I'm about 10 minutes from the end of the episode and when Sarah is talking about how democracy can't be achieved militarily because we've tried that and it hasn't happened in so many different places... The more I learn about actions that the United States takes, the less I am convinced that any of our military intervention anywhere has been because we want to help those countries establish democracies. The United States takes military action for their own power and for their own accumulation of wealth. They don't do it for the people in the countries in which the military action is taking place. And it breaks my heart to say that because I used to think so much better of my country.
Which brings me to the question, would The results be different if the United States was in fact 100% taking action in these countries because they were wanting to help their people establish a Democratic government. And if that were the case, I imagine the actions that the United States would take with like a whole lot different than the actions we have taken up to this point.
Oh, I also want to clarify, I'm talking about the leaders of the United States making these decisions. I absolutely believe that there are service members engaging in these military actions because they are fighting for democracy and freedom for the people in these countries, as well as in the name of protecting freedom and democracy in our own country. I just no longer have that faith in the people at the top who are calling the shots. I think *they* make the decision they do in the name of power and wealth.
I am sure there are some servicemembers who believe they are fighting for democracy and freedom. My brother has been in the military for more than 30 years and has been on the ground (and in the air) all over the world. His attitude and the attitude of those I've met through him is mostly that they are doing a job. I think it would be very difficult to stay in the military if you spent too much time thinking about the intelligence and decision making of those at the top. My brother is particularly lacking in introspection, though! I'm just so angry at Trump and Hegseth's cavalier attitude towards our troops.
Complete agree. It’s been a long slow unraveling and unlearning. I think the last just war we fought in was World War II.
My very cynical take on the reason Trump started this one is, in addition to being egged on by Bebe, stroking his own ego and enriching himself and his buddies through their investments in the military industrial complex, is removing any threat to his future Gaza resort so he can continue to grift from suffering. It’s hideous.
*would LOOK a whole lot different. That I used to be able to edit my comments. Oh well. This is what happens when you use voice to text and hit send before proofing.
Another great episode that helps temper my rage. I find a lot of comfort in knowing I'm not alone in my confusion and outrage as I watch about half the country defending everything that's happening. This isn't politics anymore, it's a cult.
Jon Stewart just interviewed Christiane Amanpour and Ambassador Wendy Sherman about our actions in Iran for those interested in hearing more (also on any podcast player): https://youtu.be/02Ns6EbCplY?si=0TweUUrZafYBFsk7
My friend was very recently in Lebanon to interview a humanitarian leader - Imane Assaf of Ahla Fawda. They were bombed very heavily last night. She said Beirut has become a refugee camp. Sharing this short episode where they read written messages from Imane. It is completely heartbreaking.
That this audience strives to be more precise and nuanced about this situation than those who are supposed to be in charge is spot on…and so upsetting.
I wholeheartedly agree that the PP team approaches the topic of war, the dignity of humans, and all that makes up our current situation with a LOT more grace, care, and seriousness than this administration does. Thanks for an informative discussion and all the work you do!
We have been sharing audio only episodes on YouTube for about the last month. We’ll probably bring them back, but we needed to kind of regroup and make sure our team and our partners have the capacity to do it sustainably.
I am so grateful every time I hear that Kerry Anderson will be on the pod. She is a gift to this community.
I'm about 10 minutes from the end of the episode and when Sarah is talking about how democracy can't be achieved militarily because we've tried that and it hasn't happened in so many different places... The more I learn about actions that the United States takes, the less I am convinced that any of our military intervention anywhere has been because we want to help those countries establish democracies. The United States takes military action for their own power and for their own accumulation of wealth. They don't do it for the people in the countries in which the military action is taking place. And it breaks my heart to say that because I used to think so much better of my country.
Which brings me to the question, would The results be different if the United States was in fact 100% taking action in these countries because they were wanting to help their people establish a Democratic government. And if that were the case, I imagine the actions that the United States would take with like a whole lot different than the actions we have taken up to this point.
Oh, I also want to clarify, I'm talking about the leaders of the United States making these decisions. I absolutely believe that there are service members engaging in these military actions because they are fighting for democracy and freedom for the people in these countries, as well as in the name of protecting freedom and democracy in our own country. I just no longer have that faith in the people at the top who are calling the shots. I think *they* make the decision they do in the name of power and wealth.
I am sure there are some servicemembers who believe they are fighting for democracy and freedom. My brother has been in the military for more than 30 years and has been on the ground (and in the air) all over the world. His attitude and the attitude of those I've met through him is mostly that they are doing a job. I think it would be very difficult to stay in the military if you spent too much time thinking about the intelligence and decision making of those at the top. My brother is particularly lacking in introspection, though! I'm just so angry at Trump and Hegseth's cavalier attitude towards our troops.
Complete agree. It’s been a long slow unraveling and unlearning. I think the last just war we fought in was World War II.
My very cynical take on the reason Trump started this one is, in addition to being egged on by Bebe, stroking his own ego and enriching himself and his buddies through their investments in the military industrial complex, is removing any threat to his future Gaza resort so he can continue to grift from suffering. It’s hideous.
*would LOOK a whole lot different. That I used to be able to edit my comments. Oh well. This is what happens when you use voice to text and hit send before proofing.
This is what happens when we elect leaders who don’t believe that other people are real.
Another great episode that helps temper my rage. I find a lot of comfort in knowing I'm not alone in my confusion and outrage as I watch about half the country defending everything that's happening. This isn't politics anymore, it's a cult.
Jon Stewart just interviewed Christiane Amanpour and Ambassador Wendy Sherman about our actions in Iran for those interested in hearing more (also on any podcast player): https://youtu.be/02Ns6EbCplY?si=0TweUUrZafYBFsk7
I trust Christiane Amanpour to cover that part of the world more than any other journalist.
My friend was very recently in Lebanon to interview a humanitarian leader - Imane Assaf of Ahla Fawda. They were bombed very heavily last night. She said Beirut has become a refugee camp. Sharing this short episode where they read written messages from Imane. It is completely heartbreaking.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saint-martins-cloak/id1880014643?i=1000753695497
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this.
I always appreciate and value Kerry Anderson and her knowledge. So good of her to share. Thank you for having her on again.
Such a helpful conversation. Thank you!
https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-russia-intelligence-35afae34198408d670941f971d383378
Yeah.. Sarah spoke a little too soon on China/Russia not coming to Iran’s defense 😒
That this audience strives to be more precise and nuanced about this situation than those who are supposed to be in charge is spot on…and so upsetting.
We're serious people.
Logan Roy would be proud!
I wholeheartedly agree that the PP team approaches the topic of war, the dignity of humans, and all that makes up our current situation with a LOT more grace, care, and seriousness than this administration does. Thanks for an informative discussion and all the work you do!
Everything this administration does makes me think that cruelty and chaos is the point.
Every day I waver between anxiety and numbness about all of it. I appreciate that this podcast helps me stay informed and engaged.
Is the YouTube stream not showing video? Trying to share.
We have been sharing audio only episodes on YouTube for about the last month. We’ll probably bring them back, but we needed to kind of regroup and make sure our team and our partners have the capacity to do it sustainably.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3INeXjItKaLMjC3RqMjud4?si=dnLuKT2OTgKiM7p3oDk-HA
I always share Apple Podcasts but I know lots watch YouTube.