Episodes – Page 24 – Independent Americans

139. Scott MacFarlane. Jan 6 Insurrection Arrest and Trial Update: How Many are Still at Large? Why Are They Allowed to Go to Mexico For Vacations? Kids Cleared for the Vaccine. Independents Flex Power on Election Day. Why Yang is Not an Independent.

This Election Day was just the latest painful reminder of how badly the two major parties are failing the American people. But it also underscored the growing importance (and number) of independents in America. And Rieckhoff is digging into all of it–from Virginia to New Jersey, and from Joe Manchin to Andrew Yang and his new “Forward” party. And 11 months ago, a group of traitors, fools and domestic terrorists tried to capture and kill the Speaker of the House and the Vice President and sack our Capitol. They threw crap on the walls, rejected the results of a fair election, and tried to overthrow our government. And somehow, this isn’t the top news story on every news channel. But our guest in this episode has been staying vigilant in covering it more than any other journalist in America. He’s the best kind of Independent American. One who seeks the truth, fights for justice and demands that attention be paid. NBC investigative reporter and one-man January 6th truth-telling machine, Scott McFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews). MacFarlane is the guy with the most important Twitter feed and news reporting on what’s happening to hold people accountable after Jan 6th. How many suspects have been arrested? How many are still at large? What’s the status of the person who tried to plant pipe bombs at the Republican and Democratic party headquarters on Jan 6. How many are in jail right now? Why are they being allowed to go to Mexico and Steelers Football games? How high is the justice department going? When will we finally see an Oath Keeper tried? What’s coming next? Scott breaks it all down. He’s the premier reporter covering with tremendous focus the single most important story in America. You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Scott and Paul here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Stay vigilant, America.

138. Matt Zeller. America’s Halloween Nightmare. 196 Americans Abandoned in Afghanistan. 23 Million Without Food. What is “Operation Resettle Allies”? Over the Horizon = Over the Rainbow. The “Disappointing Biden” Costume. The Real Winnie the Pooh Story.

Everyone who has seen a Halloween movie knows you can’t run from Michael Myers. The only way to defeat the terror of Michael Myers is to fight him–to take him head on. And the same is true about the horror show that is Afghanistan. If you run from the truth, it will chase you down, it will drag you down, it will cut you into little pieces, and it will come for your friends, and just keep coming. Like Michael Myers, the truth doesn’t die. And the fight for it around Afghanistan won’t die either. Even if President Biden and countless partisan apologists and hacks look to defend themselves, rather than face the truth. Especially now, as they see Afghanistan continues to spiral downward, and pivotable Congressional midterms creep closer and closer—like Freddy Krueger, waiting for you to fall asleep. But there are people who are embracing the truth. Heroes that understand the truth. That have a unique link to the truth. That comprehend it’s origins, it’s history, it’s motivations, it’s trajectory. Like Jamie Lee Curtis had a mental bond with Michael Myer, there are leaders that know the truth is coming—even when others won’t believe it’s real. Sometimes, because it’s just too scary. Heroes like our guest in this episode. Like Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, he’s back! A man who can stand up to the scary, the brutal, the terrifying. Our friend, humanitarian, activist, superhero: Matt Zeller (@MattCZeller). Matt is America’s leading voice on the issue of American allies in Afghanistan. He’s an Combat veteran and Army major that made it out of Afghanistan alive only because of the courage of his Afghan interpreter. And he’s been paying it forward ever since. The courageous Co-Founder of No One Left Behind, Truman National Security Fellow author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan, and the newest member of the powerhouse team at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Since he was last on this show for Episode 127 in August, Matt’s spent every day sounding the alarm about what’s coming, demanding action from the White house, rushing allies out of certain death, and serving as America’s conscience to ourselves and the world. He’s been on countless TV and radio shows around the world, and he’s somehow, still standing, still fighting. And he’s back. To tell us what’s really happening right now in Afghanistan–and why it’s the ultimate Halloween horror story. He’ll take us inside the White House spin, and the good things that HAVE happened. And take us behind the scenes on the Army bases around the country that are tasked with housing and resettling the thousands of Afghans that did make it out. And he’ll tell you how shockingly few that really is. You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Matt and Paul here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find the show on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Stay vigilant, America. And Happy Halloween!

137. Arian Moayed. Stewy from “Succession.” Why is “Succession” So Important? Kendall Roy is like the Taliban. Saying “No” to Playing a Terrorist. From Escaping Iran to Acting in Spiderman. Lessons Learned from Robin Williams. Remembering Colin Powell.

HBO’s Succession is a global phenomenon. And a reflection and exploration of our tumultuous times. And Arian Moayed (@ArianMoayed) is in the center of all of it. He is an actor, activist and American success story. A powerful creative force, a voice for the voiceless, and a key piece of the best show on television. Arian Moayed is the Iranian-born, award-winning actor and co-founder and Board Chair of Waterwell (@Waterwell), a civic-minded and socially conscious non-profit theater and education company. And he is one hell of an actor. He’s starred in The Humans, Guards at the Taj, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (alongside Robin Williams), an upcoming Shonda Rhimes series, Inventing Anna, in the newest Spiderman movie—Spider-Man: No Way Home– scheduled to be released in December, 2021 and the Emmy-winning super hit, Succession. At its core, Succession is about a fight for the soul of a company. A civil war pitting family member against family. And about a fight for the future. It’s about whether or not the next generation will be better than the last. That’s the core story of Succession. And right now, it’s also the core story of America. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) leads you behind the scenes for another candid conversation with an important, iconic and inspiring American. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. You can also WATCH the full conversation with Arian and Paul here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find the pod on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Stay vigilant, America.

136. Jeremy Butler. Extremism in the Military and Veterans Community. Testifying Before Congress via Zoom. Race and the Military. The American Mental Health Crisis. Shatner in Space. Veterans Day 2021.

Fall is here, the leaves are changing, Halloween is just a few weeks away, it’s been 10 months since domestic terrorists tried to overthrow our government, and now is still a time to stay vigilant. Because while the world was focused on William Shatner and his trip to space, and on Jon Gruden’s inexcusable words that got him fired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, or on Dave Chappelle’s new Netflix special, or on the major league baseball playoffs, there was a critical hearing happening in Washington about some of the most dangerous threats to that line that keeps America safe. It was a hearing that some didn’t want to happen. They didn’t think it was important. They didn’t think it was urgent. They didn’t think it was necessary. But it was. At 10AM on Oct 13, 2021, 10 months after domestic terrorists attacked our Capitol, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing entitled, “Domestic Violent Extremist Groups and the Recruitment of Veterans.” Most Americans didn’t watch it. But it was damn important. And in this episode, we’ll dig into why. It’s up to all of us to stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. And one man paying that price is our guest in this episode. Navy Veteran, Navy Reserve Commander, and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (@IAVA), and one of the most important voices in America: Jeremy Butler (@JeremyButler01). Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support the show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. You can also WATCH the full conversation with Jeremy and Paul here. Watch the testimony by Jeremy Butler before the House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) here. And learn more about the vital work of IAVA here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Stay vigilant, America.

135. Milo Ventimiglia. Actor and Activist. From Vietnam to Afghanistan to This Is Us. A Whole New Reason Senator Joe Manchin Sucks. Hollywood’s Biggest Union Strikes. The Fight for the Global War on Terror Memorial. Celebrity Tourists in War Zones.

Milo Ventimiglia (@MiloVentimiglia) is an actor, director and producer. And one of the hottest stars in America. He’s also a really nice, hard-working and fascinating guy. And a guy with very strong opinions about everything from Afghanistan, to Senator Joe Manchin’s obstructionism, to a strike in Hollywood by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union. Milo is a fighter who stands up for what he believes in–not just in the roles he plays–but also in real life. And this is Milo the fighter as candid as you’ll ever hear him. After early recognition for roles with Sylverstor Stallone in Rocky Balboa, on Gilmore Girls and the NBC series Heroes, Milo went on to star as Jack Pearson in the massively popular NBC drama, This Is Us. Now, the humble son of a Vietnam vet is a household name. He has received three Emmy nominations and won a Screen Actors Guild Award. But over a decade before that, Ventimiglia toured Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan with the USO in support of US troops. And he’s done it multiple times since. Now, he’s using his star power to help veterans and to stand with working people. He’s supported veterans charities, and for the last month, has been making phone calls to US Senators to help a generation of men and women who’ve served since 9/11 create a Global War on Terror Memorial on The National Mall in Washington. Milo’s been a friend of our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for many years. They’ve worked together on issues, appeared together on political talk shows, and spent late nights hanging out in Hollywood getting pancakes. Milo shares the inside scoop on what’s to come on This Is Us, he’ll take us behind a red carpet with Nicole Kidman, and he’ll talk about creating a super action hero movie with past Independent Americans guests like, Bradley Whitford, Jeffrey Wright, Wes Chatham, Jon Bernthal, Jane Horton and Henry Rollins. You will be entertained. And inspired. It’s another conversation that keeps it real. The kind to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support the show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. You can also WATCH the full conversation with Milo and Paul here: Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Stay vigilant, America.

134. Bradley Whitford. The Iconic Actor and Activist. The Handmaid’s Tale and The Taliban. Biden and Hollywood. What Would Commander Lawrence Do With Senators Sinema and Manchin? General Milley Under Fire. Is Afghanistan a “Strategic Failure”?

From The West Wing, to Get Out, to Transparent, to The Handmaid’s Tale. For a generation, Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) has shaped the world’s understanding of politics–through the lense of entertainment. But Bradley doesn’t just play politics. He lives it. At this precarious time in American history, art and politics are merging and colliding in powerful ways. He’s deeply involved in politics–and in causes he cares about. From climate change, to standing up for IATSE (the union that represents workers in film and television), Bradley’s a guy who cares deeply, and is not afraid to throw a punch. He’s earned three Emmys, been a figure in our film, TV and stage universe for a generation, and appeared in classics ranging from Adventures in Babysitting to Billy Madison to Scent of a Women to Revenge of the Nerds 2. After joining us way back in Episode 27 (one of our top episodes ever), the iconic actor and activist is back. This is a fun, wide-ranging and candid episode. This is Bradley Whitford and Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) chopping it up on all kinds of issues. Bradley takes you on set in Toronto and inside the Emmy Awards. It’s an insider’s look at Hollywood and politics at the highest levels. And another powerful conversation that’s about more than just politics, news and culture. It’s about America–and about all of us. Bradley talks about why The Handmaid’s Tale is so groundbreaking, about how Gilead is like Afghanistan, and about how he thinks Commander Lawrence would deal with Senators Krysten Cinema and Joe Manchin. We’ll also dig into his month in isolation in Canada, if he thought the Emmys this month should have been held inside during a pandemic, his Joe Biden in Hollywood story, and what he wants to clarify from his last visit to our show. It’s another conversation that keeps it real. The kind to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support the show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. You can also WATCH the full conversation with Bradley and Paul here: Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Stay vigilant, America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

133. Zainab Salbi. The War on Women In Afghanistan. The Reality of American Drone Strikes. Why Doesn’t Biden Get It? Recognizing The Taliban Is Like Gilead from Handmaid’s Tale. Women’s Rights Under Fire From Kabul to Texas. Finding Peace In Trying Times.

With Afghanistan now firmly in the hands of the Taliban, a full-scale war on women is underway inside that country. Women are being forcibly married, hunted, beaten and killed. Our President and many in Congress want to turn the page. But Zainab Salbi is on the front lines of the fight—and refuses to allow it. We continue the Independent Americans deep dive into Afghanistan and all the ways it’s impacting the world, national security and American politics, with a focus this episode on the 14 million women left to fight and die under Taliban rule. Zainab Salbi is an activist, author, Founder of Women for Women International, a renowned journalist. And she is a returning guest and audience favorite. She first appeared on this show in May 2019 and is back to break it down. Raised in Baghdad, Iraq, Zainab grew up as a small girl calling Saddam Hussein her uncle. Her father was Hussein’s private pilot and from an early age, Zainab was thrust into the small and twisted circle of the notorious dictator. She escaped an abusive arranged marriage with only $400 in her pocket and would go from working in a Hallmark store in Chicago to receiving honors from the President of the United States at the White House. She now is a best-selling author and one of the most powerful Muslim-American voices in media and politics. Zainab has dedicated her life to the cause of helping women everywhere. And there has been no more urgent crisis than this one. And with mounting tensions and issues for women everywhere reaching a boiling point, Zainab is the perfect voice for this moment. It’s another conversation that keeps it real. With tough lessons–and hard truths. The kind to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. As always, we’re bringing the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join the community of listeners by joining our IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can check out new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as fall begins. Zainab’s Website: Homepage Help support One Billion Rising: Help support baby Levi: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rylee-mccollums-child-fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/7cj7x-plane-ticket You can also watch the full conversation with Zainab Salbi and Paul Rieckhoff here: Stay vigilant, America.

132. Admiral Mike Mullen. The Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on The Next 9/11, Gen. Milley’s Call to China, the Afghanistan Debacle. The Sept 18 Threat to Washington. Lessons Learned, Taking Accountability for Failure & Lady Gaga’s Giant Egg.

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 has now passed. Afghanistan remains a mess. The delta variant is ripping through thousands of unvaccinated lives. And there is new, looming domestic terrorism threat facing our Capitol this week. It’s all a painful reminder that our fun, vaccinated summer of 2021 is almost over. Fall is coming in fast. And it’s definitely a time to stay vigilant. There have been 46 Presidents of the United States. There have been only 20 Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And you’re about to hear from the best one of our lifetime. Mike Mullen is a man who might have made a hell of a president. Mostly, because he never wanted to be one. But he’s also a man who almost became a candidate for Vice President of the United States. And not as a Republican or a Democrat, but as an independent. Independent Americans is continuing our unique, independent focus on the most urgent threats facing America. And exploring how they’re all intertwined. And how we can pull them part–and fight them together. From 9/11, to the pandemic, to January 6th, to the debacle in Afghanistan, to the threats of domestic extremism–they’re all a test of the fabric of our nation. And they all are made worse by how badly that fabric has been weakened since 9/11. Is 2021 America what Osama Bin Laden would have dreamed of? 650,000 Americans dead, our international reputation in shambles, our politics paralyzed, our people divided, and literally, killing each other. Just like 20 years ago this week, we have a choice to make. Do we stand with America and a brighter future? Or do we stand with the enemies, and the darkness that will extinguish the bright glow of the shining city on the hill? It’s another conversation that keeps it real. With tough lessons–and hard truths. The kind to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. We’re bringing the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. We’re going from last episode with the truth from a firefighter who stood on the pile, to this episode with the truth from the admiral, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff, who was the senior military leader in the Situation Room, standing behind President Obama, watching the Bin Laden raid unfold on May 1, 2011. Admiral Mullen has been America’s bodyguard. He was also the boss of every single man and woman in uniform who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Welcome to a fireside chat with a true guardian of our democracy. An exploration of leadership–with a true patriot. A sailor, an Admiral, a warrior, a scholar…and maybe most importantly of all now, a grandfather. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) takes you behind the scenes for candid conversations with top leaders from all backgrounds. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join the community of listeners by joining our IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking truth to power. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can check out new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as fall approaches. You can also watch the full conversation with the Admiral and Paul Rieckhoff here:

131. Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). 9/11 SPECIAL. Did America Forget? First-Responder Health Issues. The Great American Betrayal of Afghanistan. Professor Rieckhoff Goes Back to School. The Firefighters Podcast. Hockey Heroes Take Over MSG.

Never forget is the mantra of 9/11. It was on bumper stickers, repeated by Presidents, and hashtagged for two decades now. Twenty years later, has America forgotten? Have we forgotten the lessons of 9/11? Have we forgotten what happened that day? Have we forgotten all that happened after? Have we forgotten about the public officials who said the air was clear at Ground Zero, the islamophobic attacks that happened across america, the rapid passage of the Patriot Act, the people snatched off streets and sent to GitMo without trail, the push for an invasion without a declaration of war, the rapid passage of the Authorization for Use of Military Force that allowed the unchecked expansion of Presidential power and the authority to conduct a forever war? Have we forgotten the unity? Have we forgotten the humanity? Have we forgotten the lessons? From the bitter divisions around COVID, to the Capitol attack on January 6th, to the betrayal of Afghanistan, to the thousand of 9/11 first responders and survivors left alone to die from health impacts without help to this day…20 years after 9/11, it often feels like we’ve forgotten. And many in power, would like to keep it that way. But as keepers of the 9/11 flame, our First-Responder host, Paul Rieckhoff, and his heroic guest consider it their responsibility to try to make sure America never forgets. Host Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is a leader who can never forget. For over 10 years, he’s been one of America’s leading advocates for firefighters and first-responders. Rob was born and raised in Staten Island, NY and his first day in the field was September 11th. Along with thousands of others, he reported to the World Trade Center to help with the aftermath of the attacks. And now he’s the host of his own groundbreaking new podcast, powered by Righteous Media, called The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). It’s the hottest podcast in America, literally. The show will feature interviews with firefighters and first responders, celebrities, and the always popular and delicious Firehouse cooking segment. Everybody loves firefighters. Now they have a podcast! And Rob is joining us exclusively to share more. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) first hosted Rob on this show way back in Episode #2–over two years ago. And this new conversation with Rob is as moving and as real as it gets. Parts of it are hard to hear, but you shouldn’t turn away. These are the hard truths and about holding those in power accountable. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join the community of listeners by joining our IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking truth to power. Paul Begala called Independent Americans: “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view.” You can watch the video of this moving conversation with Rob and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders touched by 9/11 from Sarah Jessica Parker to Admiral James Starvridis; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg; Jeffrey Wright to Rachel Maddow on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as fall approaches. You can also watch the full conversation with Rob and Paul Rieckhoff here: Stay vigilant, America.

130. Congressman Peter Meijer. THE END OF THE AFGHANISTAN WAR? Not for the Afghans. 13 US Troops Killed. Our Allies Left to Die. Biden Spikes the Ball. The Great American Betrayal of Afghanistan. Is the Future of the GOP Peter Meijer or Donald Trump?

After 20 years, all US troops are now out of Afghanistan. Is that a good thing? Is the war really over? What happens now to our Afghan allies left behind? Will there be any accountability for failure in Washington? After gripping episodes with Matt Zeller, Jane Horton and Kristen Rouse, the newest episode is keeping our focus squarely on Afghanistan. The military pieces, media coverage, political spin, humanitarian need, the human story–we’re digging into all of what is happening right now. Our guest has been there. He’s a leader for this moment. He just returned from a controversial, unauthorized visit to Afghanistan made alongside fellow veteran and Democrat Congressman Seth Moulton. And he’ll take us inside what he saw. Representative Peter Meijer is a freshman Republican Congressman who succeeded Republican maverick Justin Amash, in the seat representing Michigan’s 3rd district. He’s fighting for Afghans, he’s fighting partisanship, he’s fighting his own party, and he’s fighting for real change. After high school, Peter enlisted in the Army reserves and deployed to Iraq with an intelligence unit. After returning, Peter joined Team Rubicon, a veteran-based disaster response organization led by Episode 107 Guest Jake Wood where Peter led humanitarian efforts focused on South Sudan’s refugee crisis. He also led operations in New York after Superstorm Sandy, Oklahoma after a series of tornadoes, and the Philippines after Super Typhoon Yolanda. Peter then accepted a job with a non-governmental organization in Afghanistan. He ran the NGO’s advisory operations in southern Afghanistan, managing a team to help aid workers provide relief to Afghan people. He later served as acting Deputy Director for Afghanistan, delivering emergency assistance to aid workers after kidnappings and targeted killings. Peter knows Afghanistan, knows national security, knows humanitarian work. And he knows this moment. And you need to hear what he knows. He’s fighting for Afghan allies, for accountability around failures of the last month, and for his fellow veterans. He is also fighting with his own party. He was one of only 10 Republicans in the House to vote for the impeachment of Donald Trump. And he’s fighting now to repeal the AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force), for the truth inside what happened on the January 6th insurrection–and for the soul of the Republican party. Our host, national security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has known Peter for over a decade. He digs deep with Pete and breaks down the latest news from a truly independent viewpoint. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape. You can support this show and join the community of listeners by joining our IA Patreon community. You’ll get access to events, guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. And you’ll help us keep speaking truth to power. Paul Begala called Independent Americans: “What all political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, freewheeling, and respectful – even welcoming- of different points of view.” You can watch the video of this conversation with Rep. Peter Meijer and more than 100 other important, inspiring and iconic leaders from Sarah Jessica Parker to Admiral James Starvridis; Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg; Jeffrey Wright to Rachel Maddow on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And check out the new IA merch to hook up your favorite independent as fall approaches. You can also watch the full conversation with Peter and Paul Rieckhoff here: Stay vigilant, America.