Topic: Libel

The conversation addresses a recent social media conflict involving researcher Allison McDowell, who criticized the use of cryptocurrency for show payments. Derek Brose shares his own experience of being libeled and blocked by McDowell despite previously respecting her work. They conclude that while blockchain has risks, it is a necessary tool for operating outside the traditional banking system, and they attribute such lashing out to the high stress of the current political climate.

In 1947, the FDA began targeting Reich during the McCarthy era, despite a lack of consumer complaints against his medical practice. A highly critical article by Mildred Edie Brady in The New Republic labeled Reich a "sex quack" and falsely claimed he marketed the Orgone accumulator as a cure-all. Robbins notes that Brady had a history with communist causes and may have conspired with Reich's own attorney to damage his reputation.