Episode 16: The Pathology of American Exceptionalism with (Ret.) U.S Army Major Danny Sjursen

Jon and Matt were privileged to be joined by retired US Army Major turned prolific antiwar writer, Danny Sjursen. This conversation focused on Major Sjursen's critiques of the pathologies of US empire & American exceptionalism. These are perspectives that are informed by Sjursen's own experiences within the US war machine along with his extensive historical research.  Specifically discussed: - Matt's recent article about reframing Veterans Day - Danny's background: How he transitioned from a budding neocon to one of the most prolific antiwar writers and activists  - Reframing patriotism: Danny breaks down the different types of American patriotism and encourages a shift to a definition oriented around holding one's nation to a high standard of behavior while rejecting blind loyalty and jingoism - Danny's outlook on the obstacles facing antiwar activism: Civilian detachment from US wars,  the invisibility of of US militarism, the need for cross political engagement - Commentary on which recent president was most detrimental to antiwar activism: Obama for  masterfully (but quietly) expansion of  US imperialism OR Trump, whose presidency has seen liberals cozy up to neocons and the intelligence agencies? - Speculation for a Biden presidency with regards to  militarism  - The reason why "woke" imperialism needs to be destroyed as an idea.  - A Staten Island (Shaolin) native's picks for best Wu tang artist and album Danny Sjursen's Work: Please Support Him! All of Danny's writing can be found at his website, skepticalvet.com Check out Danny's books: Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge and   Patriotic Dissent Listen to his podcast, Fortress on a Hill  Specifically mentioned in this episode : Danny's breakdown  on the FOAH episode of the foreign policy of Joe Biden and his recent article for antiwar.com analyzing  (and eviscerating) the likely Biden foreign policy officials  Our Work: Matt's recent article : A Tribute to the Veterans* of America’s Wars Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @Mattylongruns.