Securing America with Frank Gaffney Podcast

Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, Christian Whiton, Christopher Holton

With the 2012 Presidential election coming up next November, Americans are left wondering which Republican candidate will step up and vie for the seat of Commander-in-chief. In a recent straw poll conducted in Iowa last weekend, it seems that Americans want to elect a principal, capable leader who will protect their national security. Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota’s 6th district, who garnered the most votes in this poll, seems to be the solution to not only reducing the deficit but also keeping Americans safe. Frank introduces the show with his thoughts on Rep. Bachmann and the other Republican candidates, as well as how the next leader of the Free World needs to implement the time tested philosophy of “peace through strength.” Next, Lieutenant General and ordained minister, Jerry Boykin joins Secure Freedom Radio to talk about the church’s role in resisting Shariah law, or what he deems the “most serious threat to the United States since 1776.” He also discusses the emergence of a new religious movement in America called Chrislam, which combines Islamic and Christian practices. Boykin comments on how this new movement is merely a tool to appease the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamist extremists in America who claim religious freedom under the Constitution. Former State Department official and principal at DC International Advisory LLC, Christian Whiton examines the latest reports that Pakistan allowed Chinese journalists to take pictures of the fallen helicopter, including its stealth technology, in Afghanistan. He surveys the implications that a close Pakistan-China relationship will have for our military mission in Afghanistan and our influence in the region. This relationship not only strengthens one of America’s most powerful enemies, but also weakens the ties with one of America’s most dangerous allies. Christopher Holton of the Center for Security Policy concludes today’s show by enlightening us about what he refers to as the “symbolic” sanctions placed on Syria. According to Holton, in 2004, 2006, and 2008 President Bush signed orders to cut off all trade to Syria. Thus, he argues that further sanctions, such as freezing al-Assad’s foreign assets are more of a symbolic gesture than a meaningful action. He also discusses with Frank how revenues gathered from the Law of the Sea Treaty might benefit nations such as Cuba and Syria.

Clifford May, Barry Rubin, Sen. Jim Demint, Gordon Chang

Foundation for Defense of Democracies President Clifford May joins Frank to discuss our current foreign policy woes, including the practice he terms, “Borrowing from the Communists to pay the Jihadis.”  May states the irony of the historically unprecedented transfer of wealth from the West to the Middle East, made possible by borrowing from China.  And what is it supplying the Chinese?  “I don’t think they’ll use it for No Child Left Behind programs…[or] for health care.  They’ll use it to build up their military,” says May.  He also gives his take on the perils of Rostam Ghasemi of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps taking command at OPEC, the Neo-sovietism policies of Russia under Putin and Medvedev and finally how economic dynamism can bring America back to dominance. Then, Barry Rubin, Director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center documents the latest development in Turkey’s transformation towards stealth Islamist government after the mass military resignations, last week.  The Editor of the Turkish Studies journal explains how Turkey has inched closer and closer to an Islamic Theocracy as nearly every system from the media, courts, to education and now the army has been overtaken by the radical Justice and Development Party.  Rubin also unravels the guiding philosophy of the Obama Administration towards Islamic extremism, in a word: denial. One of our favorite Senators, Jim Demint, author of The Great American Awakening: Two Years that Changed America, Washington and Me gives a behind the scenes look at the Senate in a time of the Tea Party, town halls and rallies across the country.  “I have no power at all unless I’m standing with millions of Americans who feel the same way,” says the Senator, who explains that it is really the next two years that will determine the future of our nation.  Via the Senate Conservatives Fund, Demint helped elect Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Pat Toomey and others last November, and explains how he will continue to fight in the election year ahead, and why now more than ever we must preserve “Peace through Strength.” Finally, Gordon Chang previews Vice President Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Beijing, which he affirms will be another opportunity for the Administration to bow down to China.  “The Chinese should be coming to Washington from China, not the other way around,” says Chang, as he predicts they will lecture the U.S. on the debt and the impending arms package with Taiwan.  The Forbes contributor explains the importance of Taiwan, why we must sell the Taiwanese all they are willing to buy and China’s strategic play in Australia to pry them away from their alliance with America.

John Feal, Nina Shea, Robert Kaufman, T.X. Hammes

John Feal, Founder of FealGood Foundation, joins Frank to explain his efforts to embrace 9/11 protectors and first responders and what he’s doing to ensure 9/11 does not happen again. Feal was working as a Demolition Supervisor at Ground Zero just days after the attack when a piece of steel fell towards him landing on foot, which was later amputated. Since, Feal has worked tirelessly to support the heroes of 9/11, many of whom have suffered catastrophic health effects. Feal helped pass two bills in Congress, including last year’s James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. He also details his current push for S.911 (the SPECTRUM Act) that will enhance communication between local Firefighters and Police in the event of a future attack.

Next, Nina Shea, of the Hudson Institute, details the harrowing genocide in Sudan. Gen. Omar al-Bashir is again waging war against his own people; bombing farmers, sealing off borders and vowing to shoot down any UN relief aircraft. Shea describes the Obama Administration’s abdication of the crisis, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s meek response suggesting the North and South should stay within their borders. The Director of the Center for Religious Freedom also recounts her continuing efforts against Blasphemy laws, and the international trend of using Hate Speech laws as means to the same end. Hate speech is the “perfect proxy for Blasphemy laws,” she says, where any criticism of Islam is prosecuted, and free speech is silenced.

Historian Robert Kaufman, of Pepperdine University, enlightens us on the “penny wise, pound foolish” philosophy in Washington to gut defense in order to solve our debt crisis. Kaufman explains how the Defense budget actually is quite small, at only 4.7 percent of GDP. Like George McGovern before him, President Obama continues the folly of cutting back defense and international reach due to an “allusion that we are living in an era of perpetual peace.” He explains how throughout history this has been proven a mistake, and also the coming global geo-political nightmare if America is no longer the preeminent superpower.

Finally, Retired Col. T.X. Hammes examines the increasing use of contractors in our fighting overseas. During the Gulf War our military forces to contractor ratio was 10 to 1. Today, in Iraq that ratio is equal and last year more contractors were killed than U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. Hammes looks into this growing phenomenon and the potential unintended consequences thereof, in which the military does not know who it is hiring. The Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies explains how the use of contractors can be a “free ride” for the government, from misleading public opinion in the Iraqi surge to usurping Congressional power.

Peter Berkowitz, Roger Noriega, Erick Stakelbeck, Rep. Duncan Hunter

On today’s edition of Secure Freedom Radio, Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Frank to discuss the latest “Progressive bents,” from contempt for the recent debt deal to efforts that will erode our national sovereignty.  Berkowitz reminds us of the 2010 elections in which the will of the people rejected further spending and growth of the nation’s debt, and how Progressives are up in arms as Congress moves ever so slightly in that direction.  The chair of the Hoover Task Force on National Security and Law also explains how the Left is seeking to submit U.S. sovereignty to International law via the Law of the Sea Treaty.  Berkowitz wonders whether the political class will recognize that America is the main guarantor of International order, and not International bureaucrats or trans-nationalists. Roger Noriega, of the American Enterprise Institute, offers insights into the situation in Mexico, where the New York Times reported the implementation of CIA and retired law enforcement officials on the ground.  Noriega asserts some positive results have been reached while working with Mexican President Felipe Calderon.  However, as Calderon nears the end of his term, Noriega warns the upcoming elections could leave the government in the hands of the radical Leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador.  The Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs also explains Hugo Chavez’s reluctance to leave Venezuela for chemotherapy treatments in Cuba because of the infighting in his regime.  The dangerous situation amongst Chavez’s crooks and cronies makes Noriega weary given the instincts of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy team, which “are usually wrong when it comes to a choice between democracy and a soft landing for our enemies.” Next, Erick Stakelbeck, of CBN News, illuminates the shocking lawsuit that reveals Iran’s connection to the 9/11 attacks.  Although most Americans believe without hesitation Al-Qaeda was the sole perpetrator, it is becoming more apparent that this is not the case.  According to three Iranian defectors from within the Islamist regime, the 9/11 hijackers travel to Afghanistan was facilitated by Imad Mugniyeh, a Hezbollah operative who worked with Iran.  Now the families of the 9/11 victims have filed suit in light of what Stakelbeck calls “rock solid” evidence, dating back seven years to the 9/11 report.  The “Stakelbeck on Terror” host explains the government’s refusal to investigate since the facts would demand action against Iran. Finally, Congressman Duncan Hunter, of California, shares his regrets over the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan.  A former combat veteran himself, Rep. Hunter explains why we shouldn’t Monday morning quarterback the event and dishonor the lost.  A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter also predicts imminent massive defense cuts as both Republicans and Democrats usually “take the path of least resistance” when faced with hard choices in Washington.  Hunter finally explains the naivety of those who hold a “Small Wars” philosophy dismissing the notion of a World War in the future, given the many threats we face.

Peter Berkowitz, Roger Noriega, Erick Stakelbeck, Rep. Duncan Hunter

On today’s edition of Secure Freedom Radio, Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Frank to discuss the latest “Progressive bents,” from contempt for the recent debt deal to efforts that will erode our national sovereignty. Berkowitz reminds us of the 2010 elections in which the will of the people rejected further spending and growth of the nation’s debt, and how Progressives are up in arms as Congress moves ever so slightly in that direction. The chair of the Hoover Task Force on National Security and Law also explains how the Left is seeking to submit U.S. sovereignty to International law via the Law of the Sea Treaty. Berkowitz wonders whether the political class will recognize that America is the main guarantor of International order, and not International bureaucrats or trans-nationalists. Roger Noriega, of the American Enterprise Institute, offers insights into the situation in Mexico, where the New York Times reported the implementation of CIA and retired law enforcement officials on the ground. Noriega asserts some positive results have been reached while working with Mexican President Felipe Calderon. However, as Calderon nears the end of his term, Noriega warns the upcoming elections could leave the government in the hands of the radical Leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs also explains Hugo Chavez’s reluctance to leave Venezuela for chemotherapy treatments in Cuba because of the infighting in his regime. The dangerous situation amongst Chavez’s crooks and cronies makes Noriega weary given the instincts of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy team, which “are usually wrong when it comes to a choice between democracy and a soft landing for our enemies.” Next, Erick Stakelbeck, of CBN News, illuminates the shocking lawsuit that reveals Iran’s connection to the 9/11 attacks. Although most Americans believe without hesitation Al-Qaeda was the sole perpetrator, it is becoming more apparent that this is not the case. According to three Iranian defectors from within the Islamist regime, the 9/11 hijackers travel to Afghanistan was facilitated by Imad Mugniyeh, a Hezbollah operative who worked with Iran. Now the families of the 9/11 victims have filed suit in light of what Stakelbeck calls “rock solid” evidence, dating back seven years to the 9/11 report. The “Stakelbeck on Terror” host explains the government’s refusal to investigate since the facts would demand action against Iran. Finally, Congressman Duncan Hunter, of California, shares his regrets over the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan. A former combat veteran himself, Rep. Hunter explains why we shouldn’t Monday morning quarterback the event and dishonor the lost. A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter also predicts imminent massive defense cuts as both Republicans and Democrats usually “take the path of least resistance” when faced with hard choices in Washington. Hunter finally explains the naivety of those who hold a “Small Wars” philosophy dismissing the notion of a World War in the future, given the many threats we face.

Peter Berkowitz, Roger Noriega, Erick Stakelbeck, Rep. Duncan Hunter

On today’s edition of Secure Freedom Radio, Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Frank to discuss the latest “Progressive bents,” from contempt for the recent debt deal to efforts that will erode our national sovereignty. Berkowitz reminds us of the 2010 elections in which the will of the people rejected further spending and growth of the nation’s debt, and how Progressives are up in arms as Congress moves ever so slightly in that direction. The chair of the Hoover Task Force on National Security and Law also explains how the Left is seeking to submit U.S. sovereignty to International law via the Law of the Sea Treaty. Berkowitz wonders whether the political class will recognize that America is the main guarantor of International order, and not International bureaucrats or trans-nationalists. Roger Noriega, of the American Enterprise Institute, offers insights into the situation in Mexico, where the New York Times reported the implementation of CIA and retired law enforcement officials on the ground. Noriega asserts some positive results have been reached while working with Mexican President Felipe Calderon. However, as Calderon nears the end of his term, Noriega warns the upcoming elections could leave the government in the hands of the radical Leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs also explains Hugo Chavez’s reluctance to leave Venezuela for chemotherapy treatments in Cuba because of the infighting in his regime. The dangerous situation amongst Chavez’s crooks and cronies makes Noriega weary given the instincts of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy team, which “are usually wrong when it comes to a choice between democracy and a soft landing for our enemies.” Next, Erick Stakelbeck, of CBN News, illuminates the shocking lawsuit that reveals Iran’s connection to the 9/11 attacks. Although most Americans believe without hesitation Al-Qaeda was the sole perpetrator, it is becoming more apparent that this is not the case. According to three Iranian defectors from within the Islamist regime, the 9/11 hijackers travel to Afghanistan was facilitated by Imad Mugniyeh, a Hezbollah operative who worked with Iran. Now the families of the 9/11 victims have filed suit in light of what Stakelbeck calls “rock solid” evidence, dating back seven years to the 9/11 report. The “Stakelbeck on Terror” host explains the government’s refusal to investigate since the facts would demand action against Iran. Finally, Congressman Duncan Hunter, of California, shares his regrets over the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan. A former combat veteran himself, Rep. Hunter explains why we shouldn’t Monday morning quarterback the event and dishonor the lost. A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter also predicts imminent massive defense cuts as both Republicans and Democrats usually “take the path of least resistance” when faced with hard choices in Washington. Hunter finally explains the naivety of those who hold a “Small Wars” philosophy dismissing the notion of a World War in the future, given the many threats we face.

Kent Clizbe, Mark Steyn, Paul Kengor, Jim Hanson

Sources inside Lebanon informed former CIA case officer, Kent Clizbe, that the recent candidate for the House of Delegates in Virginia, David Ramadan has personal ties to the Lebanese and Syrian intelligence services. When Clizbe arranged to meet with Ramadan for background information, he refused to answer any questions and acted suspiciously. Kent Clizbe further explains the need for asset validation, or vetting political candidates to make sure they are who they say they are and can do what they say they can do. New York Times bestselling author, Mark Steyn joins Secure Freedom Radio to give listeners an insight into his new book, After America: Get Ready for Armageddon. In After America, Steyn discusses how America has been in economic decline since the 1950s. If the leaders of the United States do not fix the problem by 2015, we are doomed to total decline. Furthermore, he argues that the two centuries Western dominance in the world will be replaced by the dominance of totalitarian regimes and religious Caliphates. The peace and prosperity in which the United States has become accustomed, says Steyn, is not due to Mother Nature, but rather due to international conditions. Next, Paul Kengor talks with Frank about the lessons we can learn from the Reagan presidency in order to solve the current economic crisis. From the Reagan perspective, the United States cannot afford to give up its economic and military strengths. It is this defense strength and military spending that helped collapse the Soviet Union. According to Kengor, the basic problem of the United States is a spending problem in general, not just in the military. Moreover, he argues that the economy can only grow if we stimulate the private, not public sector. Secure Freedom Radio’s resident “boots on the ground” expert, Jim Hanson, concludes today’s show with his remarks on the tragic helicopter crash that killed 30 American soldiers. While he refutes claims that Obama or Biden had a part in the crash, he condemns the administration’s misuse of troops for any political reasons.

Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, Baker Spring, Caroline Glick, Andy McCarthy

Could the old Chinook aircraft supplied by the National Guard to answer a call for help from US military men have been the cause of the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan that killed 30 US soldiers, including 22 elite Navy SEALs? Former US Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin joins Frank to reflect on this event and how he believes that the crash was a result of the dated Boeing Chinook being used in assault operations. He also discusses that the change in strategy from traditional military build-up to a focus on implementing Special Forces will be detrimental to protecting the United States from the threats of our enemies. Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and one of the leading authorities in the US on arms control, Baker Spring enlightens Secure Freedom Radio on the two major elements of the debt-ceiling bill: the cuts happening now until 2021 and the cuts that will happen if the Super Committee fails in approving further cuts. Moreover, he probes into the failure of Congress to establish a permanent baseline for defense cuts. Spring also offers his opinions on the Russian reset mechanism being employed to explore US weaknesses and advance Russian interests. Next, Editor of The Jerusalem Post and Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy, Caroline Glick comments on the social protests instigated by the radical left in Israel. She examines how the protests are an example that the leftist media can easily manipulate the public. Glick further probes the issue of the deregulation of industries in Israel over the past 20 years and the media’s role in shielding the public from an explanation of the advantages of a free market economy. Contributing Editor for the National Review Online and weekly guest on Secure Freedom Radio, Andy McCarthy concludes today’s show by discussing his recent article, “Christie’s ‘Crazies.” McCarthy enlightens us on how New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, recently appointed an Islamist, Sohail Mohammed, as an attorney in New Jersey’s Superior Court.

Jon Perdue, Mark Krikorian, Ryan Mauro, Gordon Chang

Will a downgrade in our credit rating lead to a downgrade in our nation’s security?  Standard and Poor’s announcement on Friday comes on the heels of a significant cuts to the military budget and significant growth of threats around the world.  But first, Jon Perdue, of the Fund for American Studies, joins Frank to discuss Hugo Chavez’s use of Cuba’s universal health care and the latest developments with an alleged deal between U.S. Federal Agents and the Sinaloa drug cartel.  Perdue reports on Chavez’s visits for cancer treatment from a Spanish Doctor in Cuba, and points to his younger brother, Adán Chávez, as a possible successor in the event of his death.  He also informs on the newly surfaced tape of Attorney General Eric Holder speaking in 2009 about Operation Gunrunner, proof against his current stance of ignorance on Fast and Furious.  Perdue, the Director of Latin America Programs, also explains how lawsuits of President Rafael Correa have “frozen free speech in Ecuador,” as more and more nations in the region begin to take pages out of the Chavez playbook. Next, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies Mark Krikorian discusses the latest activities along our Southern border.  Unlike the metaphorical U.S. “War on Drugs,” Mexico is literally engaged in a military struggle with drug cartels, threatening to leave a power vacuum for terrorist groups like Hezbollah to fill so near to home.  Krikorian explains how the notion of a more secure border than ever is becoming a punch line with a fence that “your Grandmother could hop over.”  Krikorian also calls attention to the significant Lebanese and Iraqi immigrant communities in Mexico, as well as the legal battle between the Justice Department and Alabama, which will likely need to be settled by the Supreme Court. Ryan Mauro, Founder of Worldthreats.com, joins Secure Freedom Radio to examine the possible repercussions of the devastating helicopter crash in Afghanistan carrying 30 American soldiers, 22 of whom were members of Seal Team Six.  Mauro explains how the insurgent strike may serve as retaliation in the minds of the Taliban for the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and hence boost their morale.  Mauro, author of Death to America: The Unreported Battle of Iraq, also explains why the fall of the Assad regime in Syria would be good for the West, the increasingly likelihood of Turkish intervention there, and finally the perilous situation in Yemen, where all forces vying for control are antithetical to the U.S. Gordon Chang, our resident Asia expert, concludes today’s show by discussing S&P’s downgrade of America’s credit rating and how it has proven China to be an enemy of the United States.  After years of seeking to supplant the U.S. Dollar, immediately following the downgrade China’s official news agency Xinhua suggested the international community should monitor U.S. monetary printing.  The State-owned People’s Daily also called for treasury holdings to be used as a “financial weapon” against the U.S.  Chang explains how our trade-deficit with China is financing their military build-up, and how President Obama refuses to mention the hostile and belligerent China regime, and Washington’s refusal to confront the ugly truth that the Chinese want to do us harm.

Kori Schake, Daniel Bongino, Austin Berglas, Rep. Louie Gohmert

As the dust settles from Congress’s debt compromise, questions remain about the fate of our national defenses. Kori Schake, Research fellow at the Hoover Institution, explains why she is less concerned about the debt deal, at least in its first phase. “Requiring two to three percent in cuts in defense is manageable,” she says, however, it is the second tranche that requires cause for concern, with the potential of triggering automatic cuts leading to a hollow military. Schake discusses President Obama’s “fundamentally reckless” approach that fails to realize the consequences of gutting defense. “We don’t get to choose when our enemies decide to challenge us,” says Schake, as she recognizes the importance of staying strong in the eyes of our adversaries. Schake also describes the disenfranchisement of our youngest Veterans who face an unemployment rate double that of the rest of the nation, and how the Hiring our Heroes program of the Chamber of Commerce seeks to address their concerns.

Next, Daniel Bongino explains why he left a life as a Secret Service Special Agent to run for Senate in Maryland. “It’s time for normal folks, who have lived lives of real consequence, to get off the couch and get onto the football field,” he says. “I’m just a normal guy fed up with politics as usual,” leading him to challenge career-politician Ben Cardin. A career law enforcement officer, Bongino shares his views on national security, views shaped by traveling to 27 countries. He debunks the perception of America’s poor standing in the World, and offers his perspective on the defense budget and why we have to be “rocked-ribbed with Israel,” our strongest ally in the Middle East. Bongino also explains why the U.S. is a force for good and how “if we don’t have a Country to defend the rest of the issues are irrelevant.”

Coordinating Supervisory Special Agent Austin Berglas, then educates us on the inter-workings of the FBI against cyber crime. Berglas, head of the Cyber Branch of the New York FBI office, says that as people become more and more connected on the Internet, the more vulnerable they are to cyber threats. “If everything is accessible to the Internet, it’s accessible to the bad guys as well,” he says, as even the FBI has been shown to be susceptible to hackers as of late. Berglas explains the “Deterrent effect” in battling cyber warfare, and also the blurring lines between state-sponsored strikes and individual hackers on a worldwide stage.

Finally, Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert takes time from his August recess to give us his take on the debt deal in Washington, one he calls, “disastrous.” “This bill is about national security,” he says, noting that because of base line budgeting there were no cuts, “we simply made decreases in the amount of future increases.” Rep. Gohmert asserts that the deal is gambling with our defenses, the equivalent of a King betting half his castle wall in a medieval poker game. Gohmert resisted the false choice of raising taxes against cutting our security forces in half by voting against the deal, and explains why his fellow Republicans should have done the same. The Vice Chair of Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, also comments on the Administration’s foolhardy outreach to the Muslim Brotherhood, commenting, “we are asking those bent on our destruction to help us against those bent on our destruction.”