Just When We Thought We Couldn't be More Terrified

Are you new to the Julie Gammack and Guests podcast?Every Monday at noon (Central Time), readers and I gather for a conversation with a person of interest. Topics range from politics and leadership to books, movies, and whatever’s sparking curiosity that week.There’s no cost to subscribe, but paid subscribers help support the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat scholarship fund — and as a thank-you, they receive an invitation to our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party.Save the date: December 17 Topic: Maritime Law, U.S. Military Actions, and Global ConsequencesContext:Admiral Michael Franken, retired U.S. Navy, joined us Monday to discuss recent reports of small vessels being blown up in the Caribbean. Franken, a naval veteran with decades of service and deep expertise in maritime law, interdiction policy, and international military protocols, provided historical and legal insight into what’s happening—and what it could mean.Franken’s Background and Maritime Expertise* Served for decades in the U.S. Navy, including as a Commodore commanding 24 ships and 4 submarines.* Authored the 2003 “Weapons of Mass Destruction Maritime Interdiction Executive Order” under Secretary Rumsfeld, coordinating with John Bolton and multiple U.S. agencies.* Has firsthand experience enforcing maritime law and interdicting over 700 vessels suspected of WMD transport in the Middle East.On the Legality of the Boat Attacks* U.S. is not a formal signatory to the Law of the Sea but historically follows its principles.* He calls the current destruction of small boats in the Caribbean a “travesty of maritime justice.”* Says no nation has legal authority to summarily execute traffickers or civilians at sea. Even if drugs are involved, lethal force is disproportionate and illegal under international law.* Suggests these are not U.S. military operations—no legitimate military unit would carry them out.* Speculates the strikes may be conducted by contractors or paramilitary groups (“a Blackwater-type unit”), possibly using U.S.-made drones (MQ-1s) equipped with Griffin or Hellfire missiles.Political and International Implications* Claims China and Russia have condemned the U.S. actions but stop short of formal retaliation because of America’s global influence.* Suggests a “tacit pass” from other nations who fear political or economic retribution from the Trump administration.* Believes anyone involved in these killings could be wanted by the International Criminal Court eventually.On Intelligence and Drug Smuggling* Acknowledges U.S. intelligence could identify drug-smuggling vessels—but that doesn’t justify lethal strikes.* Notes most cocaine entering the U.S. comes by cargo containers, not small boats.* Says these vessels are likely heading to nearby Caribbean islands, not to America directly.David Thoreson’s Climate QuestionSailor and explorer David Thoreson shifted the discussion to climate and national security:* Franken co-authored the Defense Science Board Climate Change Report, which modeled a potential “trillion-dollar storm” devastating Florida and the Gulf Coast.* Warns that small island nations have no capacity to recover from major hurricanes and that U.S. government indifference to climate change heightens global instability.On Who’s Really Behind the Strikes* Franken speculates the drones could be flown from Panama or Colombia, operated by non-military contractorsunder U.S. direction but outside standard military oversight.* He insists: “You can’t keep this kind of thing quiet in the military.” The lack of leaks suggests it’s being done covertly by private actors.Military Ethics and Resistance* When asked if military leaders might refuse illegal orders, Franken says most officers know right from wrong and would resist unlawful commands.* He warns, though, that if the U.S. escalates to airstrikes in Venezuela or Colombia, “we won’t have a 2026 election.”Press Freedom and Oversight* On the ousting of the Pentagon press corps, Franken calls it alarming:* Says journalists were part of a “three-legged stool” with military and legal officers keeping transparency.* Their removal replaces journalism with propaganda, eroding accountability.* He reiterates that proportionality—using only necessary force—is a fundamental military principle being violated.Wealth Inequality and Social Decay* In closing, Franken pivots to domestic issues:* Believes the U.S. is in a “tussle to maximize wealth disparity”—a systemic division that fuels hopelessness.* Notes younger generations, even with good jobs, are “flat broke” due to debt and housing costs.* Warns the U.S. may lose its global appeal as more people emigrate than immigrate.Economic Fallout and Government Paralysis* Shares a personal anecdote from Washington, D.C.: neighbors furloughed from government jobs have only weeks of savings left.* Laments public disdain for civil servants, noting many are highly trained professionals essential to national stability.* Predicts cascading consequences:* Airline disruptions as subsidies to small airports (like Sioux City, IA) expire.* Worsening public safety and infrastructure failures as funding collapses.Final ToneJulie quipped, “Thank you for making us even more depressed than we were,” to which Franken replied that he didn’t mean to—but acknowledged we’re living through an exceptionally difficult moment.Okoboji Mastery CircleJust announced.Ten Monthly Workshops · January–October 2026 · Second Wednesday · 7 p.m. CTOkoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat participants asked for more time with their favorite OWR speakers — and we listened.Beginning January 14, 2026, we’ll offer ten 90-minute, live online workshopsfeaturing Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat faculty. These interactive sessions include hands-on learning, writing prompts, breakout discussions, and Q&A timewith some of the best teachers in the business.When: Second Wednesday of each month · 7:00 p.m. CentralWho: OWR speakers teaching the most popular sessionsDuration: January through October 2026Registration Options* Okoboji Mastery Circle (MC) – 10 online sessions, January–October 2026.* Early Bird (by Dec. 15): $397* Regular (after Dec. 15): $497Each online session will be recorded for registered participants, so you’ll never have to miss a class.Stay connected, inspired, and growing.Special OfferMastery Circle participants will receive first-priority access to enroll in the Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat VI — and the amount you paid for your Early Bird OMC registration will be fully deducted from the retreat’s $795 early bird tuition.There won’t be a better deal than this — it’s designed to help you stay focused, keep your creative momentum going, and achieve your writing goals.Faculty include Peter Hedges, Rekha Basu, Phoebe Wall Howard, Rachelle Chase, Robert Leonard, Debra Engle, Julie Cantrell, Art Cullen, Kali White VanBaale, literary agents, and many others. Enrollment in the OMC will be capped, so take advantage of this beyond wild deal.Click here:The Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeDid you see that latest compilation of writing by members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative? We are the first state to undertake an endeavor like this through Substack, and we think the idea might catch on.We believe there is a growing hunger for local, independent news and commentary. See what you think:Here is the lighter side of our content - food, travel, music, and personal essays. We call it the Flipside edition: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe