Eyes Left Podcast

In this first installment of our “Wake Ups” series, former Navy Petty Officer Erica Gordon shares her journey from a homeless shelter, to a hidden war, to creative forms of resistance while still in uniform.  EYES LEFT is a project of The Empire Files, a 501(c)(3) media non-profit—support our work with a tax-deductible donation here: https://www.patreon.com/empirefiles or on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/empirefilesinc Check out Erica's anti-recruitment efforts at https://twitter.com/LeftFlankVets All music by ANAHEDRON

In this debut episode of our new monthly segment, Mike Prysner and SFC (Ret.) Jeff Sauter cover a range of stories that deal with the economic hardships facing active-duty troops and potential recruits—contrasted with a behemoth new Pentagon budget that funnels hundreds of billions to corporations. Plus: abortion rights for troops, the potential renaming of 9 major Army bases named after Confederate bastards & the problems with the new PACT Act. SUPPORT Eyes Left at https://www.patreon.com/empirefiles [this podcast is a project of Empire Files, a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible.] MUSIC by Anahedron FOLLOW us @EyesLeftPod on Twitter and Instagram CONTACT us at eyesleftpod[at]gmail.com

Former Guantanamo prisoner Mansoor Adayfi exposes Ron DeSantis's involvement in torture and war crimes. The podcast explores DeSantis's military background, his time at Guantanamo Bay, and allegations of his participation in illegal acts. It also discusses the role of Jag officers and the lack of legal oversight in the military, raising concerns about politicians in both civilian and military spheres.

After a long absence, let's talk about where the show went and where it is going.

Interview with Sergeant Kevin Benderman, sentenced to 15 months in military prison for refusing to return to Iraq on moral grounds.

The harrowing story of a VA long-term care facility where veterans watched friends die of Covid, then sentenced to a solitary-confinement lockdown. Special guest Spencer Ackerman joins to discuss this story, his new book Reign Of Terror, and more.

Spenser and Mike discuss the BLM upsurge, the role of the National Guard in suppression, and looking inward to find new paths.  PLUS: Radical Military History - The story of the 'Fort Hood 43'

Retired Major Danny Sjursen, who has delved into the influence of West Point alumni in politics, reveals the tight-knit network of the Class of 1986, featuring notable figures like Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper. They discuss how this group shapes U.S. foreign policy through a hawkish agenda linked to their military roots. Sjursen critiques the revolving door between military service and corporate defense interests, calling for a reevaluation of patriotism and the ideals of democracy as we confront the complexities of veteran identity.

Danny Sjursen, a former Army Major turned anti-war author and activist, shares his compelling journey from military service to advocacy. He reflects on the chaos of Iraq and Afghanistan, detailing how personal experiences reshaped his views on U.S. foreign policy. Sjursen discusses the role of Orientalism in military perceptions, the complexities of American imperialism, and the influence of evangelical ties to Israel. His transformation highlights the power of empathy and the struggles of reconciling military obligations with critical activism.

Spenser & Mike get deep in pandemic brain with philosophy and updates on COVID warfare at home & abroad. Show notes: - Join upcoming May 30 national actions to Cancel The Rents @ www.canceltherents.org/ - Get the new album 'Rend Wake' by our audio engineer Anahedron: condinarecords.bandcamp.com/album/rend-wake - Learn about this 72nd anniversary of the Nakba: english.alaraby.co.uk/english/indept…nexation-looms