Notes from the Producer
Michael Berry spent eight years fighting for freedom as a Marine. Now he fights for freedom in high-stakes, high-profile First Amendment cases at First Liberty Institute – the nation’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to defending religious liberty for all Americans.
Michael talks about our fundamental right to follow our conscience and live according to our beliefs, and shares about the “identity crisis” in the US Military that has resulted in the military’s attack on religious freedom, the devastating consequences for thousands of service members, and the grave national security implications for the entire country.
Michael Talks About
His experience serving as a US Marine and how First Liberty is an extension of that fight for freedom.
The differences between First Liberty and Alliance Defending Freedom, and how they both, like the Army and the Marines, are fighting for America.
The "identity crisis" of the US Military and its consequences - recruiting is down, retention is poor, and the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan is still a source of national shame.
How thousands of principled service members are facing threats to their religious freedom and being forced out of the military.
The pentagon's hypocrisy over Covid-19 vaccination requirements.
How the hemorrhaging of experienced and principled service members is destabilizing the US Military and poses a greater threat to our national security than any foreign power.
How the moral fault lines in the military go back decades.
Michael's big question for the DOD: why was his client's religious exemption for every other mandatory vaccine approved, yet his religious exemption for the Covid-19 vaccine was not?
How First Liberty has served a diverse mix of Americans who had one thing in common – their First Amendment Rights were being threatened.
First Liberty’s free resources and weekly newsletter with updates on religious liberty cases.
Katie's Favorite Quotes
"The pentagon is causing far more damage to the United States and to our national security than any foreign threat ever could."
"Allowing people to serve in an all-volunteer military force - and to keep their religious freedom intact - is historically what has made the United States different from every other country."
"If you don't know what your rights are, you can't stand up for them."
-Michael Berry
Freedom Focus
Step 1: If you (or someone you know) feel like your religious liberty is being violated, First Liberty Institute has your back. Take advantage of their free service today.
Step 2: If you (or someone you know) are a veteran or service member and looking for a new job, search for Gavin de Becker & Associates on RedBalloon.Work.
Step 3: If you haven’t yet, subscribe to the The Courageous Economy and rate & review the show!
In this Episode
We’ve all heard that when we don’t exercise our rights, we lose them. Liberty First is making it easy for everyday Americans to push back when their First Amendment Rights are threatened. I encourage you to sign up for First Liberty’s newsletter and keep yourself informed about your rights and their current cases.
Even if you don‘t currently face a threat to your religious liberties, you can become more knowledgeable, stay informed, and even educate your friends and family so they can learn more about their First Amendment Rights too.
Take Action, and Take Heart,
Katie