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- [00:00]
Host/Interviewer
This is an iHeart podcast.
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Steve Gurney
This is America's Voice live. And welcome to America's Voice Live. I'm Steve Gurney. The pulse of the people. We need somebody that's going to hear the people's voice, the truth the mainstream won't touch. This guy is by definition a globalist. And the stories that matter, Rav's own.
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JP De Ganz
Ben Berklam right up over this Hill cartel.
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Steve Gurney
I see him. I see him.
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JP De Ganz
I see him.
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Steve Gurney
Live. Breaking news right now here on Real America's Voice Filtered. These people are domestic terrorists and unapologetic. We're here to take a stand for God and country. Does feel good. America's Voice Live starts now. Welcome to America's Voice Live. I'm Steve Gurber. It is Tuesday, the 11th of November, in the year of our Lord 2025. Let's get to today's top stories. As always, thank you for joining us here on REAL America's Voice on this Veterans Day. We really appreciate it. The House of Representatives appears to be moving toward funding a solution to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. After more than six weeks away, lawmakers are actually returning to Capitol Hill to consider the Senate's updated federal funding proposal. I'll discuss that today. Also, a new documentary film is set to release today detailing the story of Matthew Loheimer, a lieutenant colonel who was fired from his space force command by Joe Biden for opposing woke Marxism in the military. I'll bring on the actor in the lead role of that film to discuss in detail. And then later, Veterans Day isn't just about parades. The role of faith and prayer has been central from the very beginning. I'll take a look at that tradition and what it still means and how it means everything to our veterans and our heroes. Details coming up. But today I want to start by saying this. Yeah, you can probably see this. I'm white. I'm white. I can't change that. And I'm Christian by choice and I choose to love my nation. The left has demonized those things. They're trying to turn those things into white supremacy, which it's not. They try to demonize us as hateful bigots. I reject that smear and the labels they try to force on me and others. We need to tell the truth about who we are and give a full throttle defense of our belief. It's not a slogan. It's a declaration of war on the lie machines that's been grinding away at the soul of our nation for a very, very long time. Start with the basics again. I'm white fact, not felony fact. I'm Christian by choice, not by coercion. And I love this nation with every beat of my heart. Those three truths used to be unremarkable. Now they're treated like a triple indictment. The left doesn't just disagree with us, they demonize us. They slap the white supremacist label on anyone who refuses to kneel. They paint crosses on church doors and call it a culture. They see an American flag in a pickup window and scream insurrection. Enough. I reject every syllable of that smear and I'm here to give the defense they never want you to hear. Exhibit A. The new mayor of Coeur d', Alene, Idaho, Dan Cooken calls Christian conservatives mindless cult member morons. Here's a Democrat, listen, they don't give a fuck.
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Dan Cooken
And they all I'm a Bible believing Christian. I believe in Jesus and it guides my life. And the Christian conservative Christian family values Christian conservative mindless cult member group thinking morons.
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Steve Gurney
Are you a.
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Dan Cooken
You're a Christians. They tend to be the rudest, most disrespectful jerks I have ever seen. I seriously think if Jesus were here today he would have a message for everyone who's a Christian and he would just say get the those racists and white supremacists gay. I felt really gay last night. Come over for a gay time. Really gay Christian nationalism now. But let's cut right to the chase. It's white nationalism. Real hardcore Christians and Christians to self and to go to hell.
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Steve Gurney
He seems nice. That's an elected Democrat talking about the same people who shovel his streets in the winter, coach the kids, little league teams tied to keep the food pantries open when the Democrats shut them down. Morons. Cult members. No, Mr. Mayor, those are the folks that built your community when the going was tough and the winters were brutal. Mock them at your peril. And it's not just small town betrayal. The coastal commentariat is just as vicious. Here's a liberal pundit on national TV claiming Charlie Kirk comes from a very dangerous. Again, here you go. Christian nationalist ideology. Listen to this.
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Benny Ray Harmony
But Charlie Kirk has said some really, really awful things. And this idea, the fact that Ezra Klein and folks like that even I'm disappointed in Gavin Newsom for all of them just saying, well, he's just engaging in civil discourse. It's just about free speech debate. It's not, it's. That is not just what he was doing because they are bad faith arguments. Charlie Kirk comes from a very dangerous Christian nationalist ideology that pushes Tropes about the role of women submitting to their husbands and having children. And that's what they're for.
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Steve Gurney
Dangerous, really. Charlie wanted to protect the American way of life. He advocated for the nuclear family. He said it was the key to success in society. Where is he wrong? He empowered men to be strong again, to protect women and children and to lead well. He wanted the best for every American out there. And he had the balls to call out the dangers of not doing exactly that. Here's Charlie Kirk. Listen.
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Dan Cooken
But the spiritual battle is coming to the west, and the enemies are wokeism or Marxism combining with Islamism to go after what we call the American way of life. And the American way of life is very simple. I want to be able to get married, buy a home, have kids, allow them to ride their bike till the sun goes down, send them to a good school, have a low crime neighborhood, not to have my kid be taught the lesbian, gay, transgender garbage in their school, while also. While also not having them have to hear the Muslim call to prayer five times a day. That's important. We want the American way of life, which is, by the way, Christendom Christians. Our sacrifice, our toil, our vision, the outgrowth of the scriptures gave us Western civilization. And this is where I think is a great rallying cry. Doesn't matter if you're Hispanic, doesn't matter if you're Asian, doesn't matter if you're black or white. Everybody if you are Christian and Jesus Christ is your Lord and savior. These two threats are combining forces to come after us. And it's time that the church stands and rises up against it.
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Steve Gurney
Time for the church to stand up. That's only dangerous to the people who want to see America destroyed, divided, separated. It's simply devotion to his faith. Opportunity, family, faith, freedom. The left calls it nationalism because they can't pronounce the word normal without spitting. They want you ashamed of the very things that made this country the last best hope on earth. But the attack isn't theoretical. It's block by block. Enter Zamramadani, who campaigned in New York on a platform of discriminating. Listen to this. Against whiter neighborhoods. You heard me right. Punish people for the crime of living where their grandparents lived and worked and prayed and built what he will surely destroy. And he's not ashamed of his racism.
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Host/Interviewer
Listen and realize there's a policy proposal.
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Steve Gurney
That says your plan, and I'm going.
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Host/Interviewer
To quote it for folks, is to shift the tax burden from overtaxed homeowners in the Outer boroughs to more expensive homes in richer and whiter neighborhoods. Explain why you are bringing race into your tax proposal.
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Steve Gurney
That is just a description of what we see right now. It's not driven by race. It's more of an assessment of what neighborhoods are being undertaxed versus overtaxed.
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Host/Interviewer
So no plans to change that language on your website.
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Steve Gurney
The focus here is to actually ensure a fair property tax system and that the use of that language is an assessment of the neighborhood. That's not equity, folks. That's white hate with different branding. If a white politician said blacker neighborhoods need to be anything, the outrage would melt servers. But say whiter and tax whiter neighborhoods and the. Well, the national media just shrugs and the poison starts early. The left has tried to instill white hate for the last several decades through social media, media, through school, even kids shows. And Hollywood has done its part happily, gleefully, and with profound effect, at least for a while. We're seeing a shift now, even from mainstream Hollywood figures. Two of Hollywood's brightest have recently refused to play along this. And we're not in this. Sydney Sweeney withstood a flood of backlash over a commercial about her blue jeans the left decried as a racist symbol of white supremacy. Donald Trump defended the ad and the media wanted her to bend over backwards to apologize. But I think her face in this interview says it all. She's sick of the silly guilt trips. So am I. Here she is.
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Host/Interviewer
The president tweeted about the jeans ad or truth socialed about the jeans ad. And that just seems to me like a very crazy moment for anyone. And I wondered what that was like. It was surreal. It was surreal. There's a chance that somebody will get some idea about what you think about certain issues and feel like, I don't want to see Christy because of that. Like, do you worry about that? No, no. The criticism of the content, which was basically that maybe specifically in this political climate, like white people shouldn't joke about genetic superiority, like, that was kind of like the criticism, broadly speaking. And since you are talking about this, I just wanted to give you an opportunity to talk about that specifically. I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.
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Steve Gurney
When I have something to say, you will be the first to know. She just refused to even engage in the leading and rather loaded misleading questions. And good for her. She didn't feel the need to pander to people who will never accept her anyways. And I think that's a good example for all the celebrities out there who have felt that they've had to bend over backwards for an agenda they do not support. Meanwhile, Keira Knightley did the same thing in a surprising fashion. She was expected to apologize for voicing a Harry Potter character simply because the creator of Harry Potter, J.K. rowling, doesn't think men pretending to be women are the same as biological women. There's a reason for that. They're not. But she completely laughed in the face of the interviewer and shrugged it off. Here it is.
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Host/Interviewer
I saw your voicing, Professor Umbridge, in the new Harry Potter audiobooks.
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Benny Ray Harmony
I was wondering, are you aware that.
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Host/Interviewer
Some fans are calling for a boycott given J.K. rowling's ongoing campaign against trans people?
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Steve Gurney
I was not aware of that, no.
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Host/Interviewer
I'm very sorry.
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Steve Gurney
You know, I think we're all living.
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Host/Interviewer
In a period of time right now.
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Benny Ray Harmony
We're all going to have to figure.
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Host/Interviewer
Out how to live together, aren't we? And we've all got very different opinions.
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Steve Gurney
So I hope that we can all find respect. Well done. Literally nothing radical about her response. Nothing. She didn't even address the issue. And why should she? She's voicing a fictional character out of a fiction book. But the left wants her burned at the stake, theorizing about how much she hates trans people. These people are not serious and they should not be taken seriously in a town where careers die for saying Merry Christmas. These two said, no thanks. I'm not interested in your inquisition, folks. This is the pattern. Demonize, divide, destroy. They want us apologizing for existing, groveling for sins we never committed while they redraw congressional district lines and rewrite history books. But we're done whispering. We're the majority. They fear the silent. No more. We are not white supremacists. We're survivors like most of everybody else in this country. We're not bigots. We're builders. We're neighbors. We're friends. We're family members. So here's the full throated truth. Whiteness isn't something to apologize for. It's the color of my skin. Christianity is the glue that held us together when empires crumbled. Patriotism is the fire that lit Lexington and Normandy and 9 12. We will not. I will not apologize or trade them for your labels, will not swap our heritage for your hashtags. We will vote, march, pray and sleep soundly knowing why we believe what we believe because you know what we believe in truth. The left's house of cards is trembling. Their smears bounce off like hail on a tin roof. And to every mayor pundit, professor and politician who spent years spitting on us. Your time is up. America isn't a guilt trip. It's a gift. A gift, and we're ready to fight every step of the way to protect it. You've been notified. Coming up after the break, I'll check in at the White House with our real America's Voice correspondent, Betty Ray Harmony to discuss the potential deal that's in place to end the shutdown, which has been going on now for, let me see here, 42 days. Details straight ahead on America's Voice Live. Well, the band is back together. Apparently the House of Representatives now appears to be moving toward ending what has become the longest government shutdown in US History after more than six weeks away, Lawmakers returning to Capitol Hill to consider the Senate's updated federal funding proposal. The House Rules Committee is expected to take up the measure sometime today or early tomorrow. This committee serves as the gateway for most legislation before it heads to the full House floor, deciding how long debate will last and whether amendments can be offered. The Shutdown has stretched 42 days now, resulting in widespread air travel delays, federal workers going unpaid, and millions of Americans facing uncertainty about benefit programs. You've heard all about it. Of course. Republicans argue that the shutdown highlights Washington's ongoing spending problem and the need for stronger fiscal discipline, while Democrats continue pushing for increased federal spending with few restraints. If the House moves the legislation forward, the shutdown could finally come to a close before the week is over. That would be a good thing. Here me to discuss this from the North Lawn of the White House, real America's Voice correspondent Benny Ray Harmony. Benny, what do you have for us? Are they coming back, putting the band back together? Are we going to have some work done around here?
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Benny Ray Harmony
Yes, Steve, like you said, Speaker Mike Johnson, he called the members back on Sunday on a 36 hour notice so we can see a vote as early as tomorrow morning, which I believe we will. And we've been talking to many Republicans here, here on Capitol Hill who are very, they have a very, they think that this will get done this week and they have faith and trust. We were actually in the Oval Office last night with President Trump and a few senators and everyone looked in very good spirits. Now on the Democrat side, I can't say the same, Steve. This, the Democrat Party might be the most divided that we have ever seen them. And like you said, once this gets to the floor, we really don't know what happens, you know, because these Democrat members are able to make, make amendments and do different things to it, so they could very well put up a fight and Republicans will have to stay strong again. But, but the Republicans, in this whole mess that the Democrats have caused, they have stood very strong. And I think this just shows their strength and continues to show the Democrats weakness. But, but I'm very, I'm hopeful that by the end of the week this government will be back open.
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Steve Gurney
Well, there's no question the pitchforks are out. Long knives are out for Chuck Schumer. A number of different people calling for him to step down as the leader of the Democrat Party, calling him ineffectual and words that I can't use on this program. In addition to that, is Chuck Schumer's time as leader numbered? Are those days numbered?
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Benny Ray Harmony
Absolutely. Chuck Schumer, he's done nothing. This, these whole 42 days, Steve, it has been 42 days. This cr. This, this resolution that was just passed by the Senate is almost identical to the same ones that were introduced, I mean 13 times at this point and they waited 42 days to pass. This Chuck Schumer is to blame for this. And I think people are finally starting to wake up with. Like you said, people are calling for his resignation and he is radio silent. I will tell you that you are not hearing from any of those so called leaders here on Capitol Hill. I'm not sure they know what to do at this point. The Republicans have won again, like we tend to do. We are the best at that. So I think his time is limited and he needs to go. Steve, it's time for a change. At this point, I don't even care who it is. We need someone young, someone new. This dude is a dinosaur and it's time for him to go.
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Steve Gurney
You know, I was looking at the statistics there in Washington D.C. benny, there have been 23 homicides since the 11th of August when the National Guard came in. Federal court just ruled that yes, the West Virginia National Guard can remain deployed to the nation's capital. That is an important development. But 23 homicides since August means the annual rate of homicide, if it were stretched out, would be less than 90. We haven't had a year with less than 90 homicides in D.C. in a very long time. It seems to me that the crackdown on lawlessness, whether it's in D.C. or Memphis or other potential cities in America, is something that the people there embrace. I know last time I was there it was a different city than it had been. What are you seeing on the streets? What is the attitude of the people out there when it comes to the National Guard still being there and enforcing the law.
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Benny Ray Harmony
Yeah, Steve, I'm really glad you brought that up. So we recently started something called Benny on the Block where we go around D.C. and we talk to the hard working Americans in this and we talked to National Guard as well as a native D.C. woman. And I really, I wanted to talk about this because she is saying that a lot of this crime came after the COVID era, once the kids didn't have to go to school. And you're seeing a rise in youth, in teenagers causing these crimes. And if we really look at some of the numbers and some of the ages of the people committing these crimes, it is our youth and it is the Gen Z. And so this, this native of D.C. she said it is time for parents to step up. You know, you need to know where your kids are, know that they are they at school, are they skipping school, what are they doing? And to point out There was an 18% just since Trump put the National Guard here in D.C. there was an 18% decrease in violent crimes. And to the people watching, when I say violent crimes, I'm talking violent murders. I'm talking stabbings, shootings in the head, awful things. Just where I live in Southeast D.C. there was so much crime before, you couldn't even walk the street if it was dark outside, you were recommended to stay inside of your house. And we spoke to a couple National Guard the other day at Union Station and they said they even feel more safe. They say they feel more welcomed and they feel like it's finally an America that they want to live in.
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Steve Gurney
Betty, I think you're right. I think Americans want safe streets that they can trust and be able to walk down them. Appreciate your time out there. Stay warm. It's chilly in the nation's capital. Thank you, Benny. Coming up after the break, I'll tell you about a new documentary film detailing the story of Matthew Lohmire, a Lieutenant colonel who was fired by Biden from his Space Force command for opposing woke Marxism in the military. Details straight ahead. Well, today, as we honor veterans who've shown courage and sacrifice, protect our country, we feature a newly released documentary, call sign Courage the Matthew Lohmeyer Story. The film features the life of Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeyer and his story as a former elite F15 pilot and space Force Squadron Commander. Loire, as you may remember, was relieved of command for exposing the Marxist ideologies and DEI mandates in the Biden era woke military. He is currently the 29th undersecretary of the Air Force nominated by President Trump in January. Here to tell us about this powerful film, the actor portraying the Lieutenant Colonel Brian Lloyd. Brian, nice to see you today.
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Brian Lloyd
Steve, thanks for having me. It's great to be here.
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Steve Gurney
What a great day to talk about this. Veterans Day 2025. We just marked the 250th anniversary of the Navy, the Army, the United States Marines. It's a time to look at military service in this country. Tell us what you learned when you studied this character to become Mr. Lohmeyer.
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Brian Lloyd
What's interesting is I saw him interviewed in 2021 on the Tucker Carlson Today long form. I bought his book Irresistible Revolution, and he talked about a deep thinker and a profound insight into the Marxism, the poison that was seeping in not just into society but in the military specifically. So as we shot this and I was introduced to Matthew, it was pretty profound because I really went into it not knowing what I was going to shoot. And they needed their lead guy. And within five minutes of talking to the director, Marshall Lee, he said, you know the story. I said, yeah, I bought the book, I've read it. And Matt and I proceeded to chat for about 45 minutes where he looked at me and said, you know, it's a lot like I'm talking to myself right now. Just deep thinker, incredibly special person. And his background is pretty unique, having been an F15 pilot getting grounded because of a kind of weird eye thing that he, he self reported and then got moved over to the Space Force and was a rising star and most likely was going to ascend into being the leader of the Space Force at some point.
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Steve Gurney
Yeah, Commander Lohmire is a fascinating individual. Tell us the section of the story that we're going to see in this film because it's an important film for people that didn't know about this. Look, people are raising red flags saying we're not teaching the right things, we're not talking about the right things, we're not focused on the right things. And he was cost his command over that, right.
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Brian Lloyd
It was so what it was, he was leading this very classified mission that was outside of Denver at a base where they basically were tracking every explosion around the world. And when 2020 happened and the DEI, I call it the die, the die wokeness nonsense that kills cultures, they started shoving it down his throat, spying on him from a chaplain and his commanding officers coming down on him. And they had a woman that was spying on him as well. And he just said to them, I'm not going to do this. I'm going to lead men and women, I don't care what they look like, we're going to complete our mission and. And execute it. And that's all I care about. And they used it as a pretext when he had written the book of saying, well, you disparage your commanding officers and you became political in the military, which was a complete and utter lie. And they used it to fire him. And at 15 years of service, wiping his pension. And so Matt did. What Matt does is person, you know, honorable people I've ever met. He started getting out there and telling a story and fought. And the reason it's so compelling is because it's true and it's rooted within that truth that we're drawn to. The integrity, the things that we know in our nature and gut and it incredible story. And there's not a surprise that he's the undersecretary of the Air Force now.
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Steve Gurney
Yeah. Sometimes you have to stand up and tell the truth. We do it a lot around here because it's important. People don't hear the truth all the time. And they wouldn't hear about this story or this film except for places like Real America's Voice. I'm telling you. And so it's an important story to tell. Do you think the military is different now? Obviously we have a new commander in chief. He has become the under secretary, as you mentioned, of the Air Force. So redemption. I think this is a story of redemption.
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Brian Lloyd
In the end, I think it's a story of redemption and coming back to base roots. The things that we know we are what our men did from the moment of the revolution on through where they said the nonsense is done. The military is going to go out and we are going to be bigger and better and better at doing two things is breaking stuff and defending ourselves if we have to. And it's drawing young men in. There is this resurgence of men saying, I am naturally drawn to being a man. It's why they've hit the recruiting goals way ahead of what they ever thought they could do. You can just feel it. It's almost like an intangible. They're young men being drawn back to service of the country because it means something again. It doesn't go all for waste. And you can see it, you can feel it. It's almost like a guttural thing and it's pretty profound.
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Steve Gurney
Yeah. Call Sign Courage is the film the Matthew Lohmire story. Where can people see this, Brian? Where can they catch the film?
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Brian Lloyd
So it just launched today on Salem now, which is an incredible conservative streaming site. And I think it's going to have some traction down the road. What I will say on behalf of the producers and the director is that they built and shot a beautiful documentary film that they put production money into it. But great films that will have ROI for people that want to really make it go need four to five times that in the marketing. How do you put the voice out into the country for it? And it's a, it's a, they shot a beautiful film and it's an incredibly compelling story.
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Steve Gurney
Brian, greatly appreciate you being here on a Veterans Day. It could not be a better story to discuss. Thank you so much.
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Brian Lloyd
Thank you, Steve. I agree. Thanks for having me.
- [26:37]
Steve Gurney
Yes, sir. Call sign Courage, as he mentioned, can be purchased on Salem now, premieres today. You'll be the first to see it. Go to callscourage.com to find out more. What a great story and an important story to tell. After the break, I'll discuss the impact faith has on veterans and civilians when it comes to honoring those who have served. Details coming up on America's Voice live. All right, another point that has heavy prevalence on Veterans Day celebrations have to do with inclusion of faith, specifically prayer to honor those who have served in this country. Back in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation which the 11th of November would be recognized as a day to commemorate those who had served in the armed forces, an act that saw many gathering in places of worship to extend a heartfelt prayer. Fast forward to now. Prayer is observed as a traditional right, but also holds significance as many veterans note their personal connection with faith and God and how it helped them navigate some very difficult times, to say the least. Join me to discuss. This is the president of Communio, JP De Ganz. JP thank you for being here, Steve.
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JP De Ganz
Thanks so much for having me.
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Steve Gurney
You know, maybe a lot of people of faith don't go into battle, but they become people of faith pretty quick. I mean, that would be my assumption. I mean, you get in a hot LZ and, you know, you start making connections maybe you didn't make before. That makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
- [28:14]
JP De Ganz
You're absolutely right. I mean, fundamentally, as the old saying goes, there's not a lot of atheists in foxholes and veterans and current service members are more frequently, on average, more likely to be people of faith. And this goes back to our nations, really. The Nation's founding, the U.S. army when it was started. About 40 days later, the army instituted the Army Chaplain program. Really? And every army regimental in the Continental army served our country.
- [28:52]
Steve Gurney
How important do you think that's been? I mean, whether it's from Lexington and Concord all the way to the, you know, more recent battles and wars and conflicts, we've had that, that, that chaplain in the military. What a, what a pivotal role that doesn't get a lot of publicity, but critical, isn't it?
- [29:10]
JP De Ganz
It's a huge part of our, of our military services. You know, there's over 3,000 army chaplains, let alone all the other, all the other service branches. And you know, it's a huge part of combating, keeping our service members ready, ready to fight. It's also important part of our morale and supporting our armed forces as they're on deployment and after deployment. You know, in Veterans affairs, there's also a major faith component there as well. You know, ultimately, men and women who serve, if they are practicing their religious faith, they're less likely to be depressed. They're less likely, they're more likely to be able to deal with challenges like suicidal ideation. And so, you know, from the very beginning, faith and integrating faith into military service has been absolutely vital. And, and when you look at, you go visit our, you know, the cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery, you can't help but feel how sacred that ground is. And so you can't, you can't separate the importance of faith practice from military service, I think.
- [30:38]
Steve Gurney
So let me ask you this. You know, faith has been pushed out of a number of places. It's been pushed out of the public square and the public schools and a lot of other places and, you know, having scenes of the Christ Child and so forth at Christmas pushed out. But what about faith in the military? Has it become a victim of these left purges of Christianity and Judaism and so forth?
- [31:02]
JP De Ganz
You know, in different ways you can see people of faith are under threat by secular culture. I think our US Military does a great job of incorporating and supporting our chaplains. I was actually just with last night Bishop Joe Coffey of the U.S. arms Military Archdiocese, and he was sharing with me how frequently the chaplains are with the men and women of uniform and supporting them and supporting them, especially on deployment. I mean, not every base can has a full contingent say of chaplains from every religious background and denomination, but they do a great job of providing support really for our men and women overseas.
- [32:04]
Steve Gurney
And here you touched on something incredibly important that is also incredibly painful and a problem that we still have not been able to address fully, and that is the 22 former military members that take their lives every day. You talked about suicidal Ideation. It still happens now, the depression, the anxiety, the inability to fit back in after you've been wherever you might have served in this country. And for this country, that is a big problem even today on this Veterans Day isn't.
- [32:31]
JP De Ganz
Absolutely is. You know, we've got far too many men and women taking their own lives in those who've, who've served in the past. And so it's a big part of, you know, the importance for us people, of those people of faith, churches to be able to reach out to their men and women who have served. I belong to a church that does a lot to celebrate Veterans Day. And where I live, I'm halfway between Fort Belvoir and Quantico, and there are just a number of officers, brass as well as enlisted. And I think my church does a good job of both celebrating and then coming alongside men and women in both forming small groups, supporting them, walking with them, discipling them, so that nobody in our church who's suffering from, say, depression or PTSD is left to walk alone. And I think that's important for all people of faith. I wasn't blessed to be able to serve. I have family members who did serve and have served our nation and know that this is just such a, such an important issue and faith, it's critical. Go a long way of absolutely critical resolving it.
- [34:00]
Steve Gurney
Yeah, it's absolutely paramount and critical. JP thank you for being here today on this Veterans Day. We truly appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Steve. All right, now, the government needs more money, your money. If you owe the IRS back taxes, they can garnish your wages and levy your bank accounts. You know that they can even seize your retirement or take your home. Don't let the IRS target you. Call the professionals at Tax Network usa. Their tax lawyers are enrolled agents and they're experts in powerful programs that may even help you eliminate your tax debt altogether. Tax Network USA is A plus rated and has saved over a billion dollars for their clients. Whether you owe a few thousand or a few million, yes, they can help. In just one phone call, you can start the process of stopping the threatening demand letters, stopping the aggressive collections, and resolving your tax matters once and for all. But you have to act now while you still have options. For a free consultation called Tax Network USA, 1-800-905-8000 or visit tnusa.com rav don't let the IRS be the first to act. Don't go anywhere. America's Voice Live will continue in a. All right. Credit cards and the interest rates associated with them are a problem even for those who use credit sparingly. Recent figures Note that $1 trillion of American debt comes from credit cards, Specifically the interest rates that trap everyday Americans in a perpetual cycle of monthly payments that never seem to change. Join me to discuss is consumer finance advocate for Iconic Debt relief, Melanie Pecor. Melanie, thank you for being here.
- [35:51]
Host/Interviewer
Thank you so much for having me. Appreciate you.
- [35:55]
Steve Gurney
Yeah, I appreciate you on this Veterans Day. Let's start with the obvious. Americans who have never struggled before are suddenly overwhelmed with credit card debt. And the problem is this. From where I sit, you make your minimum payment over and over and over, and it doesn't seem to dent the problem, does it?
- [36:12]
Host/Interviewer
No, it essentially, I like to explain it and kind of picture it as you might as well just drive down the road and throw your money out the window, you know, because it's essentially doing the same thing. These interest rates are 21 to 24%. That's average. A lot of times they're higher. You know, we've got predatory loans that people are taking out as well to try and counter that, pay that off. But they're turning around, having to use their cards again because everything has risen. Right. The Federal Reserve might have cut rates, but the credit card companies aren't passing that on to consumers like us. And on top of that, we've got inflation for groceries, housing, medical costs. Everything's going up. And people are just using their cards way too much because they have to. They're stuck on it.
- [36:54]
Steve Gurney
Yeah. And here's the problem. They run up the debt on things like that, and then they can't seem to catch up. Perpetual cycle of bills in the mail, dunning notices, not sleeping at night, anxiety, you know, and then, of course, it's one of the biggest challenges for married couples. Debt can eat away at a marriage and a relationship. Absolutely true. It's one of the number. It might be the number one reason people get divorced. So we need to help people. So people that follow this program, naturally, they're skeptical, and honestly, they should be. So explain this clearly. What exactly does Iconic Debt Relief do to help these people that are in such a jam?
- [37:33]
Host/Interviewer
Absolutely. That's a very fair question, Steve. Iconic truly just helps consumers to understand their options. We treat you like human beings. You all have a story. There's no judgment to pass. Right. So what we're going to do is we're going to take a look at your finances, we're going to take a look at your goals. What do we have left at the end of the month. Right. What legitimate structured debt relief program is the right fit for you and your family and your goals? Right. So we're not a bank. We want to let you know that up front, we're not here to give you another predatory loan. Right. We're advocates, and together we're going to choose what's the best route and really just stick with you through that journey to ensure that you come out with a much brighter light at the end of the tunnel. And that's what it's about.
- [38:15]
Steve Gurney
Yeah. You've talked to people all over the country. I know. Is there a story that comes to mind that captures the impact these programs can have to help people out?
- [38:24]
Host/Interviewer
Oh, so many stories. Right. It's just a fulfilling feeling. But one that I can think of right now is a couple from Arizona, they had, and I think this relates to a lot of people I've spoke to, really is they've had credit card debts that were. Credit cards, excuse me, that were maxed out. They took out a personal loan prior to try and pay off those credit cards, but due to unexpected expected costs. Excuse me, that are always going to come up. You and I probably both know that. I had two in the last three months. You know, they had to use their credit cards again. Those credit cards got maxed out again because they were also using them for groceries. Because all of a sudden, you know, you don't realize your monthly payments just continue to stack. Right. They're paying almost 2,000, if not more per month just on about $35,000 worth of debt. It was outrageous. On top of the kids in sports, they had, you know, their hot water heater broke, I believe. So they had so much more just continuing to pile up. And they were drowning. Just drowning.
- [39:20]
Steve Gurney
Yeah.
- [39:20]
Host/Interviewer
We walked through their finances together. We talked about their goals. They ended up enrolling in our program and we brought their payment down well over two thirds of what it was. They felt they could finally breathe again. They continued their kids in sports. They started planning for the future. It just. They called me not long ago you mentioned marriage. It truly saved their marriage because stress is huge when it comes to debt and.
- [39:42]
Steve Gurney
No, it's huge.
- [39:43]
Host/Interviewer
It was a big deal.
- [39:45]
Steve Gurney
Debt destroys marriages. Number one cause, by the way, is financial hardship or problems or challenges. All right, so for viewers that are watching right now, look, they get embarrassed. They don't want to talk to anybody. They deny it. They take the letters, they push them off to the side. We need to get past that. What can they do next to get started, to get themselves back on track.
- [40:08]
Host/Interviewer
First and foremost, put that aside for even a five to ten minute conversation. There is no pressure ever. When you call Iconic, we're here to help. We're here to discuss it and roll it out together, right? Don't wait. Every time you wait, the interest rate continues to pile on top of interest every single day. Unless you see a huge financial win coming, like you're getting a lottery ticket that's about to win. Right? Finances aren't going to change unless you change it for yourself. Please reach out. That one discussion could change everything in your future. And I can tell you that from experience. It is an amazing, amazing opportunity to just clear things out. Please call, please.
- [40:54]
Steve Gurney
There you go. If you're overwhelmed by credit card debt, if inflation and rising interest rates are crushing your monthly budget, pick up the phone. Call iconic Debt Relief, 833-408-3828 or visit iconicdebtrelief.com rev-tv to get in contact with the representative today. Melanie, thank you. Thank you very much.
- [41:14]
Host/Interviewer
Thank you so much for having me.
- [41:17]
Steve Gurney
Of course. Now after the break, we'll have a story that reminds us of just how wonderful America is. And it is my plus, your answer to our America's Voice. Question of the day. Why do you think Democrats are upset about a possible deal to reopen the government? We'll hear from you, America, after this. All right. What makes America wonderful? We do it every day on this program. Why don't you leave with a smile on your face no matter what you're going through? Take a moment, take a deep breath and enjoy this story. It comes from Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. President Trump and Vice President J.D. vance participate in the National Veterans Day observance. The ceremony started out with President Trump laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and then holding a moment of silence to commemorate all the service members who gave their lives to defend the values and freedom of this great nation, the freedoms and values that we enjoy. The latter half of the wreath ceremony saw President Trump and Vice President Vance standing side by side in order to salute the tomb, a tradition that further solidifies respect and recognizes the courage it takes to serve in a world that seems so adamant on dispelling tradition. It is a grand gesture that the president has played today in honoring those who served and today reminds us, reminds us all of what truly makes America wonderful. Veterans Day all right, here's your question of the day. I think you'll have some fun with this one. Why do you think the Democrats are so upset about a possible Deal to reopen the government. I mean, they are agitated like a nest of bees run over by a lawnmower. Yes, they are. Reva Rice writes, their illicit cash flow is under attack and removal. It's always about the money, isn't it, Reeva? Seems that way. Bob Burns they're upset because one of their key operating goals is to control government. Well, Bob, you're right about that. Control, power and control. And they just caved in after 40 days, now 42. But they got nothing out of it. Nothing. They could have done this a month ago with the same results. Gerald Zemba writes crybaby demarats didn't get health care for border jumpers. Well, Gerald, they're in need of voters. You know, Lisa Latia writes, because they aren't getting their way. They're narcissistic babies. Debbie Caesar has this. They like feeling that they have the upper hand and like watching Americans suffer. Rosie Jones says, because it doesn't include catering to their federal criminal illegals. Well, again, you come back to power, don't you? The Gen X Republican has this. It's fake outrage. It's fake outrage. None of those demos made a move without Chucky's approval. They're trying to save face. You know, there's truth to that. Apparently Chuck Schumer behind the scenes was pushing to reopen the government. Just couldn't vote for it because, you know, AOC John Hogan writes, because the Republicans held firm and they got nothing by shutting down the government. They might be growing a spine, maybe. Be sure, Todd, the kids didn't want. The kids didn't get what they wanted, that is. And Philip Cory, they wanted DJT to open the government, so he did and now they're upset. And one more from Michael Davison because they have the maturity and mentality of a spoiled two year old. Petulant children, is that what you're saying? They're political bullies that have been forced to back down. Now, if you'd like to participate in the question of the day, it's an easy thing to do. Just follow me on social media, you know, the normal places, Truth Getter X, Facebook, wherever you can find me there. And you can answer the question every single day and go to Steve Gruber.com if you want to just send me an email. We read those on the air from time to time as well. Now it's time to bring in the man of the hour, Eric Bolling, everybody. Here he is. Bowling superhero.
- [45:21]
Eric Bolling
I got a question today for Steve Gruber. Ready for my question? You know.
- [45:25]
Steve Gurney
Sure.
- [45:26]
Eric Bolling
Veterans Day type question. The best war movie ever made for. For you, in your opinion, Steve Gerber. I know. By bar none, I know my favorite, but go ahead. Yours.
- [45:36]
Steve Gurney
Wow. The best for me. I. I mean, I really like Apocalypse now just because I've watched it a thousand times.
- [45:42]
Eric Bolling
Best. We were just having this conversation with the guys in the control room. I like. They're young guys. You know, they're in their 20s. You guys ever seen Apocalypse Now? No. No. No.
- [45:50]
Brian Lloyd
Oh.
- [45:51]
Eric Bolling
I mean, you guys have to understand the mentality behind that movie. It was more. It wasn't even a movie. It was almost like life imitating art. Imitating for what? A wild, wild movie. But Saving Private Ryan, you know, Full.
- [46:04]
Steve Gurney
Metal Jacket, that's a great movie, too.
- [46:06]
Eric Bolling
Great, great movies. But I agree with you.
- [46:08]
Steve Gurney
Apocalypse now is. It's an experience. And for the young people in the control room or anybody else, if you've not seen the film, set aside some time, watch the movie. It is remarkable, start to finish. I mean, if I say this beach is safe to surf, this beach is safe to surf.
- [46:27]
Eric Bolling
I mean, love the smell of napalm in the morning. And, you know, Martin Sheen, a young Martin Sheen, by the way, with his shirt off, the whole movie. As he gets closer to the target he's got. He has to assassinate an American soldier. He has. He's sent to assassinate up the river. As he gets closer to target, he starts losing his own mental facilities. What a phenomenal. Anyway, I. I digress. You know, veterans, they don't. You don't say. Let's all pat a veteran on the back. Let's buy him a beer, buy him a lunch if you see him. Him or her or dog, if that may be the case. Always good to have. Mr. Gruber, I. Man, I'm shocked. I thought you're gonna go with, like, you know, I would. Maybe same Private Ryan. You're a sentimental guy. You're a brother. You know, I thought, you know, go.
- [47:09]
Steve Gurney
With that one Apocalypse now, the. The soundtrack, you know, Wagner, you know, Come on. You know, I mean, just. The whole movie is brilliant. Yeah, brilliant. I give you. I give you. I. I just raised your. Your stock just went up.
- [47:27]
Host/Interviewer
This is an I Heart podcast.