The PoliticsGirl Podcast: Veterans Fighting Fascism – A Memorial Day Conversation with Kristopher Goldsmith
Episode Release Date: May 27, 2025
Introduction
In this poignant Memorial Day episode of The PoliticsGirl Podcast, host Leigh McGowan engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Christopher Goldsmith, an Iraq combat veteran, investigator, and writer dedicated to combating fascism in America. The discussion centers around the rise of domestic extremism, the pivotal role veterans play in this battle, and the initiatives spearheaded by Goldsmith and his organizations to uphold American democracy.
Guest Background
Christopher Goldsmith brings a unique perspective to the conversation, drawing from his military experience and subsequent disillusionment with societal indifference towards veterans. As a millennial who served in Iraq in 2005, Goldsmith witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by returning soldiers, including lack of support and rising mental health issues among his peers.
"I deployed to Iraq in 2005, experienced really terrible things, came home to a country that didn't give a shit, that didn't care about my sacrifices or my friends getting hurt or killed..." (00:55)
Goldsmith transitioned from a Ron Paul libertarian to a fervent anti-fascist, recognizing the dangers of extremism both online and within grassroots movements.
The Nature of Modern Fascism
Goldsmith emphasizes that fascism is not merely a top-down phenomenon emanating from political elites but also grows organically within communities. He underscores the importance of addressing fascism at the local level to effectively curb its spread.
"Fascism, when it grows, it grows in your backyard. It's not a top down thing. It's, it's also grassroots." (00:00)
This perspective highlights the necessity for individuals to engage locally—attending school board meetings, ensuring the integrity of local institutions, and actively participating in community governance to prevent the infiltration of extremist ideologies.
Veterans and Extremism
The conversation delves into the critical role veterans play in either fueling or combating extremism. McGowan and Goldsmith discuss how the camaraderie and small unit cohesion experienced in the military can be both a strength and a vulnerability when transitioning to civilian life.
"When you're in first grade and you're choosing your friend group... there is politics in the military." (07:57)
Goldsmith contrasts the experiences of genuine combat veterans with those who adopt military personas without having served, such as Stuart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, illustrating how symbols like military attire can be co-opted to lend credibility to extremist agendas.
Task Force Butler Institute and Veterans Fighting Fascism
Central to the discussion is Task Force Butler Institute, a nonprofit organization founded by Goldsmith that trains veterans in open-source intelligence research to identify and gather evidence against extremist groups like Patriot Front. The institute empowers veterans to leverage their skills in defending democracy rather than pursuing insurrection.
"Task Force Butler Institute is nonprofit, 501c3 that trains veterans to conduct open source intelligence research so that we can gather evidence of criminality by extremist groups." (16:34)
Similarly, Veterans Fighting Fascism focuses on public education and community engagement. They promote initiatives such as anti-fascist book clubs and the creation of third spaces where individuals can build trust and collaborate to dismantle fascist movements at the grassroots level.
"We are encouraging people to start anti fascist book clubs... to fight fascism in your own backyard." (20:02)
Goldsmith highlights the alarming rise in extremist activities, referencing recent federal lawsuits against groups like Patriot Front and the continued influence of disinformation despite substantial evidence.
January 6th Reflections
Goldsmith shares his harrowing personal experience of witnessing the January 6th Capitol attack from within extremist circles. As he infiltrated these groups, he provided evidence of their violent intentions, yet his efforts appeared futile as the events unfolded, leaving him feeling heartbroken and disillusioned.
"It was heartbroken and... it crushed me." (21:27)
This reflection underscores the urgent need for organized and sustained efforts to prevent such assaults on democracy, emphasizing that mere documentation without institutional support is insufficient.
Calls to Action and Future Initiatives
Goldsmith outlines several avenues for listeners to support the fight against fascism:
-
Unite for Veterans Rally: Scheduled for June 6th at the National Mall, this rally aims to unify veterans and supporters in a public stand against extremism.
"On June 6th... we are going to be joining with tens of thousands... to stand up for the veterans community." (26:54)
-
Support Task Force Butler: Donations and participation in training programs are vital for expanding their capacity to counter extremist groups effectively.
"If you are interested in helping to facilitate the training of veterans... go to taskforcebutler.org." (25:17)
-
Join Veterans Fighting Fascism: Individuals can start local initiatives such as anti-fascist book clubs to foster community resilience.
"Go to veteransfightingfascism.org... you can start an anti fascist book club." (45:14)
Additionally, Goldsmith promotes his personal newsletter and podcast, Find Out, which seeks to redefine masculinity and encourage white men to engage positively within the Democratic landscape.
Concluding Thoughts
Leigh McGowan and Christopher Goldsmith conclude the episode by reaffirming the importance of community, unity, and proactive engagement in safeguarding American democracy. They stress that combating fascism requires organized, well-funded, and sustained efforts from all segments of society, particularly veterans who possess the skills and dedication to lead these initiatives.
"With unity comes strength. We need to support those willing to fight back, willing to step up, willing to bring their skills out of retirement." (52:00)
Goldsmith expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues, emphasizing the collective responsibility to create a better, more inclusive America for future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Fascism is a grassroots issue: Effective counteraction requires local engagement and community vigilance.
- Veterans are pivotal in combating extremism: Leveraging their unique skills and camaraderie can significantly impact the fight against domestic terror.
- Organized efforts are essential: Initiatives like Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism are crucial in providing structured responses to rising extremism.
- Sustained support and funding: For these organizations to thrive and expand their impact, continuous backing from the community and donors is necessary.
- Community and unity: Building strong, supportive communities serves as a bulwark against isolation-driven radicalization.
Further Action
- Attend the Unite for Veterans Rally: Show your support by joining the rally on June 6th. Visit uniteforvets.org for more information.
- Donate to Task Force Butler: Help sustain and expand their vital work by contributing at taskforcebutler.org.
- Engage with Veterans Fighting Fascism: Start or join local initiatives to foster community resilience against extremism at veteransfightingfascism.org.
- Subscribe to Chris Goldsmith’s Newsletter: Stay informed on strategies to combat techno-fascism and support veterans through onoffense.substack.com.
- Listen to the Find Out Podcast: Explore additional discussions on patriotism and masculinity with fellow veterans at findoutpodcast.substack.com.
By fostering unity, engaging locally, and supporting organizations led by dedicated veterans, listeners can contribute to the preservation and strengthening of American democracy against the encroaching threats of fascism.