August is steamy hot—and so is the news. Trump is indicted again, Senator Tuberville is making dumb moves again. And extremist domestic terrorists are threatening our peace and politicians' lives again. So much for summer downtime, people. This is a time for focus. And as it all unfolds on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. And this summer is still, definitely a time to #StayVigilant.  Paul Rieckhoff is quickly breaking it down—so you can get up to speed, and head back to the beach.  And we flash back to a powerful and foreboding conversation from right after the fall of Afghanistan—two years ago this month. With Afghanistan war vet, humanitarian and then-maverick Republican Congressman Peter Meijer—who had just returned from a trip inside Afghanistan. He described the harrowing situation he saw on the ground, the policy failures that were unfolding, and predicted much of the dark future Afghanistan exists in today. This an inside look into how the decisions of two years ago created the Great American Betrayal of Afghanistan that continues to compound today.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  Original episode: Congressman Peter Meijer - Episode 130 - September 2, 2021 -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  -Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices