NEW EPISODE · OCTOBER 25, 2026 · EP 657
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Vol. V · No. 657Sunday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 213

General Barry McCaffrey

  War is bloody, expensive and hard. And sometimes, necessary.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Iowa farmers paying $1,000 to fill a tractor are quietly. Why Iowa farmers paying $1,000 to fill a tractor are quietly breaking with the GOP

02

The $1.2 billion vanity ledger. East Wing ballroom, triumphal arch, Garden of Heroes, Kennedy Center, repainting the Eisenhower building

03

Trump’s $8 billion farmer bailout. and why Mike Nellis calls it the same failed play as the $5,000 “bribe”

04

Dan Osborn, independent mechanic, vs. Pete Ricketts, Cubs luxury-box owner. the contrast that could flip Nebraska




 

War is bloody, expensive and hard. And sometimes, necessary. 

The prolonged occupation of Afghanistan was probably not necessary. The initial invasion probably was. But we can debate all of that for decades. And we will. But what is not debatable is the incredibly high cost of leaving your allies, or even your own Marines and troops, to fight and die on their own. 

If you leave your people hanging at the most key moment, it will be even more bloody, expensive and hard. And that will be true of the war in Ukraine. And that war to protect the freedom, sovereignty and very existence of Ukraine is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. 

March Madness is every day in Ukraine. It’s an especially brutal and pivotal time for the war. And we’re strategically digging into what’s most important, what new US weapons are possibly en route, and what’s likely to happen next. To include breaking down what the hell China is doing. With a guest who knows combat and strategy. He’s been there and done that. He’s a returning champion. And a true American hero. A leader who represents the best of what leadership is all about. And a guy who knows a thing or two about things that are bloody, necessary and hard. He’s General Barry McCaffrey.

He served in the United States Army for 32 years.  When he retired in 1996, he was the most decorated General serving in the United States Army, having been awarded 3 Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat, 2 Distinguished Service Crosses (the nation’s second highest award for valor), and 2 Silver Stars for valor.  He served 4 combat tours taught at West Point–his alma mater. And has a degree from Harvard. He’s in the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame who is also a very proud father and grandfather. 

Past appearances: Episode 85 – Nov. 13, 2020

Welcome to a briefing from the General on what’s most important, what’s underreported and what’s next. 

Welcome to a master class on Ukraine, China, and America.

Welcome to another conversation about war.

Yes, another one. Because the war has never stopped. So neither can our conversations about it—and our willingness to explore the truth. 

Welcome to a conversation about war time. Which in 2023, is all the time. 

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 213. 

Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America.