S05E13 - Oil Shock and Inside Informants

In this episode of Finding Common Battle Grounds, we tackle two topics. We start with the oil/energy shock that has resulted from the double blockade of the Straight of Hormuz. We talk about the consequences for Americans, for the global economy, for car purchasing decisions in the future, and whether it will affect the mid-term elections in November. We largely agree on this topic. Josh even admits he is going to be going all-electric at some point in the future! We then turn to the recent indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) by the Department of Justice (DOJ's). Josh and Tom start by parroting the DOJ talking points that the SPLC was funding racist and terrorist organizations, so they would have a reason to exist. Ryan points out that they funded informants, and they admit that. He also argues that the lawsuit will drag on for years until there is a new administration, and then it will be dropped. In other words, this is a big "Nothingburger." Josh insists this was weird, and Tom seems convinced the SPLC was drumming up a problem. Ryan agrees it was weird, but the question is whether it was illegal.