Podcast Summary: "Dan McKnight" on "Part Of The Problem"

Podcast Title: Part Of The Problem
Host: GaS Digital Network (Dave Smith)
Guest: Dan McKnight
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Episode: Dan McKnight

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Part Of The Problem, host Dave Smith engages in a profound discussion with Dan McKnight, a decorated combat veteran and a leading figure in the Defend the Guard movement. The conversation delves into the persistent issues of America's foreign policy, particularly the ongoing and failed regime change wars, and explores grassroots efforts to reclaim military autonomy from federal overreach.

War on Terror and America's Regime Change Failures

Dan McKnight opens the dialogue by painting a stark picture of the United States' repeated missteps in its foreign interventions. He reflects on the emotional toll and inefficacy of the war on terror, emphasizing that each attempt at regime change has consistently ended in disaster.

Dan McKnight [03:00]: "Only to find out later that... we're also shooting down rockets in defense of another nation... If we don't do something about this now, this will be our children's problem to handle or our grandchildren."

McKnight underscores the hollow nature of these interventions, stating, "We are terrible at this. Since this is our seventh country, we're shooting the moon."

The Role and Misuse of the National Guard

The conversation shifts to the critical role of the National Guard and how federal misuse has led to their deployment in undesired and often undeclared conflicts. McKnight explains the Defend the Guard movement's mission to prevent the National Guard from being used in such capacities without explicit congressional authorization.

Dan McKnight [08:18]: "The National Guard is the only constitutional mechanism that we have to defend the homeland... They should be home to repel an invasion, to put down an insurrection, to enforce the laws of the union."

Defend the Guard Movement: Goals and Achievements

McKnight elaborates on the Defend the Guard initiative, a state-based legislative effort aimed at ensuring the National Guard remains a force dedicated to domestic protection unless Congress declares war.

Dan McKnight [22:00]: "Defend the Guard legislation says... Congress has to declare war before the National Guard can be activated."

He highlights the movement's progress, with the bill introduced in over 30 states and successfully passed in states like Idaho and Arizona multiple times.

Dan McKnight [24:42]: "We've got it in over 30 states introduced now. We've passed the Senate in Idaho, we've passed the Senate in Arizona three times."

Critique of Political Figures and War Hawks

The discussion critically examines influential political figures who advocate for continued military engagements without proper constitutional backing. McKnight specifically targets Mark Levin and others who push for unilateral presidential decisions on war-making powers.

Dan McKnight [06:32]: "Only principled people like Tom Massie or Rand Paul or Marjorie Taylor Greene are standing up to do anything about it, only to have people like Mark Levin call them constitutional idiots."

McKnight further contends that these leaders misinterpret constitutional provisions, undermining the very framework meant to prevent such overreaches.

Personal Military Experiences Shaping Views

Drawing from his own military background, McKnight shares personal anecdotes that underscore his disillusionment with the current state of military deployments and foreign policy.

Dan McKnight [35:31]: "Seven of us bought a used van for 1500 bucks, snuck off base... to go tell President Bush we were going to win his war for him... and realized nobody knew what we were doing."

These experiences fuel his passion for ensuring that military forces are not exploited for perpetual, unclear missions abroad.

The Impact of Endless Wars on American Society

Both hosts discuss the broader societal implications of America's endless wars, including rising cultural divisions and the manipulation of military honor for political ends.

Dave Smith [35:31]: "It's something out of like a Greek tragedy. To watch the most noblest of instincts and humans be manipulated for these, like, most evil of ends."

The conversation highlights how continuous military engagements have contributed to societal issues like political tribalism and cultural 'woke insanity.'

Call to Action: Supporting Defend the Guard

As the episode nears its conclusion, McKnight emphasizes the urgency of supporting the Defend the Guard movement. He outlines actionable steps for listeners to get involved, such as signing petitions and participating in phone banks to influence state legislatures.

Dan McKnight [57:07]: "If you go on exits at Troops Home US or Defend the Guard US, you can sign the petition and support the National Guard being used properly."

He encourages listeners to dedicate just five minutes of their lunch breaks to make impactful phone calls, stressing that collective grassroots efforts can indeed shift national policies.

Conclusion

Dave Smith wraps up the episode by lauding Dan McKnight's dedication and the critical nature of the Defend the Guard mission.

Dave Smith [56:50]: "Dan, I think you are doing the most important work in the country... I give you my highest possible level of endorsement for the entire project."

The episode serves as a clarion call for Americans to reassess and reclaim military authority, ensuring that the National Guard remains a defensive force rather than a tool for unwarranted foreign interventions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan McKnight [03:00]: "We are terrible at this. Since this is our seventh country, we're shooting the moon."

• Dan McKnight [08:18]: "The National Guard is the only constitutional mechanism that we have to defend the homeland..."

• Dan McKnight [22:00]: "Defend the Guard legislation says... Congress has to declare war before the National Guard can be activated."

• Dan McKnight [06:32]: "Only principled people like Tom Massie or Rand Paul or Marjorie Taylor Greene are standing up to do anything about it..."

• Dave Smith [35:31]: "It's something out of like a Greek tragedy..."

• Dan McKnight [57:07]: "If you go on exits at Troops Home US or Defend the Guard US, you can sign the petition..."

• Dave Smith [56:50]: "Dan, I think you are doing the most important work in the country..."

Supporting Defend the Guard

Listeners inspired by this episode are encouraged to support the Defend the Guard movement by visiting Defend the Guard US, signing state-specific petitions, and joining phone banks to actively contribute to legislative changes.

End of Summary