← Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
Hegseth & Caine Testify for $1.5 TRILLION for More Forever War. Kash/Crash Patel Testifies Too.
00:36:39
It's Testimony Tuesday and the corruption is on full display. Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine are on the Hill asking Congress for $1.5 trillion more for the Pentagon — a Christmas tree budget designed to bankroll the unauthorized Iran war and whatever comes next, whether that's Venezuela, Greenland, Mexico, or Cuba. Buried in the same hearing: the Pentagon's own CFO admitting the Iran tab is now $29 billion and counting, $4 billion more than Americans were told. Gas is up, beef is up, tomatoes are up 40%, inflation just hit a five-year high, and 70% of the country disapproves of Trump on the economy. The pigs are at the trough and the rest of us are getting screwed.
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- [00:01]
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- [00:41]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Limited time only prices and participation may vary. Prices may be higher for delivery. The corruption is rampant. It's a word I'm gonna say a lot more in the weeks to come because that's what it is. It's outright corruption. They're getting rich and we're getting screwed. Welcome to Independent Americans. Welcome to episode 525 20, Paul. I'm your host, Paul Rykoff. Today is Tuesday, May 12th, and I'm coming to you from New York City, USA. And the weather here is awesome, just flat out awesome. But I don't want to get too excited. Don't get too high, don't get too low, because things will change and we gotta keep it cool. And today's artist is right along those lines of keeping it cool. The Great Superboy Band, New edition. Who had the great song Cool It Now, I'm not going to try to sing it, but remember Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike. If I like the girl, who cares who you like? But they were just the coolest and the funnest. I introduced my boys to them this morning. The American R and B pop supergroup from Roxbury, Massachusetts. Their name is taken to mean a new edition of the Jackson 5. Huge popularity in the 80s. Blueprint for Modern boy band. Ricky Bell, Mike Bivens, Ronnie Devo, Bobby Brown, and of course, Ralph Tresvant. They had Candy Girl. Cool it now, Mr. Telephone man, they all spun off and did cool stuff. Cool solo stuff. Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant, always the most underappreciated members of that super group. But they were awesome and they kept it cool. Five guys. And here's the five eyes that I bring you in every single show. Independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Kind of a boy band. Super group of podcasting. No guests today, just me on what is also International Nurses Day. So I want to give a big shout out to all the nurses around the country and around the world, especially my mother and my sister in law who are both nurses and have been for decades. And we know right now our democracy needs a nurse now, right now probably more than ever. Our democracy actually probably needs a doctor, too. Might need a witch doctor and maybe an exorcist too, because this body politic that is America is not well. And if Trump and the two parties filled with extremists are the disease or the virus, well, we are the vaccine. All of us are the vaccine. So let's get vaccinated and let's stay vigilant. All right? America is not well. At least our politics is not well. But we can handle it if we develop the immunity. And I saw a great line from Coach Lizzo, who is a baseball coach who posts inspiring stuff, who said, who posted something from a locker room that said it will never get easier, handle hard better. I think that's a good rule for what we need to think about going forward. It's not going to get easier, at least anytime soon. We have to get better at handling hard because it's going to be hard even when the weather's good, even when things are up. And that takes me, of course, today's top topic. All right, today's top topic is. Today is Tuesday testimony day. There's a lot of testimony going on all across Washington. I'm watching it, so you don't have to. But it starts off most importantly with what has been our top topic for many months now and probably will continue to be until further notice. And that is the Iran war. Because today Hegseth Trump and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kaine are asking for $1.5 trillion. I feel like I need an echo effect for that. Trillion, trillion, trillion, 1.5 trillion. More for more war, for more forever war. Not just the Iran war, but maybe Cuba war, maybe Greenland war, maybe Mexico war. Of course there's Venezuela war, but there's lots more war. And that means at least today there was lots more Hegset. So to keep ourselves grounded and to keep it cool and to deliver some of the help a nurse might deliver. Chris, play the Hexet song for everybody, please. All right. Now, it was there's a really important part of this that might have gotten lost. We'll get to Hegseth in a second. But there was an important testimony by the the Pentagon chief financial officer who was asked about the total cost by Representative Pete Aguiar. So I think you need to see this because most Americans did not play that clip, Please, Chris, on April 29th,
- [06:02]
Representative Pete Aguilar
as you indicated to the ranking member, you said that the Iran war had cost $25 billion in total. You reaffirm that today. Do you have any. Do you have any other updated costs or projections since that testimony that you've given? Outside reporting estimates have indicated that the war cost could be a billion dollars a day. Do you have any. Anything to share?
- [06:26]
Pentagon Chief Financial Officer
Yeah, thanks for the question, sir. So at the time of testimony from the ask, it was $25 billion. But the joint staff team and the comptroller team are constantly looking at that estimate. And so now we think it's closer to 29. That's because of updated repair and replacement of equipment costs and. And also just general operational costs. Keep people in theater.
- [06:47]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
So here's what they're telling you, that the cost is not $25 billion for Iran so far, like they said it was up until today. It's $29 billion. Oh, hey, America. We're spending an extra $4 billion in Iran that we didn't tell you about. That came out in today's hearing. I think it is very, very important because that also doesn't include the destruction on American military bases, caring for our veterans, and much more. But it was the top line of what I think you need to know, among others. But the war in Iran, $29 billion and counting. While gas prices continue to surge, inflation spikes, and the cost of living here continues to skyrocket. But Hegseth was, of course, front and center. He didn't have a terrible day this time, but it still wasn't very good. I think someone gave him some sedatives or a tranquilizer and asked him to be his nicest version of himself because he realized that there will never be hearings on Iran. Remember, these aren't hearings on Iran. These are hearings on the defense budget for next year. These aren't hearings to determine the justification for war. They're not the War Powers act, because there's been no hearings on Iran. The War Powers act has continued to fail, and there's been no real conversation on the subject of Iran until now. But that, even for Hegseth, didn't go well. Play the clip, please, Chris.
- [08:10]
Secretary Pete Hegseth
The destruction of Iran's defense industrial base has been clear and overwhelming.
- [08:14]
Congressional Committee Member
Well, it's certainly not clear to me as a member of the committee, because what we see is Iran still producing drones. They're still engaged in this conflict. We have not won this war.
- [08:24]
Secretary Pete Hegseth
There's a difference between pulling a drone out of a cave that's been collapsed and producing more drones. That's a different thing.
- [08:31]
Congressional Committee Member
Well, maybe so, but if Iran still has almost 50% of their missile capacity and the ability to pull drones out of caves and still injure our allies and US Service members, then we have not won the war.
- [08:45]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
So he was not quite as pugilistic and combative as he has been in the past. And here's an important reason why this budget is going to go through. It always starts out the defense budget starts out as a Christmas tree where they throw everything they want on there and they hope for the best. And then there's negotiations, there's reconciliations, there's compromises. And then at the end of the year, usually in December, there's a final vote right before Christmas on the defense budget. They know that they're setting the stage now for what will be a vote at the end of the year. And that vote is not just about Iran. It's about $1.5 trillion to do anything they want without restrictions, without oversight, without, without support of the American people. $1.5 trillion in part to support a war that is overwhelmingly unpopular on the part of all Americans and still, by the way, unauthorized by Congress. And I think there's another part of this that's really important. People are tired of getting ripped off. They don't see a lot of value for their $29 billion in counting. They see gas prices continuing to skyrocket. They see corruption at an all time high, and they see pigs at the trough. Play that clip, please, Chris. Wow. So in the meantime, you've got all
- [10:00]
Senator or Committee Chair
these tech CEOs and the CEO from Boeing and a long list.
- [10:05]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
There are 16 now who will be here. What does that say to China?
- [10:08]
Business Representative or Spokesperson
Well, it says we're united. I mean, it says that the business community is behind President Trump. These people want a level playing field. They're here to echo what President Trump is talking about. And we welcome that. And I think the Chinese do as well.
- [10:20]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
So this is a list of some of the CEOs who are going with Trump to China. It's Tim Cook from Apple, Larry Fink from BlackRock. It's Dina Powell McCormick from Meta. It's the head of Visa and Tesla and of course, Elon Musk and Qualcomm and Coherent and Citi. All these CEOs are going with Trump to China to negotiate with China because in the Trump administration, everybody gets paid. Now, nurses on International Nurses Day. There's nobody representing you in the negotiations in China. There's nobody talking about you today in the $1.5 trillion request. But no Everybody gets paid, everybody gets a piece. But only the ones he likes and only the ones that kiss his ass. The corruption is on full display daily and they want $1.5 trillion more just for the Pentagon. While inflation skyrockets, gas prices continue to go up. They make billions and we and you get screwed. If you're not angry, you're not paying attention and you definitely need what would
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- [12:53]
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- [13:58]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
All right, I just want to say something else. Trump keeps falling asleep. This is below the radar every time. Well, not every time, but many times. When there is a press conference in the White House or these groups of people, Trump just flat out falls asleep. He just dozes off. I don't know why. It's not a top story. He's obviously not in wonderful health. Whether or not he lives or dies is very important to our national security and to the fate of the world. But I don't think most of the media is covering enough. The fact that Trump keeps falling asleep, it may not be a big story to many people, but I think it should be. I mean, he looks like me in church for most of my childhood. It's not just that he's falling asleep. He's also falling in the polls. There is some really dastardly, I mean, amazing, shockingly bad numbers for Trump that shows he's hit a whopping 70% disapproval rate of on the economy in a new CNN poll. I mean, he never got to even 50% in his first term. But 70% of all Americans, not just Democrats, disapprove of the way he's handling the economy because maybe our economic numbers are in need of a nurse. I mean, Trump definitely needs a nurse. But there were more bad numbers today as inflation jumped 3.8%, the fastest rate in five years. That means fuel costs. That means food prices. That went up almost 3% since last April, including the price of beef. Because if you haven't bought beef or a hamburger, then you don't know. Maybe vegetarians haven't noticed, but tomatoes for you. Vegetarians have gone up 40% since a year ago because of the tariffs, severe weather, and higher fuel costs. Now Trump doesn't seem to care. He says he remains laser focused on delivering growth and affordability while working to eliminate the Iran nuclear threat. Look at $1.5 trillion is not going to make the price of your tomatoes any lower. It's not going to bring down the price of beef, and it's not going to make your kitchen table any more affordable. The corruption is rampant. It's a word I'm going to say a lot more in the weeks to come because that's what it is. It's outright corruption. They're getting rich and we're getting screwed. Stay vigilant. All right, since it is testimony Tuesday, let's talk about Crash Patel. Maybe other folks have called him this, but I think we just need to start calling him the FBI director. Crash Patel, which I can't even say it because it's so outrageous, appeared today before Congress, and it wasn't pretty. At least he wasn't chugging beers and rampaging around, acting like a frat bro. But it definitely wasn't pretty. Play this clip, please. Chris.
- [16:39]
Business Representative or Spokesperson
I cannot imagine ever having to worry about former FBI directors Ray or or Mueller spending multiple weekends drinking heavily at the Poodle Room in Las Vegas. Now, I understand that you've denied these reports, and you will have a chance today here to challenge them.
- [16:58]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
So let's just say this. If we're spending a good part of your testimony talking about how drunk you have or haven't been, it's probably not going well. And it's probably not going well for the FBI employees, and it's probably not going well for our national security, and it's not going well for America. But something else happened today, something that was definitely below the radar. Now, this happened. Chris, play the clip, please. And for folks who can watch it and see it, you'll understand if you're just hearing it, it doesn't make sense. I'll come back on the other side. But. But check this out.
- [17:33]
Congressional Committee Member
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- [17:34]
Senator or Committee Chair
Okay, here's where we are. The vote is about over. Secretary has to get with the President on the China trip. I'm going to ask Senator Murkowski to wrap up.
- [17:49]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
And
- [17:51]
Senator or Committee Chair
thank you all for being here.
- [17:54]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Baldwin, Shaheen and Kennedy. Baldwin, Shaheen and Kennedy still have questions. Wrap up after.
- [18:05]
Senator or Committee Chair
Cold here. Yeah. Obviously, there's not a whole lot of time for a second round, so we'll get through, everybody. And Senator Murkowski, I appreciate your taking over.
- [18:26]
Lisa, Licensed Psychotherapist (SimplePractice Advertiser)
Thank you, Secretary Hegseth, Chairman Kaine, thank
- [18:30]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
you for being so. I was on msnow in real time as this was happening, and we all saw it and it was shocking and I couldn't get to it. But I want to get to it now. This man, Mitch McConnell, should not be in the U.S. senate. He simply is not well enough physically and mentally to do the job. Every day he's there, our Democracy and our national security is weaker. This is a man responsible for overseeing defense strategy and spending, and he can't even run a meeting. Chris has a new nickname for him. I, I guess I'm going to put it out there. Glitch McConnell, because that's what it seems like. All of a sudden, he glitches and he just shuts down. Glitch McConnell. Senator Glitch McConnell. Now he can't even run a meeting without an aid whispering in his ear, telling him what to do next. And I think it's important for me to note age is not the metric fitness is. He wouldn't be allowed to drive a car in his current state. He shouldn't be allowed to hold a Senate seat. And he's not alone in Congress. There should be non or bipartisan agreement that if you can't do the job, you should be out. Senator Fetterman, I'm talking about you, too. This is bipartisan. It's not just Republicans. It's also Democrats. If you are physically and mentally incapable of doing the job, you should not do the job. This is a very important job. We wouldn't let a nurse operate in a capacity like this. We shouldn't let a senator either, because our enemies are watching and our enemies are. Our enemies are celebrating. All right? Around the world, there's a lot happening, and Trump continues to ask for more money because he wants to continue to expand control over the Western Hemisphere, and he wants to make Venezuela the 51st state. Really? I'm going to say it again. He wants to make Venezuela the 51st state. In today's edition of Crazy Shit that Trump Says that we have to react to, Trump has openly talked about making Venezuela the 51st state. Play this clip, please, Chris.
- [20:48]
John (White House Official or Spokesperson)
I was talking to the president this morning. It was just before the Oval Office of it. He kind of surprised me a little bit because he said, john, I just want to tell you I'm very serious about this so you can talk about this. I'm serious about beginning a process to make Venezuela the 51st state. Now, there's a rich history in this nation of taking territories and absorbing them into the United States. You know, Puerto Rico is one that people talk about, but this would be the first time, to my knowledge, that a sovereign country was ever invited to join the United States of America.
- [21:21]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
How would that work?
- [21:23]
White House Official or Spokesperson
Well, John, I won't get ahead of what the president was comfortable sharing with you as far as those plans go. But look, this is a president who is famous for never accepting the status quo. He is always considering a host of options to improve our country. And, of course, Venezuela, now, led by President Delsey Rodriguez, is working incredibly cooperatively with the United States. So I won't get ahead of any plans that the president may have to that effect. But look, this has been a tremendous success, the United States revitalizing our relationship with Venezuela.
- [21:51]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Yes, we need a vaccine for all the stupid that's going around. We need nurses everywhere to try to help us contain the outbreak of the stupid. We need them all to help us stay vigilant. All right, again, crazy shit that Trump does that we have to react to. I laughed out loud when I heard this the other night. I wanted to save it for what the fuck Wednesday. But I guess it's what the fuck Wednesday early. Kerry Lake, who led efforts to shutter the Voice of America and ran for multiple offices in Arizona, has now been named ambassador to Jamaica. Kari Lake is going to be the ambassador to Jamaica. I just want to say I'm sorry to the people of Jamaica, my friends who were Jamaican, both in Jamaica and here in New York and around the country. I don't know who thought it was a good idea to send Carrie Lake to Jamaica, but I can think. I can't think of anybody who would be less in touch with the Jamaican people or less well received than Carrie Lake. Yes, Kari Lake is ambassador to Jamaica, but RFK Jr is the head of our health department. Crash Patel is head of the FBI. Pete Hegseth is acting Secretary of Culture War. These are not normal times, folks. Stay vigilant. All right, Trump, all gas, no breaks. Nothing is slowing him down. And I do want to underscore that this budget request, even if it comes in December, is a chance for Democrats and Republicans to. To slow him down. Either you're voting in favor of a blank check for forever war, or you're not. Either you're standing with fiscal responsibility or you're not. If you have any spine, if you have any integrity, if you have any independence, you should be voting against this. And remember that Trump continues to threaten the world in weird and dangerous ways. And every time we forget about the damage that's been done, we are reminded in different ways. And my good friend Christian, who is from Denmark, often keeps me in touch with what's happening in Denmark. And he wrote me a note and he said yes. In just, what, six years, Trump has destroyed most of the equity and aspiration that American presidents have built over the last 80 years since World War II. We have to remember our allies are still rooting for us but in places like Denmark, more than half of them consider us an adversary. And that's because of Trump. And China, where Trump will be visiting this week is and North Korea and Iran are clearly the big winners. And it's why I'm going to have to play it multiple times today. Our enemies are celebrating. Our enemies are celebrating. All right. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, it's day 1529 of the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia and by Putin.
- [24:49]
Ukrainian Nurse or Narrator
Foreign.
- [24:57]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
I want to post something, share something that was posted from the Ukrainian social media site about Ukrainian nurses and it said every day Ukrainian nurses save lives in operating rooms and hospital wards, at stabilization stabilization points and under enemy shelling. They come to the rescue when most needed and expect nothing in return. The largest group in our health care system, nurses ensure the due functioning of medical institutions. While Russia wages war of aggression against Ukraine, their level of responsibility increases. They care for thousands of wounded personnel and civilians, often risking their own lives. Today we honor every nurse and are deeply grateful for your empathy, dedication and bravery. Meanwhile in Washington, Hegseth is doing Hegsethian things, especially on Ukraine. He refuses to support Ukraine. And there's $700 million in this new defense budget that hasn't or, sorry, $400 million that hasn't been allocated that's supposed to go to the people of Ukraine. It's less than 1% of the overall budget. And here's what Hegseth had to say today when he was asked about it. Play that clip, Chris.
- [26:10]
Congressional Committee Member Questioning Hegseth
For Ukraine. So far your department has not spent a dime of that $400 million despite repeated follow up requests from the chairman and myself. In a call just last week, your staff indicated we will see a spend plan for those funds this week. Will you commit to spending those $400 million for weapons for Ukraine and when will we receive your department spend plan?
- [26:37]
Secretary Pete Hegseth
I appreciate that question. The 400 million for European capacity building has been released from the Secretary of war's office and we'll work with EUCOM to make sure they spend it accordingly and properly, which we have all faith that they will.
- [26:52]
Congressional Committee Member Questioning Hegseth
Mr. Secretary, when will this subcommittee get the associated spend plan for the $400 million?
- [27:00]
Secretary Pete Hegseth
Yeah, I mean we will work with your committee to make sure that the spend plan as allocated. I want to make sure you come is fully informed at how they want to spend this. They're the closest to the problem set and so working with them to ensure that you have the spend plan will work with you.
- [27:13]
Congressional Committee Member Questioning Hegseth
Mr. Secretary. Thank you. But it's May and this has been the law since January. And you or your representatives have been asked this repeatedly on a bipartisan basis by members of this committee. And I think dragging our feet on this small investment in Ukraine's defense sends exactly the wrong signal to Putin at a time when the contest for freedom has its front lines in Ukraine.
- [27:39]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Now, in my view, this alone is grounds for impeachment or removal. He's openly defying Congress and of course, screwing Ukraine and helping Putin. Why isn't every Republican and Democrat and independent Angus King calling for Hegseth to go over this alone? Putin loves hearing this. And our enemies are celebrating and will continue to do so every single day that Hegseth is in the job. Stay vigilant, people. All right. We talk about independent candidates. I will bring you a new one probably tomorrow in the show. Stay tuned. I try to bring you independent candidates every Wednesday. Go back and check them all out. They're listed on our YouTube page and of course on Apple and Spotify and everywhere else. We are the people's champion and we're not just moving the needle. We are the needle. And there's good news from a lot of these races and good news out of Nebraska beyond the fact that people are being quarantined there because of the virus in Omaha. Remember that from yesterday. But Nebraska is going to have to hold the line for America, and Dan Osborne is kicking some butt out there. And there's a new Senate poll that has independent Dan Osborne up over incumbent Republican Pete Ricketts 47 to 42. This new poll has Osborne up by five points. This is extremely noteworthy. And Dan wrote, Pete Ricketts didn't earn his Senate seat. His daddy bought it. Nebraskans are ready for someone who actually has their back. I think that's true. Watch this space. We'll continue to keep you updated. And regarding independent voters, independent politics, and, of course, open primaries, today is another primary day, way below the radar, this time in West Virginia. And our friends at open primaries are reminding us that another 329,690 independents are locked out of the primaries today in West Virginia. It's happening all across the country. It is un American. It is undemocratic and it is unacceptable. Continue to fight back. Help us fight for open primaries. I've always got information linked in the bio. And you should check out openprimaries.org, keep up the fight and stay vigilant.
- [29:50]
Sports Commentator or Analyst
Stay vigilant.
- [29:51]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
All right. Let's talk culture for a second. People are pushing back and finding their spots. Chelsea Handler, she may not be Everybody's cup of tea. But I think she's pretty damn smart and pretty damn funny sometimes. And last night there was a roast of Kevin Hart. Sorry. Sunday night there was a roast of Kevin Hart on Netflix. And Chelsea Handler tore into MAGA comedian Tony. Tony Hinchcliffe, who I honestly have never heard of, but apparently he is a big Trump supporter, a big MAGA supporter. And she had a couple of good lines. One was that Tony is what happens when women don't have safe access to abortion care. She went on to say, tony, you have the face of a school shooter and the personality of someone who gets shot first. That's a Chelsea Handler line, not mine. And she had this one. Play this clip if we can. Chris, please.
- [30:39]
Congressional Committee Member
Now that your favorite leader is making the draft mandatory, I assume that all of you will be signing up to go fight in Iran. Or do you tough talking pussies only go to the Middle east for comedy festivals?
- [30:57]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
All right, I'm going to continue to underscore that comedians are very, very important. Go back and check out my conversation with Eugene Merman from a couple last week or the week before. It's linked in our YouTube page. Eugene Merman of Bob's Burgers. His new special is out. Go back and check that out. All right. And let's talk sports for a second. Last night, Cavs beat the Pistons 112 to 103 in the NBA series. Is now tied 2 2. It's been a really good one. Donovan Mitchell went off and I hope that this game, this, this, this series could go nine games, but it's. I hope it goes seven. And they tire themselves out before they have to play the Knicks. The Thunder cleaned up. The Lakers got rid of them, knocked them out. Four, zero sweep. Thunder are rolling. And now they, like the Knicks, will get to rest tonight. Probably the best series of this round. Spurs are home against the Timberwolves. Victor Webeyama is back. That series is tied to two. And it's an early start. 8:00 Eastern, which I'm thankful for for my kids in the NHL. The Avalanche crush the Wild 5 2. They take a 31 lead in that series. And tonight we've got the Canadiens at home against the Sabres. Montreal leads two to one and. And the Golden Knights at home against the Ducks. Maybe the best series in the NHL playoffs are tied 2, 2. All right. One other sports note that I want to make a note of. I've said before that I think Fernando Mendoza, number one draft pick, quarterback from the national championship, Indiana Hoosiers and Now, Las Vegas Raider is a really important leader, and he's brave and he's smart and he's very shrewd and maybe very smartly. Did not attend the White House reception for the championship at Indiana Hoosiers, as I noted on this show a couple of days ago. And Trump, recognizing that he had been spurned a little bit, had something to say about it. Play that clip.
- [32:42]
Sports Commentator or Analyst
Skill. They're skilled people. This season was also historic because starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza, now, the reason he's not here, he was so nice. He called because he has. Actually, JD Is a big fan of ours. You wouldn't believe it. Because he didn't show up. I'm not happy, but that's okay. The reason he didn't. Because he's at spring training, right?
- [33:05]
Senator or Committee Chair
Correct.
- [33:05]
Sports Commentator or Analyst
And I actually said, you really let him. He's got to win. And I think he's going to win pretty early, coach. Right? You think pretty good. Time will tell. He's going to be a good one. A lot of people said they're going to win, but I think he will. No, he's been great. And he's at spring training, like, his first day or something. I said, you better go there. But he became Indiana's first. Otherwise, if I didn't do that, believe me, I wouldn't have even talked about him. I would have not. If he was not here for other reasons, like he didn't like Trump or he didn't want to come, I wouldn't even mention him. I'd go through the whole. I'd talk about how great. I wouldn't even mention the quarterback's name. But he's a great guy, actually, and he is actually a big fan of what we're doing for our country.
- [33:50]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
If. If Trump has to say you're a big fan of him, you. You might not be a big fan of him. We've been here before. But I hope Fernando Mendoza will continue to artfully dodge Donald Trump, will continue to try to find ways to unite people and will continue to be a leader. He has been a great son to his mother, who has often needed a nurse. She struggled with lots of physical issues over the course of her career in her life, and he's been there for her, and he's shown the true spirit of a helper. And I hope that he can remind us all, just like those nurses, that especially today, we need to stay vigilant. All right. Finally, something good.
- [34:30]
Ukrainian Nurse or Narrator
Something good. Oh, something sweet. Feel the fire.
- [34:35]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Let's talk about something good. Number one, nurses. Nurses are Something good. A brave, courageous, tough example. They need pay increases. They need more support. They need recognition. And I hope that this is a small bit of recognition for them. I've got a request for you. If you know a nurse in your life, please shout them out and say thank you and share any stories with me that I can share in the show. And I want to shift gears to a different kind of helper. A couple weeks ago, a new organization was created called Astronauts for America. I am a big fan of nurses, but I'm also a big fan of astronauts. We've had both Scott and Mark Kelly, the brothers of, on this show before. I will continue to support space exploration and support NASA. And there is now a new organization organizing astronauts to not just reach for the stars, but to save America. Play that clip, please, Chris.
- [35:23]
McDonald's Advertiser / Tax Relief Advocates Advertiser
It began with a dream that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.
- [35:29]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
This nation was founded on an idea. The concept of freedom, equality, the rule of law and our democratic system. It's unique around the world.
- [35:39]
McDonald's Advertiser / Tax Relief Advocates Advertiser
We are the country that set foot on the moon. This is the land of opportunity, the American dream.
- [35:45]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
But today we've seen an erosion of those constitutional rights.
- [35:50]
Congressional Committee Member
The core values of our country, they're being challenged.
- [35:52]
Business Representative or Spokesperson
We believe.
- [35:54]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Majority of Americans believe the same thing. Every NASA astronaut swears an oath to
- [35:59]
Sports Commentator or Analyst
defend and protect the Constitution of the United States.
- [36:02]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
Astronauts for America. Astronauts for America. Astronauts for America is a nonpartisan organization.
- [36:07]
Congressional Committee Member Questioning Hegseth
This ideal that we are greater together,
- [36:11]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
that it is our differences that are our strength. They're our superpower. Astronauts for America wants to help people get back to understanding civics, understanding the principles of the founding of this country. Values that I want for my kids, for my grandkids, and for all Americans going forward. All right, that's what we need, folks. We need everybody from nurses to quarterbacks to astronauts coming together to be the vaccine that our democracy needs right now. Especially on this International Nurses Day, especially when things are so chaotic it can feel like a plague of stupidity. But we are all stepping up to meet the moment. That includes you. And you can help us all stay vigilant. All right, a couple of quick notes. I was on Ms. Now for an hour today to react to the Hegseth hearing in real time. You can see that linked in the show notes and also on our YouTube page tomorrow. I've got my weekly Wednesdays, my what the fuck Wednesday appearances on News Nation at 3:00pm Eastern with Connell McShane. It's usually a soft hold for 4:00 clock or 5:00'. Clock. On deadline, White House with Nicole Wallace. I may be on CNN later in the week. And also a reminder, we now have tmi, the Morning Independent can come to your inbox every single morning. Help you stay on top of the latest news with an independent perspective. Chris Rosenthal created this fantastic product. Go to IndependentAmericans US and sign up if you haven't already. You can also subscribe on any platform you're listening to now, whether it's Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and of course on YouTube. YouTube continues to grow where you can also see recent media appearances, including my visit on Piers Morgan. If you haven't seen my conversation with Stephen Colbert or Real Time with Bill Maher, those are also on our YouTube pages. In addition to the songs we're posting, the great songs that Chris comes up with, they are on our YouTube page. You can also get our merch, which you can get in time for Father's Day if you act now or send them to the favorite nurses in your life. America's divided. But here at Independent Americans, in the spirit of our nurses, we are working to bring people together to provide light, to contrast the heat of all the other corporate, partisan and garbage political shows. If, if you're now among the 45% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. Because our movement is like nurses bringing hope for the future. Country over party, people over politics, light over heat. You know, the deal challenging the status quo. And our movement is growing and hope that we're bringing is the oxygen of our democracy and it's like a vaccine to help prevent and defend against all this stupid madness. But I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please share it far and wide. Share it with any nurses that you know. We welcome them to join our movement to listen to, watch and share and invite others to declare their independence. And stay vigilant, my friends, because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. And no, you're not alone in your vigilance. We're all vigilant and we're all in this together. I'm your host, Paul Reikopp. Thank you for tuning into Independent Americans on this International Nurses Day. I will see you tomorrow or you will see me or hear me tomorrow. Happy Tuesday. Happy International Nurses Day and stay vigilant, America.
- [39:16]
Ukrainian Nurse or Narrator
Stay Vigilant Tells me the left and right Our dreams for those without a clue and when you wake it's time to grow and it's not cool to believe in school but if I can say one thing I've seen the children of the revolution and the good trouble they can bring he says the red and blue are dead and independent is an out and to an island in the sea of rhetoric and not the rally going to left and right Our dreams for those without a clue and when you wait it's time to grow
- [39:49]
Paul Rykoff (Host of Independent Americans)
power by righteous media.