Washington, DC. there is uncertainty surrounding the future of cannabis.
A recently published article titled, Trump’s White House Budget Director Says Marijuana Is A ‘Gateway Drug’ And Pushed To Roll Back State Legalization, by Kyle Jaeger, and the president nominating Terrance Cole to serve as DEA administrator, with his ‘Just Say No’ Stance On Marijuana, Linking Cannabis Use To Suicide Risk And Schizophrenia, potentially reflects the administration's current view on cannabis, even though the president has said in the past that he wasn’t opposed to cannabis legalization.
Colorado Cannabis Times reached out to Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser for comment on these uncertain times surrounding cannabis asking the question, “What is Attorney General Weiser’s plan to protect Colorado medical marijuana patients, cannabis consumers, cultivators, product producers, stores, and others in the cannabis industry that has generated more than 2 billion dollars in marijuana sales tax revenue in the last 14 years from any federal intrusion by the Trump Administration on Colorado’s successful legal cannabis system and space?”
The attorney general through his spokesperson provided this statement to Colorado Cannabis Times on Tuesday saying, “As I have throughout my time in office, I will defend Colorado’s legal recreational and medical cannabis markets. I will continue to advocate for Congress to pass the SAFE Banking Act so cannabis companies can access the federal banking system, and for the Drug Enforcement Agency to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. Just as I defended the Cole memo during the first Trump administration, I am committed to defending businesses and consumers from any actions that threaten the preservation of Colorado’s legal cannabis laws.”
Colorado Cannabis Times permission to reprint with proper attribution.
Back to you Cyrus.
Thanks again Olivia.
As we’ve just heard, legal cannabis can create strong tax revenue. If this idea was fully embraced by the federal government, Musk’s goal to occupy Mars could easily be achieved, when paired with his DOGE efforts.
Next, we’re continuing our efforts to galvanize West Coast National Defense. To Zelenskyy, withdraw of American support means betrayal in Europe. America Samoan Tulsi Gabbarb now leads US national intelligence threatening to destabilize the Five Eyes. Now, Amelia Foxx explains the importance of economy on federal elections in Australia taking place this May, a country that relies heavily on trade with China. Amelia.
Reporter Amelia Foxx – Pacific Northwest Accent
Olympia, Washington
Yes Cyrus.
Forget band-aids, this economy needs genuine reform.
Australia heads towards the 2025 election a little too relaxed about what's required to drive economy. The challenges ahead mean it needs genuine reform.
This story by Ashley Craig originally appeared on 360 info’s website February 12, 2025, and it’s been edited:
https://360info.org/forget-band-aids-this-economy-needs-genuine-reform/
Australia heads towards a federal election campaign facing enormous economic challenges and dangerously complacent because of decades of nearly uninterrupted economic growth.
The nation’s economy needs fundamental reform that requires tough choices, not band-aid solutions.
Australia has the good fortune to have an economy that is strong and tax revenues remain elevated due in part to historically high terms of trade and employment.
But there are major hurdles in the near future, including in the key areas of housing, immigration and international trade, with the federal budget sitting in the wings as a key risk.
International trade poses a major challenge heading into uncertain times.
Australian trade relies heavily on China, where the economy has slowed due to a real estate crisis, demographic shifts and weaker global demand.
This situation may worsen considerably soon, with US President Donald Trump apparently willing to wreak havoc with sudden and sharp changes in tariffs imposed on allies and competitors alike. His most-recent moves to put tariffs on aluminum and steel are early examples of moves that could affect Australia.
All of this could lead to sharp reductions in demand for Australian goods and, ultimately, a weaker economy and less tax revenue to fund expenditure.
Australia can’t solve major economic issues it’s facing in housing, immigration, and international trade overnight. It will take fundamental reform to prepare the Australian economy for these and other challenges ahead.
So beware of band-aid solutions as the country heads closer to the election.
Dr. Ashley Craig is a Senior Lecturer in economics, and a John Mitchell Research Fellow at the Australian National University. His research spans public economics and labor economics, with a particular focus on education, taxation and inequality.
Creative Common License 4.0.
Cyrus.
Great report Amelia.
Once again, you’ve illustrated the importance of the almighty dollar as Earth’s population continues to struggle in its attempt to distance itself from a violent past, to forge trust in peace. Certainly, we’ve entered a new domain in our civilization. We are at the dawn of solar system exploration; the Moon and Mars nearby celestial objects our global village can begin colonization efforts with.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of West Coast Milblogger. Remember to subscribe, like, and share on the many platforms this show is now available on. Keep it safe out there. Next up, Rabbit Burrow Descent, Wednesday at noon right here on @WestCoastMilblogger.
Thank you,
Cyrus Emerson
For more analysis on the war in Ukraine check out Combat Vet News:
https://www.combatvetnews.com
For more analysis on the war in Ukraine check out Denys Davydov:
https://www.youtube.com/@DenysDavydov
For more analysis on the war in Ukraine check out Jake Broe:
https://www.youtube.com/@JakeBroe
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