After the recent mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, and seeing Fred Guttenberg share his heartbreak and outrage on TV over and over again, our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) asked an important question: “How many more times are we going to do this to Fred?” And sure enough, it happened again. And again. And again–with multiple shootings occurring the same day as this recording–including one at a healthcare facility in Tulsa with multiple fatalities.
This is America’s new forever war. This is our tragic and horrible new normal. 
A normal where schools are war zones — and people in actual war zones are sending condolences to us. A new normal where an overwhelming 88% of people favor some sort of action on gun violence but are held hostage by 12% that don’t. None of it makes any sense, and as Americans continue to kill Americans daily, our enemies are celebrating.
They’re celebrating the division sown by politicians that care more about their grasp on power than your child’s safety. And that division is deeper than ever. And the anger is boiling over and turning increasingly violent. From our kids' schools or to our local grocery stores, violence is everywhere. It’s our #1 national security threat. We’ve got to face it. And we’ve got to look for the helpers to help us find the way forward.
Fred Gutenberg (@fred_guttenberg) is a helper. And a hero who is pushing for solutions. He suffered an unimaginable loss, when his 14-year-old daughter Jamie was murdered at Parkland, Florida’s Stoneman Douglas High School. Despite his pain, he emerged the very next day to speak at a vigil addressing his community. It was carried nationally and the entire country was riveted by what he said. America has been riveted by Fred ever since. And he has not stopped ever since.  Fred testified before Congress, started a non-profit, is constantly meeting with leaders in Washington, and wrote a book called Find The Helpers. Fred joined us back in Episode 99 and also in Episode 74 and he’s here again. It’s an urgent and timely conversation you need to hear. 
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is pulled from the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And delivers a healing dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful 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. Stay vigilant, America. 
-Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon. 
-WATCH the full video of this conversation with Paul and Fred here. And share it with your friends and family. 
-Support Fred Guttenberg, get his book, learn more about this charity and encourage him to run for office!
-Get your own awesome “Born in a Riot of Love” PRIDE t-shirt from Minority Veterans of America (MVA) here. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Also check out other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed. 
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