Independence is what this nation was founded on. It’s the spirit of our national brand. It was what General—then President George Washington–was all about. It’s where we started, before our political landscape degraded into the dysfunctional and dangerous two party duopoly we have now.  And in his farewell address in 1796, Washington warned that one of the top risks of letting regional loyalties dominate loyalty to the nation as a whole was that it would lead to factionalism—a division of the country by region—or the development of warring political parties. Washington feared when Americans voted by party loyalty, rather than the common interest of the nation, it would foster what he called a “spirit of revenge”.  Here are his words. He warned: “They are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Hamilton himself said parties were “the most fatal disease” of popular governments They were right then. And they are right now.  Independence is not a new thing. It’s an old thing. And essential thing. Maybe THE most essential thing. And the old is new again–because the old is eternal. Independence is eternal.  And we’ve seen it take many forms in America. From Washington, to Ross Perot, to Jesse Ventura, to Yemi Mobolade. And, in the senate, in 2006.  When a former candidate for vice president from one of the two major parties, left the party–to run for Senate (and win) as an independent. And go it alone–HIS WAY.  He is our guest today. He’s Senator Joe Lieberman (@JoeLieberman). He joins host 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 Joe’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Watch Paul on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace.  -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