Patriotism, Sacrifice, and the Call to Civic Action

October 7, 2024
at 12:47 pm

I was a speaker and the emcee at a September 2024 event in Arizona run by a national veterans organization, STARRS.

I highly recommend you go to STARRS.us–a lot of good information to educate yourself on current problems in the military affecting recruitment, retention and readiness. Also sign up for their mailing list to get their weekly newsletter.

Here is my talk and below are other talks where I introduced the speaker and made comments at the end.

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Description:

Reflecting on the profound themes of patriotism and sacrifice, Ray Semko takes you on a journey through personal stories of being drafted and serving in Vietnam. These experiences illuminate the emotional resonance of iconic symbols like the national anthem and the eagle. He discusses the complex geopolitical landscape, contrasting past perceptions of communism with modern global relations, particularly with communist China, whom he has been warning in his D*I*C*E briefings as a threat since 1990. He highlights the importance of oaths and commitments in defending the values represented by the stars and stripes.

Through the eyes of an Army counterintelligence special agent and a Vietnam veteran, Ray examines the significance of protecting the United States against all threats, foreign and domestic. He underscores the strength of the American middle class and the challenges it faces, as well as the enduring value of freedom. With reflections on military camaraderie and training, he issues a passionate call to action for younger generations to preserve knowledge, build teamwork, and uphold the ideals of freedom, ensuring that America remains resilient in the face of challenges.

Touching on personal anecdotes, Ray delves into themes of honesty, influence, and patriotism. Hear a story from 1998 that still resonates today, alongside humorous insights into marriage and truthfulness. His talk moves to the power of influence amidst political disillusionment and the pressing need for active civic engagement. With vital reflections on national security, the integrity of leadership, and the role of voting, especially among veterans, he concludes with a motivational call to action—encouraging everyone to pursue ambitious, meaningful endeavors for a stronger future.

Other talks at the event where I made comments and introduced the speakers:

Kim Miller, President & CEO of Arizona Women of Action, spoke at the STARRS “Rally for Our Republic” in September 2024 in Arizona. Look for the analogy in her speech of dealing with scorpions in her home is how to deal with evil.

Rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man, begins the segment and introduces Kim.

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00:00:05 Patriotism and Political Action
00:04:35 Empowering Women in Political Action
00:13:12 Fighting Marxism in American Institutions
00:19:08 Exposing Marxist Influence in Schools
00:28:19 Community Impact Through School Board Involvement

Description:

Women are busy–working hard caring for families, communities and businesses. But women’s powerful work ethic and compassion have been weaponized by Leftists seeking control. Women have fallen for the propaganda of DEI and ‘Be Kind’ (but don’t use your mind). Leftists use anger, fear, division and distraction to manipulate women.

But when women wake up, see the truth and focus on what really matters, nations are healed! Women awakened in 2020 when they saw the damage to kids and families. Anger turned to action. But what now? It’s time for women to reclaim our unique power to love and strengthen communities—starting LOCAL!

Arizona Women of Action has helped women do just that—connecting and taking local action every week. Founder and President Kim Miller tells how they went from 8 women on a text chain to 23,000+ strong. Even beyond elections, find out how women are starting a movement to strengthen Arizona and America for decades.

https://www.azwomenofaction.com/

Whistleblower Ann Atkinson, a staunch defender of free speech, gave a talk at the STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. She was introduced by rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man.

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Description:

Advocating for free speech in academia can be a path fraught with peril. Ann Atkinson, former executive director of the TW Lewis Center for Personal Development at Arizona State University, courageously stood her ground amidst a storm of opposition of her of promoting traditional American values by hosting an event with speakers like Dennis Prager and Robert Kiyosaki. Her story provides a gripping look into the ramifications of censorship in higher education and reveals the broader implications on students’ freedom to explore diverse perspectives.

Listeners will gain insight into the personal and professional fallout Ann faced, including her termination and the subsequent legislative actions in Arizona. Through Ann’s powerful narrative, the theme of integrity in the workplace is discussed as well as the crucial role of authenticity in fostering an environment conducive to free speech. Ann’s talk is a testament to her unwavering commitment to truth and transparency, showcasing the vital necessity of safeguarding open dialogue on university campuses. Prepare to be inspired by Ann’s resilience and the lessons her story imparts on the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs against all odds.

Listeners will gain a sobering perspective on the pervasive influence of DEI in higher education. Ann has taken these issues to massive platforms—from the Wall Street Journal to Fox Business to the Arizona State Legislature. She illuminates how the issues stemming from the DEI cult extend beyond Ivy League campuses, revealing a crisis where institutions promote one ideology while practicing another.

Her talk unveiled covert tactics used by the academic bureaucracy to intimidate and silence dissenting voices and suppress certain opinions. It’s a rallying call to action, urging attendees to awaken to these realities, defend intellectual diversity, and confront the higher ed ideological cartel.

Timothy Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute gave a talk at STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. Rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man introduced Timothy.

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Description:

Frederick Douglass—the escaped slave who became an internationally famous spokesman for liberty and one of America’s most celebrated intellectuals—declared in the 1850s that the U.S. Constitution was “a glorious liberty document,” and that those who denounced it as enshrining white supremacy and slavery were wrong. What led Douglass to break even with anti-slavery allies to defend the Constitution? And does his vision of the American Dream survive today?

Douglass, a beacon of hope amid the shadows of America’s racial past, is reframed by Timothy Sandefur, an impassioned advocate for free speech. He challenges prevailing narratives by portraying Douglass not just as a former slave but as a profound believer in the promise of American equality. He compares Douglass’s optimism with the more critical perspectives of contemporary figures like Ta-Nehisi Coates, exploring how their differing views influence today’s discourse on racial justice and national identity.

Sandefur covers the stark contrast between Douglass’s belief in the Constitution as a vessel for unity and Coates’s view of the American dream as a façade. Through an exploration of historical and modern perspectives, he discusses how these narratives shape our understanding of race and equality today. His talk emphasizes the importance of hope and perseverance, drawing inspiration from Douglass’s unwavering faith in the nation’s founding ideals as pathways to progress.

Finally, Timothy reflects on the enduring battle for unity in America, guided by Douglass’s teachings on dignity and the relentless pursuit of freedom. He highlights the need for loyalty and self-respect in realizing constitutional ideals for all. Timothy puts forth a call for unity, reminding us of the shared history that binds Americans together and the better angels that can guide us toward a more unified future.

https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/

This talk was introduced by a video, but well worth also listening to:

Matt Lohmeier, Executive Vice President of STARRS, author of the book “Irresistible Revolution” and a public speaker, gave the keynote talk at STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. His presentation starts with a video introduction of his story, an early preview of his upcoming documentary.

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Description:

Former US Air Force/US Space Force Lieutenant Colonel Matt Lohmeier (also a 2006 USAFA grad) shares his personal journey from commanding the 11th Space Warning Squadron to grappling with a profound leftwing ideological shift within the military amplified by the events in 2020. His evolving sense of patriotism and deep appreciation for American history sets the stage for a candid discussion on the impact of leftist ideologies on morale and readiness at Buckley Air Force Base and the resulting challenges of military recruitment.

Matt talked about the thought-provoking literature he introduced to troops at Buckley, sparking conversations that challenge and broaden perspectives. Starting with Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” and moving through historical and political topics, he talks about intriguing links to Frederick Douglass’s philosophies amidst today’s political movements. This literary journey wasn’t just about books; it was about fostering meaningful dialogue in a space often dominated by rigid narratives.

Matt’s talk takes a reflective turn as he explores the dilemma faced by conservative Christians balancing faith and societal change. Drawing on lessons from Cleon Skousen’s book, “The Naked Communist,” he discusses the enduring power of the “Christian Code” as a response to contemporary ideologies. With a call to love, pray, vote, and consider military service, he inspires listeners to engage actively in civic life, championing the values and principles they hold dear, while offering a heartfelt appeal to young men to serve their country in a time of need.

MatthewLohmeier.com

Ray Semko

Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man, is a professional public speaker, motivator, and national security educator who is the creator of Defensive Information to Counter Everything (D*I*C*E) security awareness briefings.