#1408 - Ed Calderon
NaN minutesEpisode #1408
Ed Calderon is a security specialist and combatives instructor with over 10 years experience in public safety along the northern border area of Mexico. Follow him online @EdsManifesto
Episodes with Ed Calderon
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Episode Timestamps
Cartel Roadblocks and Truck Theft in Tamil Leap
- Cartel roadblocks on state and local roads in Tamil Leap are a serious issue, leading to violent confrontations with unsuspecting individuals.
- Encountering a cartel roadblock advises to slow down and avoid areas where such activities occur.
- Mention of 4x4 trucks being a valuable commodity for cartels, often stolen for their territorial conflicts.
Policy Developments and Cartel Designation Drama
- Discussion on the potential designation of cartels as terrorist groups and its political implications.
- Insight into Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez's leftist policies and negotiation with US officials on cartel issues.
- Focus on the creation of a national guard, changing tactics in combating cartels, and collaboration with the US on border security.
Largest Minable Deposit of Lithium & Cartel Influence
- Identified largest minable deposit of lithium, causing negotiations and power shifts
- Canadian mining agency initially had rights, later bought by Chinese company
- Cartels historically influence mining operations for extortion, protection, and drug activities
Cartel Wars and Escalating Violence
- El Chapo's son captured and then released by Mexican army after cartel intervention
- Cartels overpower Mexican government forces leading to chaos and public disruptions
- Growing cartel presence in the U.S. linked to drug money and violent activities
Mexican Cartel Influence in Federal and State Governments
- Mexican government factions linked to specific large cartel groups
- Federal and state governments with conflicting interests due to cartel influences
- Insight into corruption within the Mexican government
Evolution of Drug War Strategies in Mexico
- Transition into militarized war on drugs under Felipe Calderón
- Fragmentation and competition among cartel groups
- Speculation on key figures and alliances within the drug trade
Cultural and Economic Impact on Mexican Society by Drug Cartels
- Kids as young as 12 involved in cartel activities with limited options in life
- Systemic corruption deeply rooted in Mexican society affecting rules and norms
- Increasing presence of fentanyl and heroin in the drug market
Growing Influence of Heroin and Fentanyl in the Drug Trade
- Shift from focusing on pot to more dangerous substances like heroin and fentanyl
- Challenges of legalizing drugs due to societal perceptions and political implications
- Potential need for international intervention and terrorist designation in addressing drug cartels
Life Challenges and Differences in California America
- Mexican individual facing discrimination in California healthcare system
- Contrast between American values of hard work and entitlement in California
- Experience of cultural differences between America and California
Gun Laws and Corruption in Mexico
- Monopoly of gun sales in Mexico by the army
- Restrictions on firearm possession and permits in Mexico
- Inequality in gun access based on economic class
El Chapo and the Cult of Celebrity: Fiction vs Reality
- Discussing the popularization of cartel figures like El Chapo through fiction shows and fashion.
- Exploring the cultural significance of religious icons like scapulario and Santo Nino La Tocha.
- Highlighting El Chapo's influence, including the distribution of religious items and cars to gain loyalty.
Social Media Censorship and Political Sensitivities
- Addressing the use of head cameras and streaming by cartel members.
- Discussing censorship on social media platforms like Instagram based on political affiliations.
- Exploring the impact of truth dissemination and personal views conflicting with censorship policies.
Green Card Process - Impact of Trump's Election on Immigration
- The election of Trump affected the green card application process, leading to longer waiting times.
- Mexican-born citizens faced challenges in becoming U.S. citizens, impacting their lives.
- Illegal residents in the U.S. faced difficulties in living openly and contributing to society.
Immigrant Experience and Cultural Observations in America
- Comparison between American and Mexican youth lifestyles and freedoms.
- Challenges faced by Mexican immigrants in America and their assimilation.
- Addressing misconceptions and conflicts within the Mexican community in the U.S.
The Impact of Mental Health and Psychiatric Medications in Mexico
- In Mexico, the approach towards mental health and psychiatric medications is vastly different compared to the United States.
- Psychiatric medications like antipsychotics are not as prevalent in Mexico, and mental health diagnosis, like autism, are not as common.
- The culture in Mexico does not heavily rely on pharmaceutical drugs for mental well-being, unlike in America where it has become a norm.
Historical Influence of Psilocybin in Mexico and Modern Healing Practices
- Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history in Mexico, dating back to figures like Maria Savina and Gordon Wasson in the 1950s.
- These mushrooms have been utilized for healing and spiritual practices, with ongoing studies on their effectiveness in treating mental health issues like PTSD.
- Mexico also presents a unique environment for alternative healing methods like ibogaine retreats and ritualistic mushroom use.
Mexico Border Crisis and San Diego Sewage Issue
- Discussion about the impact of the border crisis on San Diego due to close proximity to Mexico
- Highlighting the environmental concerns with Tijuana sewage affecting San Diego beaches
- Mention of people using innovative ways to cross the border and the challenges faced by authorities
CIA, Border Corruption, and Cartel Technology
- Insight into the involvement of CIA agents in drug trafficking and corruption at the border
- Information on the sophisticated technology and tactics used by Mexican cartels for surveillance and communication
- Description of the evolving methods employed by cartels to evade detection and law enforcement
Immigration Policies and Border Security - Smuggling Through Canada
- Discussion on the immigration policies and the impact of the wall
- Exploration of smuggling routes through Canada due to lax security
- Mentions of Justin Trudeau's liberal policies and challenges faced by immigrants
Economic Impact of Migration and Global Relations
- Analysis of the economic impact of migration on businesses and borders
- Speculation on the future relationship between the US and Mexico
- Mentions of Chinese influence in Mexico and the shift of American businesses
Childhood Experiences on a Pig Farm with Rattlesnake
- Grew up on a pig farm with a rule of eating what you killed
- Had a unique experience of eating rattlesnake liver
- Mother was hardcore with food rules