258. General David Petraeus. A Pre-Christmas Global Conflict Breakdown. Zelensky is Churchill with an iPhone. Did Israel Get the Big Idea Right? Tuberville’s Final Stupid Holds Go Down. NORAD is Ready For Santa.

There are only a handful of people out there that have the experience, credibility and gravitas to speak with authority when it comes to subjects like NATO, Putin, Gaza. They’re high level issues and complex systems that require decades of study and thought to truly comprehend. And so when you get a chance to hear from one of them like you did last week with General Barry McCaffrey you jump at it. When you get a chance to talk with another one a week later… you better bet we’re jumping again. Former CENTCOM Commander and Director of the CIA and the best selling author of Conflict, General David Petraeus joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a look at the global threatscape and what the future holds, here at home, and for the many hotspots around the world. From Ukraine to Gaza to Taiwan there is tension at scale few of us have experienced in our lifetime. But there’s also reason for hope and optimism. Other shows tell you what happened. Independent Americans is focused on what it means and what comes next. And as we head into what is almost certainly going to be one of the most pivotal years of our lives, you’re going to want to be prepared. Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.  -Watch Paul and General Petraeus’s conversion on YouTube. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

257. General Barry McCaffrey. Analyzing The State of the Wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Biden’s Big Border Problem. Zelensky’s Painful Return to Washington. Israel’s Greatest Test. More Rocket Attacks on US Troops. Does America Look Weak? McCaffrey for Mayor?

This holiday season is a heavy one. It’s hard to fully distract yourself from what’s happening around the world. No matter how good the Knicks are doing, no matter how sensational the Giants rookie quarterback Tommy Cutlets DeVito has been. No matter how much holiday cheer you bring or share or experience, there’s still a lot of pain and concern and stress all around the world, especially when it comes to places like Ukraine and Gaza and Israel. President Zelensky just left Washington, D.C., after meeting with President Biden and other leaders, and he was hoping for a Christmas miracle. But the radicals inside the GOP are making sure that they’re going to be scrooges and try to spoil his Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and every other holiday that’s happening. Because no matter how hard and true we fight, there are still some who are working against us. There are still some who want to divide and dismantle America. There are still some who want to have our enemies celebrating. But in this show, we want to bring light to contrast the heat. We want to bring information, inspiration, independence, integrity and, of course, impact. And we want to bring you guests who can help you make sense of it. This one is about global security, national security, domestic security, military affairs, diplomacy, leadership, and all of it with a man who’s been on the front lines of combat leadership, diplomacy, politics, and all of it for the last generation. General Barry McCaffrey is here to break down the latest on the fight in Ukraine Zelensky’s visit to Washington. What’s happening in Gaza and Israel and what’s happening in other parts of the world where American troops continue to be under attack and most Americans aren’t even watching. Welcome to a stressful end to a stressful year. Welcome to a conversation with a voice of reason who can help guide us through it, like Rudolph’s red nose and a cloudy night. Welcome to independent Americans. Episode 257. Past appearances: Episode 85 – Nov. 13, 2020 Episode 213 – Mar. 9, 2023 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. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon. – Watch video of Paul and General McCaffey’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. -As mentioned on the show, learn more about the engine for independents that is Operation Independents.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MSNBC: Why I hoped (and sort of believed) that Norman Lear would live forever

Don’t miss Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff’s conversation with the great Norman Lear in Episode 69. Like Norman, it’s a classic we’ll cherish always. By Paul Rieckhoff, political and national security analyst and U.S. Army infantry combat veteran I hoped (and kinda believed) that Norman Lear would live forever.  Norman was a national treasure. A truly great man. And a great man in a time when they are increasingly hard to find. A great philanthropist. A great innovator. A great visionary. A great father. A great veteran. A great American. And a truly great friend. Norman always had my back, our back, and America’s back. He was always there for us. All of us.  One of the true honors of my life will forever be that I was able to call Norman a mentor. And even more so, a friend. If you were lucky enough to call Norman a friend, you uniquely know what I mean.  Norman embodied kindness. His wisdom, his loving toughness, his heart for people—was as deep as the deepest seas.  There’s no person I’ve met in my life that I was more excited for my kids to meet than Norman Lear.  Because he is the example for all of us.  And Norman was a patriot. In the finest and truest and most important of ways. And in ways most people never saw—and maybe often didn’t understand. Especially in Hollywood in times when it wasn’t popular. Norman loved the country he served as a young man in WW2 so deeply—and enough to constantly and bravely challenge it and fight and work to make it better. And enough to buy a copy of the Declaration of Independence and use it as a tool to get young people to vote. Norman was a guardian of our democracy for a century.  And just so kind. Norman showed me and countless others what it meant to be a humble leader—and in all the time I’ve known him, what it meant to be an elder.  Norman was an early and longtime IAVA Board Member, donor, advisor, and forever a dedicated and passionate supporter of his fellow veterans. And especially, for my new generation. And in the earliest of days of the Bush administration and the Iraq war, when many were too afraid to jump in, to take a stand, or to even back us. He was literally the first person of power in Hollywood to welcome me and my fellow vets in a big and public way. He issued a call to action for all of Hollywood. And a generation in entertainment has followed.  I was honored to know Norman, to work alongside him on so many issues and causes, to be in his home, to have him on my show once (for his birthday!), and most of all, just to see him. To hug him. To be around him. And to often get a phone call from him out of the blue when he wanted to talk about something, check in on America, or work a big idea—like combining Veterans Day and Election Day. Or just to tell me he loved me and supported me.  Norman also of course taught me “over and next.” His rule for a good life that I refer to almost daily—and has gotten me through some of my hardest times.  Damn, it sucks that Norman is gone. Because the world needs his wisdom and contagious love now more than ever. But his name (and especially his voice) always makes me smile and feel warm. Even now. And if anyone was ready to go, it was Norman Lear. And it was because he was a man who defined what it is to have a life well-lived. And because he knew that he had squeezed all he could out of this life and left a legacy for all of us to be inspired by.  But he would also want us all to fight even harder now against the forces of evil, racism, fascism, repression and hate. He taught us all how to love and how to fight. And he knew how badly that’s needed in our world right now.  We love you, Norman. Thank you for all you’ve given to all of us. And to this beautiful world that you made immeasurably more beautiful. We will all carry on and move forward with your love in veins and your example in our heart.  You’re the only exception to your own rule. There’s no “over and next” when it comes to you, my friend. You’ll be with us and people around this world forever. And there will never be anyone else like you. We love you, Norman.  Paul Rieckhoff is an independent activist, US Army infantry combat veteran, the host of Independent Americans, President of Righteous Media, Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and the author of “Chasing Ghosts: Failures and Facades in Iraq, A Soldier’s Perspective.” He’s also been a frequent guest on MSNBC for the last two decades.  Don’t miss the original post on MSNBC which includes a great video piece

256. Andrew Yang. Why He’s Backing Dean Phillips for President. Liz Cheney, Mark Cuban, The Rock & Many Other Possible Independent Candidates. Should Cornell West and RFK Jr Drop Out? NFL, NBA & Why We All Need Sports Right now. Tuberville Finally Lost.

Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) is back. He’s the former Candidate for President. The former Candidate for Mayor. He’s a patriot, an activist and a father. And now, the co-founder of the Forward Party is back to check in with Independent Americans for a look back at the last year for the Forward Party and a look ahead at what’s on the horizon in independent politics and the 2024 elections. With a good dash of sports, parenting and leadership talk. 
It’s a fun and fascinating episode with no holds barred. Yang and host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) don’t always see eye to eye, but it’s a great discussion and debate that will leave you a little smarter and maybe even a little happier.
Welcome to a conversation about the “all” of it. Welcome to Episode 256. 
Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant. 
Andrew Yang’s previous appearance: Dec. 2, 2022 – Episode 199
-Watch Paul and Andrew’s conversion on YouTube.
-Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know. 
-Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season. 
-Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm. 
Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

255. John Spencer. The Urban Warfare Expert on Combat in Ukraine and Gaza. Ukraine’s Will to Fight. Red Dawn 2023 Style. Is Hamas a Paper Tiger? Gaza’s Terrible Complexity. The High Cost of Not Supporting Ukraine. The Threat of Holiday Attacks in America.

  Throughout the last couple of years, we’ve stayed on top of all the domestic and international security threats facing us all from Putin to Hamas to domestic extremists. And our guest in this episode is going to take us through all of it with a very unique, powerful and authentic perspective. He’s an expert on urban combat, which is going to dominate the combat landscape for the next generation and maybe more. It’s what we’ve seen in Iraq. It’s what we’ve seen in Syria. It’s what we’ve seen in Ukraine. It’s what we’re seeing in Gaza.  He’s been there and done that. He started out in the Army as a Private and went all the way up through the ranks from Ranger instructor to Platoon Leader in Iraq and multiple tours to teaching at West Point. He’s chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute. He’s the author of Understanding Urban Warfare. He’s a host of his own podcast, becoming much more regular in the media and is extremely prolific on social media, including a breakout moment when the invasion of Ukraine began. He’s also a humble, thoughtful, experienced father of three kids who came back from Ukraine just two weeks ago. He’s a leader meeting the moment who will help us understand what’s happening now and what could happen next. From the battlefields of Ukraine to the streets of Gaza to the tree lighting ceremony here in New York City at Rockefeller Center. The threats are everywhere. We’re going to break it down with authenticity, without the spin and with real facts and experience. It’s the kind of conversation you can’t have on cable news, but you can have on a podcast. Here it is, Paul Rieckhoff’s (@PaulRieckhoff) high impact conversation with one of the world’s leading authorities on urban warfare, Major John Spencer. Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.  -Watch Paul and John’s conversion on YouTube. – Check out https://www.johnspenceronline.com/ for more on John and his work. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

254. Chuck D. (Replay-Part Two). Crime, Law And The Power Of Youth. Why Space Is Not The Future, It’s All America. Beat Cops Vs Militarized Cops. Empathy For Haters. The Realities of War are Hard Af. Why New York is the Best Teacher in the World.

  Welcome back. We’re wrapping up our holiday and finishing up the second part of Paul Rieckhoff’s discussion with hip hop icon Chuck D. This half is a little more fun and a great look back before we head into the holidays and the New Year. We’ll be back in December with more great all new content for you, but for now here is the rest of this amazing conversation. From Episode 86 – Nov. 20, 2020: As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy joins us to explore and explain fighting the power: 2020 style. This is Chuck D–a voice of consciousness, outrage, inspiration and action for over 35 years—unplugged and uninterrupted. Just when our country needs it the most.  Chuck D (@MisterChuckD) is one of the most iconic and important American artists of the last century. He’s an activist, organizer, inspiration, and the ultimate angry American. He’s testified before Congress, co-hosted a political radio show with The Daily Show Founder, Liz Winstead and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, and collaborated with artists ranging from Prince, to Anthrax, to Sonic Youth, to Rage Against the Machine, to Gary Clark Jr., to Logic, to Sheryl Crow.  Chuck is the powerful, driving force behind arguably the most disruptive hip hop group in history. Born in the intersection of culture and politics, the hip hop trailblazers have interpreted the righteous anger of millions worldwide for decades. In the late 80s and early 90s, their first four albums went gold or platinum. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored this year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), and Chuck have been friends for almost two decades. And this is Chuck from inside his home, raw, candid, and without commercial interruption. Chuck and Rieckhoff know how to throw punches. And their conversation will give you advice on fighting the power (and living life) that will leave you inspired for the tough fights ahead. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Chuck D’s conversion on YouTube. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

253. Chuck D (Replay-Part One). THANKSGIVING REWIND FEAST. (2020 Remix). Public Enemy’s Iconic Founder on Maddow, Air America, Climate Change, Physical vs Virtual Reality, The Power of DIY, 2020 Election Postgame, Biden and Harris, Society and AI.

  Happy Thanksgiving America. We’re taking a break to be with our families for this holiday but before we go we’ve got an extra helping of the helpers for you because we know you don’t need any more stuffing.  From Episode 86 – Nov. 20, 2020: As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy joins us to explore and explain fighting the power: 2020 style. This is Chuck D–a voice of consciousness, outrage, inspiration and action for over 35 years—unplugged and uninterrupted. Just when our country needs it the most.  Chuck D (@MisterChuckD) is one of the most iconic and important American artists of the last century. He’s an activist, organizer, inspiration, and the ultimate angry American. He’s testified before Congress, co-hosted a political radio show with The Daily Show Founder, Liz Winstead and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, and collaborated with artists ranging from Prince, to Anthrax, to Sonic Youth, to Rage Against the Machine, to Gary Clark Jr., to Logic, to Sheryl Crow.  Chuck is the powerful, driving force behind arguably the most disruptive hip hop group in history. Born in the intersection of culture and politics, the hip hop trailblazers have interpreted the righteous anger of millions worldwide for decades. In the late 80s and early 90s, their first four albums went gold or platinum. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored this year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), and Chuck have been friends for almost two decades. And this is Chuck from inside his home, raw, candid, and without commercial interruption. Chuck and Rieckhoff know how to throw punches. And their conversation will give you advice on fighting the power (and living life) that will leave you inspired for the tough fights ahead. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Chuck D’s conversion on YouTube. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

252. Eli Elefant. On The Ground In Israel. A First-Hand Look From an American IDF Veteran. At The Aftermath Of Hamas’ Attack. What The Future Holds For The Palestinians. Perspective On The Attacks And Response. What American Jews Have Been Feeling.

  It has been 38 days since the terrible attacks in Israel by Hamas occurred. 38 days of horror. 38 days of pain and suffering. On all sides. The attacks on October 7th will be with us forever. And as Israel comes to grasp what that means, we could all use some perspective. For most Americans this conflict is just another in a string of never ending wars. A blip on a phone screen. Just another Tweet. It’s easy to lose perspective.  But none of us can afford to lose perspective. Not when there are innocent children caught in the middle of all of it. And there’s no better way to get perspective than to talk to somebody that’s there. On the ground. In the thick of it. And so we are joined today by Eli Elefant. Eli Elefant, CEO of the Israeli firm Property & Building Corp.’s U.S. division. Born and raised in Israel, Elefant, served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1996 until 2002, most recently as a Special Forces officer. He fought in southern Lebanon in the late 1990s and during the second Palestinian intifada of 2000 and along the way, became an American citizen, philanthropist and advocate for veterans of all backgrounds. And while living in New York with his family, he has long served on the Board of Directors for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). He’s been in the fight and he knows the terrain. It’s a fascinating look inside and you can only get it here. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Eli’s conversion on YouTube. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

251. Veterans Day Special. Combine Veterans Day and Election Day: A New Idea for a Stronger America.

Veterans Day has been a federal holiday, recognized each November 11, since 1938, but it means little for most Americans beyond a day off from work.  Attendance at Veterans Day events is regrettably low—and declining rapidly. And so is the veterans’ population in America. The unfortunate reality that veterans understand is that the overall power and importance of Veterans Day is fading fast. Simultaneously, America continues to struggle to draw citizens to the polls to vote. Compared to most progressive democracies in the world, our turnout is shamefully low.  Your host, Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has a plan to change that—and help fix our broken election system at the same time. It makes a lot of sense, so as you get ready to head into your Veterans Day weekend (yes, it’s Saturday) here’s a little bonus episode with some patriotic and independent food for thought.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  – Read Paul’s op-ed piece on cnn.com. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNN Opinion: Combine Election Day with Veterans Day and give democracy a boost

Veterans Day has been recognized as a federal holiday each November 11 since 1938, but it means little for most Americans beyond a day off from work. Attendance at Veterans Day events is regrettably low—and declining rapidly. And so is the veterans’ population in America. World War II’s “Greatest Generation” is almost entirely gone. And the Korean and Vietnam War generations are aging. Over the next 20 years, the overall population of veterans like me will drop dramatically from about 19 million people to roughly 13 million. If, as they often say in politics, demographics is destiny, the social, economic and political power of veterans is about to fall off a cliff. https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/10/opinions/opinion-veterans-day-election-day-combine-rieckhoff/index.html