Podcast Summary: "A Personal Announcement" with Candace Owens
Episode Information:
- Title: Candace
- Host/Author: Candace Owens
- Description: This time it's just Candace. Free and unfiltered.
- Episode: A Personal Announcement
- Release Date: December 11, 2024
Introduction
In the episode titled "A Personal Announcement," Candace Owens delves into a deeply personal and historical narrative by inviting Philip Turney, a 77-year-old veteran, to discuss the harrowing events surrounding the USS Liberty incident of June 8, 1967. This episode aims to shed light on what Turney and his fellow sailors believe to be an unacknowledged act of aggression and subsequent cover-up involving the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the U.S. government.
Receiving the Life-Changing Letter
[00:00] Candace Owens:
Candace Owens begins the episode by sharing a transformative letter she received from Philip Turney, which she reads aloud to her audience. The letter details the attack on the USS Liberty, asserting that the crew was deliberately targeted despite clear American markings on the ship.
Notable Quote:
"A couple of weeks ago I received a letter that changed my life. Certainly changed the course of my life in politics."
— Candace Owens [00:00]
Philip Turney’s Testimony
Early Military Service and Boarding the USS Liberty
[06:10] Philip Turney:
Turney recounts his early enlistment in the Navy at 17 years old, serving two tours in Vietnam before being assigned to the USS Liberty. He expresses disbelief at being stationed on what was described as a "spy ship" and only realized the true nature of the vessel months later.
Notable Quote:
"I was a dumb kid. I believed anything they told me until a few months after that... this ain't right. We're a spy ship."
— Philip Turney [07:56]
The Attack on June 8, 1967
[17:04] Philip Turney:
Turney provides a detailed account of the attack, describing the sudden and sustained assault by Israeli jets and torpedo boats. He emphasizes the chaos, the loss of life, and the apparent premeditation behind the attack.
Notable Quote:
"It was 25 minutes of that you can't imagine. Every second was like an hour. There was nowhere to hide, nowhere to run."
— Philip Turney [19:05]
Government and Military Response
[23:18] Philip Turney:
He discusses the immediate lack of support from the U.S. government, highlighting Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's decision to recall aid jets, effectively abandoning the USS Liberty.
Notable Quote:
"I don't care about a few dead sailors. I will not embarrass my ally."
— Lyndon B. Johnson [23:33]
— Philip Turney [23:33]
Survival and Aftermath
[32:21] Philip Turney:
Turney describes the aftermath, where survivors were left stranded for 17 hours with a significant loss of life and severe injuries among the crew. He shares personal anecdotes of loss and the trauma endured during those critical hours.
Notable Quote:
"Seventeen hours later, two-thirds of the crew's dead. What ship did you see first? What was going through your mind?"
— Candace Owens [28:48]
— Philip Turney [29:34]
Allegations of Cover-Up and Conspiracy
Suppression of Information
[37:37] Philip Turney:
Turney accuses the U.S. government and Israel of orchestrating a cover-up, labeling the incident as a false flag attack designed to justify wartime actions and shift blame to Arab states.
Notable Quote:
"They set us up by our own government to let a foreign government have their way with us."
— Philip Turney [15:48]
Involvement of High-Level Officials
[47:38] Philip Turney:
He discusses Lyndon Baines Johnson's alleged deep ties with Israel and claims that Johnson prioritized Israeli interests over American lives, referencing unpublished documents and personal influences.
Notable Quote:
"He knew. And he knows that they destroyed Captain Tully's career too."
— Philip Turney [24:41]
Continued Struggles and Advocacy
[56:29] Philip Turney:
Turney shares experiences of being threatened by Israeli agents and the ongoing efforts to bring the truth to light, including attempts to memorialize the USS Liberty, which met with anti-Semitic resistance.
Notable Quote:
"They have a remarkable ability to be on the ground when big events take place."
— Philip Turney [57:52]
Calls to Action and Support
Support for Survivors
[64:15] Philip Turney:
Turney urges listeners to support the USS Liberty Veterans Association through donations and raises awareness about the incident, emphasizing the importance of honoring the truth and the sacrifices of his fellow sailors.
Notable Quote:
"I'm asking you, front out, President Trump, don't abandon the crew of the USS Liberty, please."
— Philip Turney [66:42]
Candace Owens’ Response
[62:14] Candace Owens:
Owens expresses a significant shift in her perspective, admitting her previous ignorance about the USS Liberty incident and pledging to honor and support the survivors and their mission to reveal the truth.
Notable Quote:
"I just, first and foremost just want to apologize to you. I'm genuinely embarrassed at my ignorance..."
— Candace Owens [62:14]
Controversial Claims and Discussions
Debunking and Counterclaims
[40:12] Unknown Commentator:
An unaffiliated commentator briefly interjects to present the official stance that the USS Liberty attack was a case of mistaken identity, dismissing conspiracy theories on both American and Israeli sides.
Notable Quote:
"There have been multiple naval investigations of the USS Liberty incident. They all come down the same side, which is that this is a mistaken case of allied quote unquote friendly fire."
— Unknown Commentator [40:12]
Philip Turney’s Rebuttal
[40:55] Candace Owens:
Candace continues the conversation, allowing Turney to elaborate on his stance against the official narrative, reinforcing his belief in a deliberate attack and the ensuing cover-up.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Candace Owens and Philip Turney, highlighting the emotional and enduring impact of the USS Liberty incident on its survivors. Turney emphasizes the need for public awareness and government accountability, while Owens acknowledges her newfound understanding and commitment to supporting the truth-tellers.
Final Notable Quote:
"The truth is powerful enough."
— Philip Turney [69:45]
Key Takeaways
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USS Liberty Incident: Alleged deliberate attack by Israeli forces on an American ship in 1967, resulting in significant casualties and trauma for the crew.
-
Government Cover-Up: Claims that the U.S. government and Israel conspired to cover up the incident to maintain political alliances and justify interventions.
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Personal Testimony: Philip Turney’s firsthand account underscores the emotional and physical toll of the attack and the subsequent silence imposed on survivors.
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Advocacy and Support: Emphasis on supporting the USS Liberty Veterans Association and raising awareness about the incident to seek justice and recognition.
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Controversial Narratives: The episode presents a counter-narrative to official reports, challenging widely accepted explanations and calling for deeper investigations.
This episode serves as a platform for survivors like Philip Turney to voice their experiences and frustrations, encouraging listeners to question official narratives and support efforts to uncover the truth behind historical events like the USS Liberty incident.
