The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

It’s sad to see Americans become increasingly disconnected from their military. Veteran’s Day may be the least observed federal holiday. In this episode (recorded on Veteran’s Day 2019), Stephen urges for a restoration of honor for those who serve in the U.S. military. Though America has been receding as of late, she is still a large force on the world’s stage. Those who safeguard our nation deserve our honor and respect.

Iraq is being overtaken by Iran. The government in Baghdad is essentially a puppet of the Iranian government. There is a massive restructuring underway in the Middle East. And because the U.S. is retreating from its responsibilities, the Iranians are feeling emboldened. This is what the U.S. abandonment of the Kurds has signaled to the Middle East, and it is one of the most pressing issues of our age. These moving pieces will impact our world for many, many years to come if something doesn’t change soon.

The poet John Donne wrote, “Any man's death diminishes me.” Perhaps not in the case of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Look at what can happen when the U.S. stays in the game, pairing its military might and technology with Kurdish courage and fortitude. In this episode, Stephen reflects on the death of Baghdadi, as well as what it will mean for the Kurds, Turkey, Iraq, and the Middle East as a whole. The U.S. should never have abandoned the Kurds, Erdogan is complicit in supporting ISIS, and Iraq is doubting the United States. War clouds are forming in the Middle East. Don’t miss this episode!

At the end of World War II, much of what we think of as third-world countries were not developed enough to be global powers. The U.S. was the superpower on the world’s stage, owned 90 percent of the world’s gold, and had robust industries, technologies, and innovations. Like it or not, the U.S. was the world’s policeman. Now, new players like Russia and China are emerging onto the world’s stage. As this shift occurs, Stephen advises that the U.S. must be very careful in receding from the Middle East. If the U.S. throws up its hands in despair and exits, a vacuum will be left for evil to fill. Listen in as Stephen discusses macro trends in light of Donald Trump’s recent decision and the effects it has had on the Kurds.

Donald Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds may be one of the most important events to happen in our lifetime. Having just returned from Iraqi Kurdistan, Stephen shares his knowledge and personal experience regarding U.S. policy and matters involving the Kurds and Turks. The Kurds are some of the most gracious, loving, and generous people in the world. Sadly, they have a long history of being betrayed. If not promptly addressed, this is a decision that could cost thousands of lives and disrupt progress in foreign affairs for a generation. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/ https://www.rudaw.net/english

On top of serious international problems, trade wars, and a looming recession, division in the U.S. is increasing with the very likely possibility of President Trump’s impeachment. President Trump has so fully declared war on the Left, and so foolishly left himself open to these charges, that it is highly probable he will be impeached by the House. Stephen explains the impeachment process and predicts how he thinks this scene will play out, as well as how he wishes this narrative would develop.

Sex traffickers in Romania say they specifically target the church. Why? “Church girls are pure and their fathers are too busy to tell them they love them. If we tell a church girl she is pretty five times and give her flowers, we have her.” This problem certainly isn’t limited to Romania. Stephen shares some shocking statistics about the extent of the global sex trafficking epidemic. (Mentioned in this episode: https://uncaged.org.).

As you may know, on September 14 there was a drone strike on one of the largest oil fields in the world in Saudi Arabia. All evidence suggests the attack arose from Iran. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo flew in to Saudi Arabia to declare the event an act of war. President Trump responded by saying the US is, “locked and loaded.” But should the US take action? In this episode, Stephen encourages all Americans to ask the critical “what, why, and how” questions of our government.

This year it came to our knowledge that some wealthy people had spent huge amounts of money to get their children into American universities. Hot on the heels of last week’s episode about the United States’ preoccupation with higher education (particularly the liberal arts), Stephen tackles the moral and leadership flaws behind the Varsity Blues Scandal. In wrapping up, he mentions one person in particular whose involvement will be worth watching in the months and years ahead.

You probably know unemployment is at an all-time low in many states. But did you know that there are one million unfilled jobs in the US? In fact, there half-a-million unfilled jobs in manufacturing alone! In this episode, Stephen challenges the conventional wisdom that every high school graduate should rush off to college or university. The higher education model may not serve every individual best. Instead, Stephen urges young men and women to consider their aptitudes and explore opportunities in which they might not only find more satisfaction, but earn more money. (Source: https://www.axios.com/americas-worker-deserts-baa3ba5c-30a3-4d19-8899-461212d31fc2.html)