The MeidasTouch Podcast Defending Democracy with Fred Wellman
Jun 1, 2021
Fred Wellman, Executive Director of the Lincoln Project and a 22-year Army veteran, shares his insights on the meaning of Memorial Day and the ongoing fight for democracy. He discusses the emotional ties to military service while critiquing figures like Sidney Powell and Michael Flynn. The conversation reflects on the evolving narrative of patriotism and the feelings of betrayal among veterans. Wellman emphasizes the need for political action to protect democracy and shares strategies for upcoming elections, encouraging active engagement in the political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Loss
- Fred Wellman lost two men in Desert Storm in 1991 at age 25.
- This shaped his career and view of Memorial Day as a solemn time for reflection.
Ongoing Fight
- Fred Wellman sees the fight against authoritarianism as a continuation of his military service.
- Complacency is dangerous, and the fight for democracy is ongoing.
Unprepared Institutions
- Institutions were unprepared for Trump's authoritarianism, demonstrated by Lafayette Square.
- Park Police, not Trump supporters, attacked reporters, highlighting institutional failure.