It’s America’s birthday. July 4th. Independence Day. or INDEPENDENTS Day. Our favorite day of the year around here. And as we load up the car for the beach, or fire up the BBQ, or work the holiday shift, America’s birthday is always a time to stay vigilant.  As the Ukrainians fight a brutal war for their survival, as LGBTQIA+ individuals fight for the recognition of their right to exist and, shamefully, as Ron DeSantis fights his fake war on woke, it’s time for our annual discussion of freedom here on Independent Americans. Time to reflect on what freedom means—and what kind of state it’s in. With a special, important, inspiring and iconic American leader who has shaped what America has been, is now, and will be in the future.  In past July 4th specials, we’ve talked to Willie Geist a few times. Lindsay Church. Leaders who really understand America in a deep way. And can help us understand July 4th—and where we’re going. And this Independence Day, we’ve got another great one. As we really dive into summer, hit the road or the parks or the beach, and walk, hike or drive with the sound of a steady guide in our ears. A voice of America—a conscience—that we can take on the road with us.  He’s a humble and thoughtful and trusted voice of America—for America. A younger generation of leader, and now, writer, who is helping us all understand who we are—as he’s sought to understand himself.  He’s an author and an Emmy Award winning journalist who served as an NBC News correspondent from 2008 to 2016. Primarily covering American politics, he was seen on popular outlets such as NBC Nightly News, Today, NBCNews.com, and MSNBC. In addition to his NBC News post, he co-hosted the critically acclaimed 60/20 Sports with political pundit James Carville on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio. He also served as a guest host on a range of MSNBC programs such as The Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd, Way Too Early with Willie Geist, Andrea Mitchell Reports and NOW with Alex Wagner. He also appeared as a panelist on NBC’s Meet the Press. And now, he’s the author of his own best selling book, Look for Me There. He’s Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) Luke joins our host, national security and political analyst, 9/11 First Responder and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -WATCH video of Paul and Luke’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices