Danny Sjursen, self described "leftist military veteran," along with nationally known author, speaker, professor, podcaster brings his wit and wisdom to our radio show.  Danny, author of Patriotic Dissent and Ghost Riders of Baghdad, speaks on Biden's foreign policy team, our recent saber-rattling with China, American Exceptionalism, our previous expeditionary blunders, the climate and more.

3.25.21Veterans for Peace with Danny Sjursen on Biden/Foreign Policy:  Can this End Well?

Today our special guest is former VFP President Adrienne Kinney who is just back from Western Sahara. Adrienne was part of a four-person group that went to Western Sahara to break the siege of Sultana Haya who has been confined in her home for almost a year and a half by Moroccan occupiers and repressors. Adrienne discusses the situation on the ground, the nonviolent resistance of the Western Saharan people and the brutal occupation of Morocco, and the complicity or ignorance of the western world and the UN.

4.28.22 Veterans for Peace with Adrienne Kinne who is just back from occupied Western Sahara

Dr. Bill Ehrhart joins us to talk about General Smedley Butler and his efforts to call out capitalism, war, and the military. Bill also quickly outlines the rise of the imperialist US. Bill reflects on General Butler's service, the coup planned by the republican party to overthrow FDR that he thwarted, and his late-life activism. We need to remember Smedley's commitment to the Bill of Rights and the people of the US which are severely lacking today.

6.9.22 Veterans for Peace with Dr. Bill Ehrhart on Smedley Butler and US Imperialism

Cindy Piester, a member of VFP Climate Crisis and Militarism Project, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and decades-long peace and justice activist, joins the show after just returning from COP27 in Egypt. Cindy shares her insights into what good (and there were some) and not-so-good (and there was a lot)came out of COP 27. She tells us that for the first time militarism and the climate was not totally ignored, but still, COP27 did nothing to reduce fossil fuels.

12.8.22  Veterans for Peace Welcome Cindy Piester to give us the real story about COP27

Today we have scholars, activists, clergy, politicians, and peacekeepers sharing their thoughts about the Dr. King that is rarely recognized, the Dr. King that was anti-militarism, anti-nuclear weapons, and anti-war. Senator Nina Turner, Rev. Liz Theoharris, Pastor Michael McBride, India Walton, and Khury Petersen-Smith participated in this portion of a webinar hosted by Defuse Nuclear War.  The webinar was facilitated by Hanieh Jodat.  The full webinar can be found at defusenuclearwar.org

2.2.23  Veterans for Peace Remember the Anti-Militarism, Anti-nuclear weapons Dr. King

Three great peace activists join us to discuss the upcoming protest at Holloman Air Force Base in April. Toby Blome, Colonel Ann Wright, and Ken Mayers talk about drones, the dangers, and the damage to people on the ground and people at the control. They also discuss the international ramifications of drones and their uncontrolled spread. With all that, they are protesting at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico and are encouraging people to come. There will be transportation, lodging, food, workshops, speakers, music, and yes non-violent direct action, specifics are a secret. www.shutdowndronewarfare.org

3.30.23 Veterans for Peace:  SHUT DOWN DRONE WARFARE PROTEST IS COMING

In this first of a two-part discussion and for the second week in a row we try to take a historical and holistic view of the Russia-Ukraine war and much more by sharing an interview by Pascal Lottaz of Neutrality Studies with Norwegian Professor Glenn Diesen.  Professor Diesen discusses how this war was predicted as far back as the Clinton Administration.  He also points out how US policies past and now concentrating on military power have actually undermined our standing in the world which is moving toward Geo Economic power.

7.20.23  Veterans for Peace: Professor Glenn Diesen takes holistic/historical look at Russia/Ukraine

Bruce  Carruthers of Save our VA (SOVA) working group updates us on their efforts to halt efforts to privatize the VA and identifies two bills that must be stopped, S1316 and S2649. Then Ryan Black of  DefuseNuclearWar.org and Marcy Winograd of Code Pink and Peace in  Ukraine joined the VFP No Nukes Working group to promote two weeks of action to push for peace and disarmament. Letting us know that if we don't we will face Great Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis).

9.28.23 Veterans for Peace defusing Nuclear War, Peace in Ukraine and an update on the VA

Harvey and Jim listen to and discuss the interview on Al Jazeera's The Bottom Line with host Steve Clemmons and guest Daniel Levy.  They talk about the history of mistakes, ignored agreements, and broken promises that have led us to this moment of destruction and despair.  After that, we hear the desperate words calling for a ceasefire from Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, and Cori Bush.  Then thanks to Mike Figueredo and his Humanist Report we reflect on a progressive who advocates for the death of more children.  We finish with a wonderful call for peace by Michael August and Nell Levin and their song Jerusalem.

10.26.23 Veterans for Peace Israel's Dilemma and US Complicity, Looking at history to understand now

The MerchantsofDeath.org has initiated a people's war crimes tribunal against key weapons manufacturers. Harvey and Jim share this abridged version of the first session in this gripping show by highlighting the need, the precedent, and the facts about these war criminals. In this first session Merchantsofdeath.org concentrate on the US weapons makers fueling the genocide in Gaza. We finish with Masters of War by Bob Dylan

11.16.23 Veterans for Peace:  A People's War Crimes Tribunal Investigates US Weapons Industry

Today we realize just how important it is that the Biden Administration drop the charges against Julian Assange and not set a precedent that could undermine journalism worldwide.  Today we share with you portions of the Belmarsh Tribunal which was convened by Democracy Now, The Intercept, and others as great minds from journalism, international politics,  international law, and the media share the call to release Julian  Assange, drop the charges, and end the efforts to extradite him.  We reflect on his accomplishments and his impact on journalism and how the  US could set a horrific precedent for all journalists if they continue, to pursue extradition.

12.14.23 Veterans for Peace:  Free Julian Assange and drop the charges

Pat Elder of Military Poisons dot Org joins us to talk about PFAS the threat that is silent, under the radar but could drastically alter humanity if not dealt with.  And guess where a lot of PFAS in the US comes from, the US Military of course.  Pat discusses the origins, the dangers, the overwhelming spread, and actions we can take just like Hawaii and Japan to start dealing with this man made mess.   While the climate and nuclear Armageddon are right in our faces, PFAS is the danger that is going to sneak up on us unless we do something.

12.21.23 Veterans for Peace and NOT ANOTHER EXISTENTIAL THREAT, YEP!

Ellen Davidson, VFP Board member, editor of Peace and Planet News, and activist, compares what is going on in Israel to what went on in South Africa and definitively makes the case that Israel is an apartheid state.  She also talks about anti-Semitism and how Israeli actions are exacerbating anti-Semitism in the US and elsewhere.  Harvey then reflects powerfully on US complicity, especially during this holiday season.

12.28.23 Veterans for Peace with Ellen Davidson defines and explains Apartheid and more

COP 28 was not all bad news.  VFP's Cindy Piester is back to give us a rundown about the good, the bad, and the ugly of COP 28 and this year she brought along Dr. Omar Clay to break the science down into scary details.  Yes, there were major issues but the activists and delegates managed to make enough people mad that progress was actually made, despite the efforts of the US, the fossil fuel industry, and the oil baron President of the COP.  We finish with Canary in the Coal Mine by Janet Bates.

1.11.23 Veterans for Peace with Cindy Piester and Dr. Omar Clay on the good and bad of COP28

Veterans for Peace Member Paul Gingras is the executive producer of a new documentary about Catonsville 9 Member Tom Lewis.  Paul talks about his friendship with Tom, Tom's activism and connection with the Berrigans and of course Tom's art.   All these experiences combined with Tom's early death led to Paul committing to create a documentary to ensure that the legacy of Tom Lewis will live on an thrive.  We finish with Dar Williams!

1.25.24 Veterans for Peace with VFP Member Paul Gingras on his documentary about Tom Lewis

We start the show by hearing from two activists in the cause of helping Veterans meet the challenges they face returning to civilian life.  Susan Combs talks about the program, Pancakes for Roger, inspired by her father, the late General Roger Combs, and the foundation she is building to support Veterans in his name.  She includes the University of Missouri Veterans Legal Clinic and all the work they do to help Vets navigate the governmental bureaucracies.  Then Aaron Eckerberg talks ETMS the cutting-edge treatment that is helping Veterans and first responders heal from the trauma of their PTSD.   Harvey and I finish up with some discussion of recent events and then we hear a somber rendition of the Hymn from the Marine Corps Band.

2.1.24 Veterans for Peace Helping Veterans through Pancakes and the cutting edge ETMS

Dr. Walter Hixson, historian, author, commentator, and Middle East Scholar, joins us to discuss the Israel lobby and it's negative/dangerous influence in the United States.  Dr. Hixson discussed the Israeli lobby anchored by the American Israeli Political Action Committee, (AIPAC) and identifies its influences not only on our federal representatives but also on our educational systems, our media, and down to our state and local officials.  They are pervasive and dangerous.  We then end with Imagine by John Lennon just to generate a little hope.

2.8.24 Veterans for Peace:  AIPAC and the Israel lobby are dangerous to our democracy

The Summit on Nuclear Deterrence was just last week and "WE" were there to witness the insanity and the "evil."  Harvey Bennett joined Greg Mello, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Study Group, and journalist Jim Carrier, who attended the three-day "summit" to hear members of the nuclear industrial complex and the Federal Government talk about nuclear war and deterrence.  Can you imagine that they actually believe that we need to be ready to fight a nuclear war and win it?  Hear that and a few voices of reason on what our country is doing in your name and with your tax dollars.  We finish with Sam Cooke because change better come.

2.15.24 Veterans for Peace on the dangers of the Nuclear Industrial Complex

Two staff members of the Highlander Center join us to talk about their work to derail fascism in the South.  Emma Cager Robinson and Denzel Caldwell discuss the challenges in the South and the workshops, training classes, video screenings, and camps offered by the Highlander Center to combat the movement toward fascism in the South.  This is critical as they believe that as the south goes so will the nation so we need to get this redirected now.  They also highlight Tennessee as a quiet, covert domestic leader in this movement to the right.

2.29.24 Veterans for Peace:  Highlander Ctr combating Fascism in the South one workshop at a time.

In this heart-wrenching show, we discuss Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation or as Chris Hedges characterizes it, his divine violence.  We use several clips to explain better and characterize his sacrifice, including Caitlyn Johnstone and Ann Wright.  We also discuss mainstream media's predictable failure in reporting on Aaron.  We hear from veterans during vigils and tributes remembering and honoring Aaron.  We finish up with Al Jazeera's take on Biden's food drop.  Joe Cocker sings our tribute to Aaron.

3.7.24 Veterans for Peace:  Aaron Bushnell's Divine Violence, He was dying for our sins

In this show we revisit our discussions with Ellen Davidson of Veterans for Peace on her discussion of Apartheid and the clear case of Israel/Gaza.  Then we turn to Dr. Walter Hixson, author and historian on the dangers of the Israeli Lobby on our own democracy.  Yes AIPAC and others threaten our democracy.  We then finish up with a wonderful song from the RJ Phillips   remembering Bloody Sunday at the Edmond Pettis Bridge 59 years ago March 7, 1965.

3.14.24 Vets for Peace revisit discussions with Ellen Davidson/Apartheid, Dr. Walter Hixson/AIPAC

The Congress wants to ban Tik Tok so that is a good reason for Harvey and Jim to join Tik Tok to see why and we think we found out.  It is all about the young people getting their news.  Nothing is going to freak Congress out more than young people getting independent news.  Then we talk about an article from Al Jazeera relating Rachel Corrie to Aaron Bushnell to Viola Liuzzo and other people recognized by the marginalized.  We finish up wondering about the hullabaloo surrounding the Oscars and the movie Zone of Interest.

3.21.24  Veterans for Peace, from Tik Tok, to people standing up for the marginalized, to the Oscars

We know that Israel has made claims that it has a greater historical claim to the land than the people in the West Bank and Gaza.  So what do the historical facts actually say?  For that we turn to Middle East Historian, retired teacher, and activist Krishna Madan to trace the turbulent history of the people who lived on the land east of the Mediterranean Sea.  We talk to Krishna personally and refer to the presentation he gave to Veterans for Peace which you can see here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EUnXQOhtoE&t=30s

3.28.24 Veterans for Peace welcome historian Krishna Madan to discuss historical claims to Palestine

Veterans for Peace specifically documents the national and international laws that the US is violating in its facilitation of Israel's genocide in Gaza.  Executive Director of Veterans for Peace Mike Ferner and VFP member Jack Gilroy join us to specifically go over that charges VFP alleges in a letter to Anthony Blinken and other senior members of the State Department that calls on the Inspector General to initiate a criminal investigation.  They specifically detail how the US is in violation of at least six domestic statutes and treaties.  To see the letter:  https://www.veteransforpeace.org/files/4017/0777/8707/VFP_StDept_ltr_FINAL_2-11-24.pdf

4.4.24 VeteransforPeace:  The US is criminally culpable as facilitator of Israel's genocide in Gaza

Larry Hebert was able to join the show for this in-depth discussion of his hunger strike in support of Palestine and against the Biden foreign policy of Biden's unconditional support of Israel's genocide on Gaza.  We missed our initially established interview time because Larry was directed to go to Walter Reed Army Hospital for blood work and a mental evaluation.  After being cleared, he talked to us from the grounds of the US capital. We talked about his hunger strike, his protest, his frustration that Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation generated more of a response in the Middle East than it did in the US,  and his disillusionment about the US Military.  We finish with Eddie Mack and The Sound of War

4.11.24 Veterans for Peace with Larry Hebert, Active Duty Airman on Hunger Strike for Palestine

Vanderbilt University in Nashville is leading the way in the draconian responses against pro-Palestinian rallies and protests.  Today we talk to a Vanderbilt Alumni, a Vanderbilt student who was suspended but now faces probation, and a Staff Writer for the Nashville Scene who was arrested.  We find out what the students were protesting and why.  We talk about the disparate treatment of pro-Palestinian efforts versus more reactionary groups.  We try to understand the Chancellor's principled neutrality to education at Vanderbilt.  Think about principled neutrality; what might that actually mean?  We ask the question is Vanderbilt University betraying or actually upholding it history of dealing with protests on campus?  We finish up with Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine.

4.18.24 Veterans for Peace:  Vanderbilt University's assault on Free Speech and Freedom of the Press

Today Harvey and Jim catch up and follow up with the alumni and student involved in the protest on the Vanderbilt campus.  Harvey targets Boeing putting profit over passenger safety.  We also reflect on an interview between Aaron Mate and Norman Finkelstein from six years ago about the Palestinian right to resist, the right to defend themselves.  Veterans for Peace also has another letter, this time to Biden, calling out his violations of the Symington Glenn amendment in providing aid to a nuclear state (Israel) that has not signed on to the NPT.  We finish up with a new song from Dave Rovics.

4.24.24 Veterans for Peace:  Criminality, Suppression, Capitalism and the right to resist

Bruce Carruthers our resident expert on VA Health Care updates us on a VA report that slams privatization, but can we get it released so that it can make a difference?   Then we turn to Student protests with an update from the encampment at Vanderbilt.  Then the Freedom Flotilla was blocked through the efforts of Israel and the US.  Will another country offer a flag to let them sail?   Finally, as college administrators consider the National Guard, we remember Kent State Day through song.

5.2.24 Veterans for Peace with a Vet Health Care update, then updates from campus and the flotilla

Will Hopkins, the new Executive Director of Veterans for Peace joins Barry Riesch and Colleen Rowley Freedom Flotilla volunteers as we discuss today's VFP activism and tomorrow's activism.  Will leads off by discussing how he went from combat to the peace movement and what he sees as vision and challenge for VFP.  Then we turn to Barry and Colleen who are just back from attempting to sail as part of the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza to break the Israeli siege and bring aid to the Palestinian People in Gaza.  We then finish with Emma's Revolution.

5.9.24 Vets for Peace: meet the new VFP Exec Dir., then a personal update on the Freedom Flotilla

From Charleston, S.C. Harvey conducts an interview with local activist Jason Jones and adds clips from a local lady who is trying to uncover the hidden history of Charleston to help healing but how can a plaque help the healing of a 400 year old wound.  Thus Harvey includes clips from the conference From Enslavement to Reparations: A 400 Year Journey for Justice and provides the case for reparations.

2.11.21 Veterans for Peace and the Case for Reparations from the Epicenter of the Slave Trade.

The Veterans for Peace Radio Hour brings you issues about war, peace and justice everyweek.

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