The Gist: The Wars We Carry – From Iraq To Port-au-Prince
Released on June 27, 2025 by Peach Fish Productions
1. Supreme Court Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions and Birthright Citizenship
The episode opens with host Mike Pesca discussing a significant Supreme Court ruling that addresses the contentious issue of nationwide injunctions, particularly focusing on birthright citizenship. Pesca references commentary from Adam Liptak, the New York Times Supreme Court correspondent, highlighting the complexities of lower court decisions impacting multiple states.
Mike Pesca [00:00]: “At issue here in this big ruling is... a lower court issues an injunction and then everyone in the country has to follow it.”
Liptak provides insight into the administration's displeasure with these rulings, noting the political tensions between the Biden and Trump administrations over judicial decisions.
Adam Liptak [02:02]: “The court will find a way to say that this particular injunction is okay... nationwide injunctions generally are problematic.”
Thomas Brennan, a veteran and contributor to Warhorse, adds that the Supreme Court's handling of injunctions is a pivotal aspect of the ruling, while the specific matter of birthright citizenship remains unresolved, likely to be addressed in the following year.
Thomas Brennan [02:13]: “And that would mean that the litigation strategy... might still turn out to be a pretty good idea.”
Pesca elaborates on the practical implications of the ruling, using a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the confusion and legal contradictions arising from differing state laws.
Mike Pesca [02:54]: “So here's what Adam Liptak... 22 states sued over the executive order undoing birthright citizenship, and they all won.”
2. Veterans' Experiences in Fallujah
Transitioning to the human impact of war, Pesca introduces a segment based on a Reveal podcast episode featuring veterans of the Iraq War, specifically the harrowing Battle of Fallujah. Guests Jim O'Grady and Thomas Brennan share their personal experiences and the long-term effects of combat.
Jim O'Grady [06:15]: “We encountered the toughest of losses... the battles of Fallujah are just high up there in the memory of Marines as a difficult place to be.”
Thomas Brennan reflects on his role during the battle and the aftermath, emphasizing the moral and psychological toll it took on him and his fellow Marines.
Thomas Brennan [07:12]: “I feel like we were just following orders... I don't think it's wise to have 19, 20, 21 year olds guiding national security decisions.”
The conversation delves into the camaraderie among soldiers, the shared trauma, and the challenges veterans face in reconnecting with civilian life decades after the conflict.
Thomas Brennan [20:25]: “When we first came back... we stayed in touch... but you kind of got to settle into life and you have to face the transition and you drift apart a little bit.”
A poignant moment occurs when Brennan discusses the legacy of fallen comrades, particularly Brad Faircloth, whose bravery and tragic death left a lasting impression on his peers.
Thomas Brennan [14:19]: “Bradley Faircloth was... one of the top Marines in our squad... It was terrifying.”
The segment underscores the enduring scars of war and the ongoing struggle for veterans to find peace and purpose long after their service has ended.
3. Haiti's Use of Drones to Combat Gangs
Shifting focus to international conflicts, Pesca critiques the Haitian government's deployment of drones to suppress gang violence in Port-au-Prince. He questions the legality under international law and contrasts Haiti's situation with El Salvador's approach to crime reduction.
Mike Pesca [26:36]: “Haiti's beleaguered government launches drones against gangs... How can such a person also come to the conclusion that attacking hospitals, ambulances and killing thousands of people doesn't count as an armed conflict?”
Pesca analyzes the arguments presented by legal experts who assert that the violence in Haiti does not meet the criteria for an armed conflict, thereby rendering drone strikes illegal under current international humanitarian law.
Mike Pesca [29:36]: “The armed groups must be organized with a clear chain of command... which they don't, hence, no armed conflict.”
He further explores the ethical and practical implications of using drones in such a volatile environment, highlighting the complex relationship between government action and human rights.
In comparison, Pesca examines El Salvador's drastic measures against gangs under President Nayib Bukele, noting the significant reduction in homicide rates juxtaposed with severe human rights concerns.
Mike Pesca [33:57]: “Bukele has reduced homicides but eroded democracy. That is fair.”
Referencing a ProPublica report, Pesca discusses allegations that Bukele may have colluded with gang leaders to achieve lower crime rates, raising questions about governance and the balance between security and civil liberties.
Mike Pesca [34:17]: “Federal agents suspected that Bukele and his inner circle had diverted US funds to the gang... That's corruption.”
Pesca concludes by emphasizing the dire need for effective solutions that address both security and human rights, critiquing media portrayals that fail to acknowledge the necessary trade-offs in combating rampant violence.
Mike Pesca [35:30]: “You should hint at the tough tradeoffs in the coverage. I don't see many good solutions being offered.”
Conclusion
In this episode of The Gist, Mike Pesca navigates complex issues ranging from high-stakes legal battles in the United States to the deep psychological impacts of warfare and the precarious balance between security and human rights in international conflicts. Through incisive commentary and compelling guest narratives, the episode invites listeners to reflect on the enduring wars we carry, both literal and metaphorical, and the profound consequences they impose on individuals and societies alike.
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