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.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

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.

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