Podcasts about fortresses

Last time we spoke about the Changsha fire. Chiang Kai-shek faced a brutal choice: defend Wuhan to the last man or flood the land to slow the invaders. He chose both, pushing rivers and rallying a fractured army as Japanese forces pressed along the Yangtze. Fortresses at Madang held long, but the cost was high—troops lost, civilians displaced, a city's heart burning in the night. Wuhan fell after months of brutal fighting, yet the battle did not break China's will. Mao Zedong urged strategy over martyrdom, preferring to drain the enemy and buy time for a broader struggle. The Japanese, though victorious tactically, found their strength ebbing, resource strains, supply gaps, and a war that felt endless. In the wake of Wuhan, Changsha stood next in the Japanese crosshairs, its evacuation and a devastating fire leaving ash and memory in its wake. Behind these prices, political currents swirled. Wang Jingwei defected again, seeking power beyond Chiang's grasp, while Chongqing rose as a western bastion of resistance. The war hardened into a protracted stalemate, turning Japan from an aggressive assailant into a wary occupier, and leaving China to endure, persist, and fight on.   #175  The Soviet-Japanese Border Conflicts Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. So based on the title of this one, you probably can see we are taking a bit of a detour. For quite some time we have focused on the Japanese campaigns into China proper 1937-1938. Now the way the second sino-japanese war is traditionally broken down is in phases. 1937-1938, 1939-1942 and 1942-1945. However there is actually even more going on in China aside from the war with Japan. In Xinjiang province a large full blown Islamic revolution breaks out in 1937. We will be covering that story at a later date, but another significant event is escalating border skirmishes in Manchukuo. Now these border skirmishes had been raging ever since the USSR consolidated its hold over the far east. We talked about some of those skirmishes prior to the Sino-Soviet war in 1929. However when Japan created the puppet government of Manchukuo, this was a significant escalation in tensions with the reds. Today we are going to talk about the escalating border conflicts between the Soviets and Japan. A tongue of poorly demarcated land extends southeast from Hunchun, hugging the east bank of the Tumen River between Lake Khasan to the east and Korea to the west. Within this tongue stands Changkufeng Hill, one of a long chain of highlands sweeping from upstream along the rivers and moors toward the sea. The twin-peaked hill sits at the confluence area several miles northwest of the point where Manchuria, Korea, and the Russian Far East meet. The hill's shape reminded Koreans of their changgo, which is a long snare drum constricted at the center and tapped with the hands at each end. When the Manchus came to the Tumen, they rendered the phonetic sounds into three ideographic characters meaning "taut drum peaks" or Chang-ku-feng. The Japanese admired the imagery and preserved the Chinese readings, which they pronounce Cho-ko-ho. From their eastern vantage, the Russians called it Zaozernaya, "hill behind the lake." Soviet troops referred to it as a sugar-loaf hill. For many years, natives and a handful of officials in the region cultivated a relaxed attitude toward borders and sovereignty. Even after the Japanese seized Manchuria in 1931, the issue did not immediately come to a head. With the expansion of Manchukuo and the Soviet Far East under Stalin's Five-Year plans, both sides began to attend more closely to frontier delimitation. Whenever either party acted aggressively, force majeure was invoked to justify the unexpected and disruptive events recognized in international law. Most often, these incidents erupted along the eastern Manchurian borders with the USSR or along the 350-mile frontier south of Lake Khanka, each skirmish carrying the seeds of all-out warfare. Now we need to talk a little bit about border history. The borders in question essentially dated to pacts concluded by the Qing dynasty and the Tsardom. Between the first Sino-Russian Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689 and the Mukden Agreement of 1924, there were over a dozen accords governing the borders. Relevant to Changkufeng were the basic 15-article Convention of Peking, supplementing the Tientsin Treaties of November 1860, some maps made in 1861, and the eight-article Hunchun Border Protocol of 1886. By the 1860 treaty, the Qing ceded to Tsarist Russia the entire maritime province of Siberia, but the meaning of "lands south of Lake Khanka" remained rather vague. Consequently, a further border agreement was negotiated in June 1861 known as "the Lake Khanka Border Pact", by which demarcations were drawn on maps and eight wooden markers erected. The border was to run from Khanka along ridgelines between the Hunchun River and the sea, past Suifenho and Tungning, terminating about 6 miles from the mouth of the Tumen. Then a Russo-Chinese commission established in 1886 drew up the Hunchun Border Pact, proposing new or modified markers along the 1860–1861 lines and arranging a Russian resurvey. However, for the Japanese, in 1938, the Chinese or Manchu texts of the 1886 Hunchun agreement were considered controlling. The Soviets argued the border ran along every summit west of Khasan, thereby granting them jurisdiction over at least the eastern slopes of all elevations, including Changkufeng and Shachaofeng.  Since the Qing dynasty and the house of Romanov were already defunct, the new sovereignties publicly appealed to opposing texts, and the Soviet side would not concede that the Russian-language version had never been deemed binding by the Qing commissioners. Yet, even in 1938, the Japanese knew that only the Chinese text had survived or could be located.    Now both the Chinese and Russian military maps generally drew the frontier along the watershed east of Khasan; this aligned with the 1861 readings based on the Khanka agreement. The Chinese Republican Army conducted new surveys sometime between 1915 and 1920. The latest Chinese military map of the Changkufeng area drew the border considerably closer to the old "red line" of 1886, running west of Khasan but near the shore rather than traversing the highland crests. None of the military delimitations of the border was sanctified by an official agreement. Hence, the Hunchun Protocol, whether well known or not, invaluable or worthless, remained the only government-to-government pact dealing with the frontiers.  Before we jump into it, how about a little summary of what became known as the Soviet-Japanese border conflicts. The first major conflict would obviously be the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. Following years of conflict between the Russian Empire and Japan culminating in the costly Battle of Tsushima, Tsar Nicholas II's government sought peace, recognizing Japan's claims to Korea and agreeing to evacuate Manchuria.  From 1918 to 1920, the Imperial Japanese Army, under Emperor Taishō after the death of Meiji, assisted the White Army and Alexander Kerensky against the Bolshevik Red Army. They also aided the Czechoslovak Legion in Siberia to facilitate its return to Europe after an Austrian-Hungarian armoured train purportedly went astray. By 1920, with Austria-Hungary dissolved and Czechoslovakia established two years earlier, the Czechoslovak Legion reached Europe. Japan withdrew from the Russian Revolution and the Civil War in 1922. Following Japan's 1919-1920 occupations and the Soviet intervention in Mongolia in 1921, the Republic of China also withdrew from Outer Mongolia in 1921. In 1922, after capturing Vladivostok in 1918 to halt Bolshevik advances, Japanese forces retreated to Japan as Bolshevik power grew and the postwar fatigue among combatants increased. After Hirohito's invasion of Manchuria in 1931–1932, following Taishō's death in 1926, border disputes between Manchukuo, the Mongolian People's Republic, and the Soviet Union increased. Many clashes stemmed from poorly defined borders, though some involved espionage. Between 1932 and 1934, the Imperial Japanese Army reported 152 border disputes, largely tied to Soviet intelligence activity in Manchuria, while the Soviets accused Japan of 15 border violations, six air intrusions, and 20 cases of "spy smuggling" in 1933 alone. Numerous additional violations followed in the ensuing years. By the mid-1930s, Soviet-Japanese diplomacy and trust had deteriorated further, with the Japanese being openly labeled "fascist enemies" at the Seventh Comintern Congress in July 1935. Beginning in 1935, conflicts significantly escalated. On 8 January 1935, the first armed clash, known as the Halhamiao incident, took place on the border between Mongolia and Manchukuo. Several dozen cavalrymen of the Mongolian People's Army crossed into Manchuria near disputed fishing grounds and engaged an 11‑man Manchukuo Imperial Army patrol near the Buddhist temple at Halhamiao, led by a Japanese military advisor. The Manchukuo Army sustained 6 wounded and 2 dead, including the Japanese officer; the Mongols suffered no casualties and withdrew after the Japanese sent a punitive expedition to reclaim the area. Two motorized cavalry companies, a machine‑gun company, and a tankette platoon occupied the position for three weeks without resistance. In June 1935, the first direct exchange of fire between the Japanese and Soviets occurred when an 11‑man Japanese patrol west of Lake Khanka was attacked by six Soviet horsemen, reportedly inside Manchukuo territory. In the firefight, one Soviet soldier was killed and two horses were captured. The Japanese requested a joint investigation, but the Soviets rejected the proposal. In October 1935, nine Japanese and 32 Manchukuoan border guards were establishing a post about 20 kilometers north of Suifenho when they were attacked by 50 Soviet soldiers. The Soviets opened fire with rifles and five heavy machine guns. Two Japanese and four Manchukuoan soldiers were killed, and another five were wounded. The Manchukuoan foreign affairs representative lodged a verbal protest with the Soviet consul at Suifenho. The Kwantung Army of Japan also sent an intelligence officer to investigate the clash. On 19 December 1935, a Manchukuoan unit reconnoitering southwest of Buir Lake clashed with a Mongolian party, reportedly capturing 10 soldiers. Five days later, 60 truck‑borne Mongolian troops assaulted the Manchukuoans and were repulsed, at the cost of three Manchukuoan dead. On the same day, at Brunders, Mongolian forces attempted three times to drive out Manchukuoan outposts, and again at night, but all attempts failed. Further small attempts occurred in January, with Mongolians using airplanes for reconnaissance. The arrival of a small Japanese force in three trucks helped foil these attempts; casualties occurred on both sides, though Mongolian casualties are unknown aside from 10 prisoners taken. In February 1936, Lieutenant-Colonel Sugimoto Yasuo was ordered to form a detachment from the 14th Cavalry Regiment to "drive the Outer Mongol intruders from the Olankhuduk region," a directive attributed to Lieutenant-General Kasai Heijuro. Sugimoto's detachment included cavalry guns, heavy machine guns, and tankettes. They faced a force of about 140 Mongolians equipped with heavy machine guns and light artillery. On February 12, Sugimoto's men drove the Mongolians south, at the cost of eight Japanese killed, four wounded, and one tankette destroyed. The Japanese began to withdraw, but were attacked by 5–6 Mongolian armored cars and two bombers, which briefly disrupted the column. The situation was stabilized when the Japanese unit received artillery support, allowing them to destroy or repel the armored cars. In March 1936, the Tauran incident occurred. In this clash, both the Japanese Army and the Mongolian Army deployed a small number of armored fighting vehicles and aircraft. The incident began when 100 Mongolian and six Soviet troops attacked and occupied the disputed village of Tauran, Mongolia, driving off the small Manchurian garrison. They were supported by light bombers and armored cars, though the bombing sorties failed to inflict damage on the Japanese, and three bombers were shot down by Japanese heavy machine guns. Local Japanese forces counter-attacked, conducting dozens of bombing sorties and finally assaulting Tauran with 400 men and 10 tankettes. The result was a Mongolian rout, with 56 Mongolian soldiers killed, including three Soviet advisors, and an unknown number wounded. Japanese losses were 27 killed and 9 wounded. Later in March 1936, another border clash occurred between Japanese and Soviet forces. Reports of border violations prompted the Japanese Korean Army to send ten men by truck to investigate, but the patrol was ambushed by 20 Soviet NKVD soldiers deployed about 300 meters inside territory claimed by Japan. After suffering several casualties, the Japanese patrol withdrew and was reinforced with 100 men, who then drove off the Soviets. Fighting resumed later that day when the NKVD brought reinforcements. By nightfall, the fighting had ceased and both sides had pulled back. The Soviets agreed to return the bodies of two Japanese soldiers who had died in the fighting, a development viewed by the Japanese government as encouraging. In early April 1936, three Japanese soldiers were killed near Suifenho in another minor affray. This incident was notable because the Soviets again returned the bodies of the fallen servicemen. In June 1937, the Kanchazu Island incident occurred on the Amur River along the Soviet–Manchukuo border. Three Soviet gunboats crossed the river's center line, disembarked troops, and occupied Kanchazu Island. Japanese forces from the IJA 1st Division, equipped with two horse-drawn 37 mm artillery pieces, quickly established improvised firing positions and loaded their guns with both high-explosive and armor-piercing shells. They shelled the Soviet vessels, sinking the lead gunboat, crippling the second, and driving off the third. Japanese troops subsequently fired on the swimming crewmen from the sunken ships using machine guns. Thirty-seven Soviet soldiers were killed, while Japanese casualties were zero. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested and demanded the Soviet forces withdraw from the island. The Soviet leadership, apparently shocked by the incident and reluctant to escalate, agreed to evacuate their troops. By 1938 the border situation had deteriorated. The tangled terrain features, mountain, bog, stream, forest, and valley, would have complicated even careful observers' discernment of the old red line drawn in 1886. Fifty years later, the markers themselves had undergone a metamorphosis. Japanese investigators could find, at most, only 14 to 17 markers standing fairly intact between the Tumen estuary and Khanka—roughly one every 25 miles at best. The remainder were missing or ruined; five were found in new locations. Marker "K," for example, was 40 meters deeper inside Manchuria, away from Khanka. Japanese military experts noted that of the 20 markers originally set along the boundaries of Hunchun Prefecture alone, only four could be found by the summer of 1938. The rest had either been wrecked or arbitrarily moved and discarded by Russian or Chinese officials and inhabitants. It is even said that one missing marker could be seen on display in Khabarovsk. The Chinese had generally interpreted the boundary as the road line just west of Khasan, at least in practice. Free road movement, however, had become a problem even 20 years before the Japanese overran Manchuria in 1931–1932 during the so-called Manchurian Incident. The Japanese adopted, or inherited, the Chinese interpretation, which was based on the 1886 agreement on border roads; the key clause held that the frontier west of Khasan would be the road along the lake. Japanese sources emphasize that local residents' anger toward gradual Soviet oppression and penetrations westward into Manchurian territory fueled the conflict. Many natives believed the original boundaries lay east of the lake, but the Soviets adjusted the situation to suit their own convenience. In practice, the Russians were restricting road use just west of Khasan by Manchurian and Korean residents. There was speculation that this was a prelude to taking over the ridgelines, depending on the reaction of the Manchukuoan–Japanese side. Villagers who went to streams or the lake to launder clothing found themselves subjected to sniper fire. Along a 25-mile stretch of road near Shachaofeng, farmers reported coming under fire from new Soviet positions as early as November 1935. Nevertheless, Japanese and Koreans familiar with the Tumen area noted agrarian, seasonal Korean religious rites atop Changkufeng Hill, including fattened pigs sacrificed and changgo drums beaten. Village elders told Japanese visitors in 1938 that, until early the preceding year, no Russians had come as far as Changkufeng Hill. Looking only at the border sector around Changkufeng, the easy days were clearly behind us. In the summer of 1938, Gaimusho "Foreign Ministry" observers described the explosive situation along the Korea–Manchuria–USSR borders as a matter of de facto frontiers. Both sides pressed against each other, and their trigger-happy posture was summed up in the colloquial refrain: "Take another step and we'll let you have it." Near dawn on 13 June 1938, a Manchurian patrol detected a suspicious figure in the fog swirling over Changlingtzu Hill on the Siberian–Manchurian frontier. Challenged at 15 feet, the suspect hurled two pistols to the ground and raised his hands in surrender. At headquarters, the police soon realized this was no routine border-trespassing case. The man was a defector and he was a Russian general, in fact he was the director of all NKVD forces in the Soviet Far East. Beneath a mufti of spring coat and hunting cap, he wore a full uniform with medals. His identification card No. 83 designated him as G. S. Lyushkov, Commissar 3rd Class, countersigned by Nikolai Yezhov, NKVD head in Moscow. Lyushkov was promptly turned over to the Japanese military authorities, who transferred him to Seoul and then to Tokyo under close escort. On 1 July, the Japanese press was permitted to disclose that Lyushkov had sought refuge in Japan. Ten days later, to capitalize on the commissar's notoriety and to confound skeptics, the Japanese produced Lyushkov at a press conference in Tokyo. For the Japanese and foreign correspondents, who met separately with him, Lyushkov described Soviet Far East strength and the turmoil wracking the USSR, because for those of you unfamiliar this was during the Stalinist purges. Clearly, the Japanese had gained a unique reservoir of high-level intelligence and a wealth of materials, including notes scratched in blood by suspects incarcerated at Khabarovsk. A general tightening of Russian frontier security had recently been reported. Natives of Fangchuanting asserted that a Soviet cavalry patrol appeared in June, seemingly for the first time. Contact with Yangkuanping, northwest of Khasan, was severed. More importantly, Japanese Army Signal Corps intelligence detected a surge of Soviet message traffic from the Posyet Bay district. After Lyushkov's defection, a drastic reshuffle in the local Russian command apparently occurred, and responsibility for border surveillance seems to have been reallocated. Japanese records indicate that the Novokievsk security force commander was relieved and the sector garrison replaced by troops from Vladivostok. Gaimusho intelligence also received reports that a border garrison unit had been transferred from Khabarovsk or Chita to the Tumen sector. The Kwantung Army signal monitors also intercepted two significant frontline messages on 6 July from the new Russian local commander in the Posyet region, addressed to Lieutenant General Sokolov in Khabarovsk. Decoded, the messages suggested (1) that ammunition for infantry mortars amounted to less than half the required supply; and  (2) a recommendation that higher headquarters authorize Russian elements to secure certain unoccupied high ground west of Khasan.  The commander noted terrain advantages and the contemplated construction of emplacements that would command Najin and the Korean railway. As a start, at least one Russian platoon should be authorized to dig in on the highest ground (presumably Changkufeng) and deploy four tons of entanglements to stake out the Soviet claim. Korea Army Headquarters received a telegram from the Kwantung Army on 7 July conveying the deciphered messages. On the same day, the 19th Division in North Korea telephoned Seoul that, on 6 July, three or four Soviet horsemen had been observed reconnoitering Manchurian territory from atop a hill called Changkufeng. The alarming intelligence from the Kwantung Army and the front warranted immediate attention by the Korea Army. Some Kwantung Army officers doubted the significance of the developments, with one intelligence official even suggesting the Russian messages might be a deliberate ploy designed to entrap the Japanese at Changkufeng. On 7–8 July, all staff officers in Seoul convened at army headquarters. The name of Changkufeng Hill was not well known, but maps and other data suggested that neither the Japanese nor the Russians had previously stationed border units in the ridge complex west of Khasan. As early as March 1936, Army Commander Koiso Kuniaki had distributed maps to subordinate units, indicating which sectors were in dispute. No patrol was to enter zones lacking definitive demarcation. Until then, the only Japanese element east of the Tumen was a Manchurian policeman at Fangchuanting. Ownership of the high ground emerged as an early issue. A number of other points were raised by  the Kwantung Army: At present, Soviet elements in the area were negligible. The intrusion must not be overlooked. The Russians could be expected to exploit any weakness, and half-measures would not suffice, especially regarding the Japanese defense mission along a 125-mile frontier. In Japanese hands, Changkufeng Hill would be useful, but two excellent observation posts already existed in the neighboring sector of the Manchurian tongue. With dissidence and purges underway, the Russians may have judged it necessary to seal border gaps, particularly after Lyushkov's defection. They may also have sought to control Changkufeng to offset Japanese dominance of the high ground to the north. Soviet seizure of Changkufeng would upset the delicate status quo and could provoke a contest for equivalent observation posts. In broader terms, it mattered little whether the Russians sought a permanent observation post on Changkufeng Hill, which was of relatively minor strategic value. Japan's primary concern lay in the China theater; Changkufeng was peripheral. The Japanese should not expend limited resources or become distracted. The matter required consultation with the high command in Tokyo. In the absence of more comprehensive intelligence, the assembled staff officers concluded that the Korea Army should, at a minimum, ignore or disregard Soviet actions for the time being, while maintaining vigilant observation of the area. The consensus was communicated to Major General Kitano Kenzo, the Korea Army chief of staff, who concurred, and to Koiso. Upon learning that the recommendation advocated a low posture, Koiso inquired only whether the opinion reflected the unanimous view of the staff. Having been assured that it did, he approved the policy. Koiso, then 58, was at the threshold of the routine personnel changes occurring around 15 July. He had just been informed that he would retire and that General Nakamura Kotaro would succeed him. Those acquainted with Koiso perceived him as treating the border difficulties as a minor anticlimax in the course of his command tour. He appeared unemphatic or relaxed as he prepared to depart from a post he had held for twenty-one years. Although neither Koiso nor his staff welcomed the Soviet activities that appeared under way, his reaction likely reflected a reluctance to make decisions that could constrain his soon-to-arrive successor. On 8 July Koiso authorized the dispatch of warnings to the 19th Division at Nanam, to the Hunchun garrison, and to the intelligence branch at Hunchun. These units were instructed to exercise maximum precautions and to tighten frontier security north of Shuiliufeng. In response to the initial appearance of Soviet horsemen at Changkufeng, the Kucheng Border Garrison Unit of the 76th Infantry Regiment maintained close surveillance across the Tumen. By about noon on 9 July, patrols detected approximately a dozen Russian troops commencing construction atop Changkufeng. Between 11 and 13 July, the number of soldiers on the slopes increased to forty; there were also thirty horses and eleven camouflaged tents. Operating in shifts on the western side, thirty meters from the crest, the Russians erected barbed wire and firing trenches; fifty meters forward, they excavated observation trenches. In addition to existing telephone lines between Changkufeng, Lake Khasan, and Kozando, the Russians installed a portable telephone net. Logistical support was provided by three boats on the lake. Approximately twenty kilometers to the east, well within Soviet territory, large forces were being mobilized, and steamship traffic into Posyet Bay intensified. Upon learning of the "intrusion" at Changkufeng on 9 July, Lt. General Suetaka Kamezo, the commander of the 19th Division, dispatched staff officers to the front and prepared to send elements to reinforce border units.  The special significance of Suetaka and his division stemmed from a series of unusual circumstances. Chientao Province, the same zone into which Lyushkov had fled and the sector where Soviet horsemen had appeared, fell within Manchukuo geographically and administratively. Yet, in terms of defense, the configuration of the frontier, the terrain, and the transportation network more closely connected the region with North Korea than with southeastern Manchuria. Approximately 80% of the population was of Korean origin, which implied Japanese rather than Manchukuoan allegiance. Consequently, the Korea Army had been made operationally responsible for the defense of Chientao and controlled not only the three-battalion garrison at Hunchun but also the intelligence detachment located there. In the event of war, the Korea Army's mission was defined as mobilization and execution of subsidiary operational tasks against the USSR, under the control and in support of the Kwantung Army.  The Korea Army ordinarily possessed two infantry divisions, the 19th in North Korea and the 20th stationed at Seoul, but the 20th Division had already departed for China, leaving only the 20th Depot Division in the capital. Beyond sparse ground units, devoid of armor and with weak heavy artillery, there were only two air regiments in Korea, the nearest being the unit at Hoeryong. The Korea Army was designed to maintain public security within Korea as well as fulfill minimal defensive responsibilities. Such an army did not require a full-time operations officer, and none was maintained. When needed, as in mid-1938, the task fell to the senior staff officer, in this case Colonel Iwasaki Tamio. In peacetime, training constituted the primary focus.  Thus, the 19th Division was entrusted with defending northeastern Korea. Its commander, Suetaka, a seasoned infantryman, resented the fact that his elite force had never engaged in combat in China. He intensified training with zeal, emphasizing strict discipline, bravery, aggressiveness, and thorough preparation. Japanese veterans characterized him as severe, bullish, short-tempered, hot-blooded, highly strung, unbending, and stubborn. Nonetheless, there was widespread respect for his realistic training program, maintained under firm, even violent, personal supervision. His men regarded Suetaka as a professional, a modern samurai who forged the division into superb condition. Privately, he was reputed for sensitivity and warmth; a Japanese phrase "yakamashii oyaji" captures the dual sense of stern father and martinet in his character. At the outset, however, Suetaka displayed little aggression. Although not widely known, he did not welcome the orders from army headquarters to deploy to the Tumen. Until late July, he remained somewhat opposed to the notion of dislodging the Soviets from the crest, a proposition arising from neither the division staff nor, initially, Suetaka himself. Colonel Sato noted that, for a week after reports of Soviet excavation at Changkufeng, the division's response was limited to preparations for a possible emergency, as they perceived the matter as a local issue best settled through diplomacy. Korea Army officers acknowledged that, around the time the Soviets consolidated their outpost strength at Changkufeng, an informal and personal telegram arrived in Seoul from a Kwantung Army Intelligence field-grade officer who specialized in Soviet affairs. If the Korea Army hesitated, the Kwantung Army would be obliged to eject the Russians; the matter could not be ignored. While the telegram did not demand a reply and struck several officers as presumptuous and implausible, the message was promptly shown to Koiso. Koiso was driven to immediate action, he wired Tokyo asserting that only the Korea Army could and would handle the incident. One staff officer recalled "We felt we had to act, out of a sense of responsibility. But we resented the Kwantung Army's interference." The Korea Army staff convened shortly after receipt of the unofficial telegram from Hsinking. Based on the latest intelligence from the division dated 13 July, the officers prepared an assessment for submission to the army commander. The hypotheses were distilled into three scenarios: The USSR, or the Far East authorities, desires hostilities. Conclusion: Slightly possible. The USSR seeks to restrain Japan on the eve of the pivotal operations in China: the major Japanese offensive to seize Hankow. Conclusion: Highly probable. The Posyet district commander is new in his post; by occupying the Changkufeng ridges, he would demonstrate loyalty, impress superiors, and seek glory. Conclusion: Possible. Late on 13 July or early on 14 July, Koiso approved the dispatch of a message to the vice minister of war, and the Kwantung Army chief of staff:  "Lake Khasan area lies in troublesome sector USSR has been claiming . . . in accordance with treaties [said Secret Message No. 913], but we interpret it to be Manchukuoan territory, evident even from maps published by Soviet side. Russian actions are patently illegal, but, considering that area does not exert major or immediate influence on operations [Japan] is intending and that China Incident is in full swing, we are not going to conduct counterattack measures immediately. This army is thinking of reasoning with Soviets and requesting pullback, directly on spot. . . . In case Russians do not accede in long run, we have intention to drive Soviet soldiers out of area east of Khasan firmly by use of force."  The message concluded with a request that the Tokyo authorities lodge a formal protest with the USSR, on behalf of Manchukuo and Japan, and guide matters so that the Russians would withdraw quickly. Dominant in Japanese high command thinking in 1938 was the China theater; the Changkufeng episode constituted a mere digression. A sequence of Japanese tactical victories had preceded the summer: Tsingtao fell in January; the Yellow River was reached in March; a "reformed government of the Republic of China" was installed at Nanking several weeks later; Amoy fell in early May; Suchow fell on the 20th. With these gains, northern and central fronts could be linked by the Japanese. Yet Chinese resistance persisted, and while public statements anticipated imminent Chinese dissension, private admissions acknowledged that the partial effects of Suchow's fall were ominous: control might pass from Chiang Kai-shek to the Communists, Chinese defiance might intensify, and Soviet involvement could ensue. A Hankow drive appeared desirable to symbolize the conclusion of the military phase of hostilities. The Japanese and their adversaries were in accord regarding the importance of the summer and autumn campaigns. Even after Suchow's fall, the government discouraged public insinuations that enemy resistance was collapsing; when Chiang addressed the nation on the first anniversary of hostilities, Premier Konoe prophetically proclaimed, "The war has just begun." Colonel Inada Masazum served as the Army General Staff's principal figure for the Changkufeng affair, occupying the position of chief of the 2nd Operations Section within the Operations Bureau in March 1938. A distinguished graduate of the Military Academy, Inada completed the War College program and held a combination of line, instructional, and staff assignments at the War College, the Army General Staff, and the War Ministry. He was recognized as a sharp, highly capable, and driveful personality, though some regarded him as enigmatic. Following the capture of Suchow, Imperial General Headquarters on 18 June ordered field forces to undertake operational preparations for a drive to seize the Wuhan complex. Inada favored a decisive move aimed at achieving a rapid political settlement. He acknowledged that Soviet intervention in 1938, during Japan's involvement in China, would have been critical. Although Japanese forces could still defeat the Chinese, an overextended Japanese Army might be fatally compromised against the Russians. Soviet assistance to China was already pronouncedly unwelcome. The Soviets were reported to possess roughly 20 rifle divisions, four to five cavalry divisions, 1,500 tanks, and 1,560 aircraft, including 300 bombers with a range of approximately 3,000 kilometers, enabling reach from Vladivostok to Tokyo. Soviet manpower in Siberia was likely near 370,000. In response, Japanese central authorities stressed a no-trouble policy toward the USSR while seeking to "wall off" the border and bolster the Kwantung Army as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, the envisaged correction of the strategic imbalance could not occur before 1943, given shortages in ammunition, manpower, and materiel across existing theaters in China. By the end of 1937 Japan had committed 16 of its 24 divisions to China, bringing the standing force to roughly 700,000. Army General Staff planners reallocated three ground divisions, intended for a northern contingency, from north to central China, even as the Kwantung Army operated from a less favorable posture. Attitudes toward the northern problem varied within senior military circles. While concern persisted, it was not universal. As campaigns in China widened, planning at the high command level deteriorated, propagating confusion and anxiety to field armies in China. The Japanese Navy suspected that the Army general staff was invoking the USSR as a pretext for broader strategic aims—namely, to provoke a more consequential confrontation with the USSR while the Navy contended with its own strategic rivalries with the Army, centered on the United States and Britain. Army leaders, however, denied aggressive intent against the USSR at that time. The Hankow plan encountered substantial internal opposition at high levels. Private assessments among army planners suggested that a two-front war would be premature given operational readiness and troop strength. Not only were new War Ministry officials cautious, but many high-ranking Army general staff officers and court circles shared doubts.  Aggressive tendencies, influenced by subordinates and the Kwantung Army, were evident in Inada, who repeatedly pressed Tada Shun, the deputy army chief of staff, to endorse the Wuhan drive as both necessary and feasible, arguing that the USSR would gain from Japan's weakening without incurring substantial losses. Inada contended that Stalin was rational and that time favored the USSR in the Far East, where industrial buildup and military modernization were ongoing. He argued that the Soviet purges impeded opportunistic ventures with Japan. He posited that Nazi Germany posed a growing threat on the western front, and thus the USSR should be avoided by both Japan, due to China and Russia, due to Germany. While most of the army remained engaged in China, Tada did not initially share Inada's views; only after inspecting the Manchurian borders in April 1938 did he finally align with Inada's broader vision, which encompassed both northern and Chinese considerations. During this period, Inada studied daily intelligence from the Kwantung Army, and after Lyushkov's defection in June, reports suggested the Soviets were following their sector commander's recommendations. Russian troops appeared at Changkufeng, seemingly prepared to dig in. Inada recollects his reaction: "That's nice, my chance has come." I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The simmering Soviet–Japanese border clashes centered on Changkufeng Hill near Lake Khanka, set within a broader history of contested frontiers dating to Qing and Tsarist treaties. Japan, prioritizing China, considered Changkufeng peripheral but ready to confront Soviet encroachment; Moscow aimed to consolidate border gains, with high-level war planning overlaying regional skirmishes. Conflict loomed over Manchuria.

This week in Sea of Thieves, it's time to get an impression of the latest addition to Season 17. While I'm happy with how the forts turned out, both on High Seas and Safer Seas, there's a lingering issue that I have with the Emporium. There are also some changes coming in the future that will make a majority of Hourglass players happy, and quick swap is now being tested in Insiders. All that and more on this week's episode! Support: https://www.patreon.com/keelhauledpodcast Contact Info: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/captlogun.bsky.social Email: Captlogun@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/capt_logun Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/capt_logun Gamertag: CaptainLogun Community: Keelhauled Podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/5VRabwR Other Places to Listen: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/keelhauled-a-sea-of-thieves-podcast/id1351615675?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BrEqA6prz6t31wlFgaWaS Merch: Teespring: https://teespring.com/stores/keelhauled-podcast

For centuries, we built fortresses of stone and ideas to survive: walls, borders, hierarchies. But today, the world is asking us for something different.In this capsule, I share a very special reflection I co-wrote with Menno Lammers: how can we move from fear-based fortresses to regenerative castles of belonging?A journey that invites us to imagine and create living spaces where power is not measured by domination, but by care, connection, and the life that flourishes.✨ I invite you to listen to this episode with an open heart, as a bridge to new questions:What does it mean to build from regeneration?What kind of legacy do we want to leave for the next generations?

Elmer Bendiner was the navigator of a B-17 bomber during World War 2. His plane should have never returned from its mission, but strange luck would visit him that day.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-stories-with-seth-andrews--5621867/support.

Today's guest is Mark Toro, Chief Vision Officer @ Toro Development Co, based in Atlanta, GA.   Mark unpacks the philosophy, economics, and human-centered detail behind some of the most successful mixed-use developments in the country. We talk through his journey from building suburban power centers to pioneering immersive experiences like Avalon, Colony Square, and the upcoming Medley.  Mark shares how the 2008 financial crisis sparked his rethinking of real estate as a service business rather than just a physical asset—and how ideas like hospitality, branding, and community integration became central to his playbook.  This episode is packed with specific examples, war stories, and lessons on what it really takes to develop places people never want to leave. We discuss: - Why demographics and household income drive everything in site selection - How do vertically integrated, mixed-use developments function financially and operationally - The importance of patios, music, and concierge-level service in creating “third places” - Why tenant selection is both science and art—and what betting on the right jockey really means - How a bottle of tequila became a company tradition symbolizing intentionality and pride in execution Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:43) - Mark's career and background (00:08:03) - The gutted middle in retail (00:09:38) - Site selection criteria for a “fortress” (00:18:45) - Seamless integration (00:26:27) - The art of pitching tenants (00:31:42) - Mark's approach to “opening” dates (00:33:28) - Betting the farm on tenants (00:35:46) - Office (00:40:18) - Parking strategies (00:41:51) - Hospitality vs. real estate (00:45:23) - Being Disney-esque (00:49:22) - Low-hanging fruit that properties can implement today (00:54:17) - Marketing funds (00:57:55) - Equity partners (00:58:56) - Why isn't this model scalable? (01:04:10) - How much more profitable can a fortress be than other mixed-use areas (01:07:12) - Eric Weatherholtz & extending patio season (01:10:49) - The tequila story Support our Sponsors: Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com/fort⁠ Vesto: ⁠https://www.vesto.com/fort⁠ BetterPitch: ⁠https://bit.ly/42d9L0I⁠ Links: Mark Toro on LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktoro/⁠ Toro Development Co. - ⁠https://torodevco.com/⁠ Chris on Social Media: The Fort Podcast on Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/theFORTpodcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/45gIkFd⁠ Watch The Fort on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3oynxNX⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://bit.ly/43SOvys⁠ Leave a review on Apple: ⁠https://bit.ly/45crFD0⁠ Leave a review on Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO⁠

On Day Four of our special Tricycle Week, we explore the article "Knowing the Three Fortresses," a compelling piece that offers a fresh lens on inner resilience and spiritual grounding. Drawing from traditional Buddhist teachings, the article introduces the concept of the Three Fortresses—Powerful antidotes to distraction, confusion, and self-doubt on the path of practice. In today's episode, I share reflections on how these fortresses serve as both refuge and rallying point—helping us meet the challenges of daily life with steadiness, awareness, and compassion. Whether you're navigating a tough moment or simply trying to stay centered in your practice, this teaching will give you tools to return home to yourself. What You'll Learn: What the Three Fortresses are and how they can support your spiritual path How to apply their wisdom to your everyday life Why awareness, retreat, and reliance on the Dharma are vital in uncertain times Resources: Read the full article at Tricycle.org Want to deepen your meditation practice? Visit the Zen Commuter website for more resources and guidance. Share this episode with someone who could use a dose of calm and insight. Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation)   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review

From towering stone walls to secret passages, castles are full of surprises! Find out why people built them, how they defended them, and what life was like inside during the Middle Ages.

The Second Temple period will look at the Jewish rebellions, including the Maccabees against the Greeks, the Jews against the Romans, Bar Kochba's reconquest of Jerusalem, and the splintering of Jewish society into numerous Jewish sects.  We will discuss the significance of the development of the Talmud and the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Also considered will be Jesus' Jewish identity and the beginnings of Christianity emerging from Judaism. The visual part of the talk and the presentation can be found on our YouTube channel by this link: https://youtu.be/dlbuymIRnRk?si=Aa5hZU5bdHzMiuYR

Please note: I wrote this on April 28th, and then was traveling abroad for the last few weeks, so I had no opportunity to post this until now, sorry about that: but nothing I have said here has been rendered wrong by Operation Sindoor and the near-war that happened after I wrote this. Deccan Herald ran a slightly edited version as my regular column on May 4th at https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/on-pahalgam-imperial-fortresses-and-kashmir-s-settler-colonialism-3523731 With good reason, India has focused on Pakistan as the culprit behind the Pahalgam atrocity. It is telling that their army chief declared to Pakistanis that Hindus and Muslims are two different nations and that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein. He implied that Pakistan is the ideal Islamic state as in Venkat Dhulipala's “Creating a New Medina: State Power, Islam, and the Quest for Pakistan in Late Colonial North India”. This could have been a signal to the terrorists to create maximum offence while massacring Hindus.Given Kargil, IC 814, Bombay 26/11, Uri, Pulwama, and now Pahalgam, India is justified in cutting ties to Pakistan, including trade, sports, the cringe Attari circus, even diplomatic relations. India did once mass its forces at the Line of Control in Operation Parakram, but honoring the Shimla Agreement, did not cross. Now that Pakistan has canceled the Agreement, there is no legal reason for restraint, especially since the nuclear bogey is no longer credible.But there is more. The Pakistani defense minister said that his country had been doing the dirty work for the US and the West for decades. Maybe he meant the Afghan war against the Soviets and post-9/11 somersaults by Pakistan. But that's only scratching the surface.Britain explicitly created Pakistan as a Great Game weapon against Russia/Soviet Union, and when that collapsed, against india. Britain has been using Pakistan as an “imperial fortress”, as I pointed out in “Britain's outsized, malign role in global chaos”. Whitehall tilts strongly towards Pakistani interests, even in the case of widespread gang-rapes of minor white girls, not to mention their antics against Hindus in Leicester.Official mouthpiece BBC never speaks of Pakistani terrorists, only ‘gunmen'; it's always “Indian-controlled Kashmir”; and an extraordinary headline recently said: “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists”. These are not accidents.Britain and the US Deep State (eg. Madeleine Albright and other Atlanticists) worry about the waning influence of Europe (or “northwest Asia” as I wrote in “The End of the European Century”). Naturally, incumbent powers go to war with a rising power (Thucydides Trap: Graham Allison's thesis). This has been the rationale for containing Russia, now it is being turned to Asia. China is rather inscrutable and impregnable, so they attack India, which is easier prey.Then there is the Otherization of Hindus and thus Indians. Even as staunch an atheist as Richard Dawkins (“The Blind Watchmaker”) admits Judeo-Christian cultural biases. Only Christopher Hitchens among modern atheists was self-reflective enough to avoid this. Abrahamics would like to make us disappear, and so engendered great famines in India (“Late Victorian Holocausts”). Now this is reprising through climatism (at an Alexandra Ocasio Cortez rally there was a woman earnestly saying “we have to eat babies” to reduce emissions). Covid was possibly another attempt at depopulating ‘deplorables', that is black and brown people.Let's not forget China, also unhappy about India's possible economic rise; so it dutifully regurgitated “all-weather” support for Pakistan. They have used Pakistan to keep India down, as a force multiplier for violence and trouble. Then China can market itself as a safe investment destination compared to a dangerous India where FDI may be risky. I suspect this is part of their siren-song to big firms (eg. Apple) now.Finally, and most importantly, there is the settler-colonial complex of Muslim Kashmiris. They trot out South Africa, other European conquests and Gaza as examples of colonialists violating natives' rights and imply the same in Kashmir. The bitter irony of course is that it is the Muslims who are the colonialists wiping out Kashmir's indigenous Hindus who have a 5000 year history there. They have turned the logic on its head: see the Harvard Law Review paper “From Domicile to Dominion, India's Settler Colonial Agenda in Kashmir”.There have been seven tragic exoduses of Hindus from Kashmir: 1. 1389–1413 (Sultan Sikandar Shah), 2. 1505–1514 (Fateh Shah II), 3. 16th–17th Century (Timurid Period), 4. 1752–1819 (Durrani Rule), 5. 1931 (Anti-Dogra Riots), 6. 1986 (Anantnag Riots), 7. 1989–1990 (Militancy-Driven Exodus). Most Hindu Kashmiris now rot in refugee camps.I wrote long ago in “India, the Kashmiri colony” about Muslim Kashmiris extracting tribute from the Indian/Hindu taxpayer. Worse, there is evidence emerging that local overground workers (eg. mule handlers) arranged the logistics for the Pahalgam massacre. Acts of terror need local support, possibly including from local politicians (a former CM referred to terrorists as “the boys with guns from the mountains”).Yes, it's good to punish Pakistan (eg. Indus Water Treaty), but terror will persist until Muslim Kashmiris realize their future lies with rising, multi-religious India, not jihadi failed-state Pakistan; and the Deep State desists from further mischief.798 words, Apr 28, 2025 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

Bible Reading: Psalm 31:1-5"Hurry! Pull up the drawbridge, Winston!" Mitchell hurried into the cardboard castle in their basement. "The enemy is coming!"Winston pulled up the bridge, and both boys peered through narrow slits in the walls. "Now they won't be able to cross the moat," said Winston. "And even if they do, our strong walls will keep us safe."Just then Dad came down the stairs, followed by the boys' sister, Charis. "I think it's time for a break," he said, holding out a bowl of popcorn. They all sat in the courtyard of the castle, eating popcorn and admiring the corner towers made by big refrigerator boxes. The towers were connected by cardboard walls."This castle is a lot of fun, Dad," said Mitchell. "Thanks for helping us build it." "This doesn't seem much like a castle to me," said Charis. "I thought castles were big, beautiful palaces with lots of fancy rooms.""This castle is really a fortress, not a palace," Dad said. "Fortresses were used years and years ago to protect people from their enemies." He took a handful of popcorn from the bowl. "Did you know that God is described as a fortress?" "He is?" asked Winston. "How can He be a fortress?""Well," said Dad, "remember that school shooting we heard about on the news this morning?" Charis nodded. "It scared me.""Me too," said Winston. "What if that happened at our school?""We live in a sinful world, and bad things happen all around us," said Dad. "But we can find peace by running to our fortress--Jesus, who sacrificed His life to save us from sin and death. We can draw close to Him and trust Him to take care of us." "But we could still get hit by an enemy arrow, even inside our castle," said Mitchell."That's right," said Dad. "And sometimes even Christians get hurt. But when we take refuge in the Lord, we can have peace knowing we're safe with Him. We can be sure that even if an arrow--some bad thing--strikes us, He will be with us. Even death itself cannot separate us from Jesus, because He conquered death when He rose again. No matter what happens, we can have peace knowing we've been given eternal life in Him." –Jody Hedlund How About You?Have you ever been scared by something you heard in the news? We live in a sinful world where lots of bad things happen, but if you're a Christian, you have a strong fortress where you can run for protection--Jesus! He promises to be with you and give you peace--even if bad things do happen. Tell Him your worries and fears and trust Him to be with you. Today's Key Verse:The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. (NKJV) (Psalm 18:2)Today's Key Thought:God gives peace

Join us for Part 3 of our series on Boeing's Fortresses, the evergreen B-52 Stratofortress!

Join us for Part 2 of our series on Boeing's Fortresses, the remarkable B-29 Superfortress! Ordered from Boeing's drawing board and costing $3b in 1940s money, the delivery system for the atomic bomb cost even more than the weapon itself. But that is only part of the remarkable tale Ben Skipper has to share with us.

Join us for Part 1 of our series on Boeing's Fortresses, the incredible B-17 Flying Fortress!

Adam Hurrey is joined on the Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: a story of Sunday League admin woe, Jamie Carragher's vocal impression of a match ball waiting to be headed home, some typically made-up-sounding US soccer jargon, Callum Hudson-Odoi's goal-trademarking credentials, Referees Names in Things and the difference between "return fixtures" and "reverse fixtures". Meanwhile, the panel assure Oxford United that a three-sided stadium still be a "fortress" but fear for the future of the "if Player X had done that, we'd all be raving about it" concept. The Football Cliches Live tour is next week! Adam, Charlie & Dave are heading to London and Manchester on the 23rd & 24th September with a brand new show. Tickets available at: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/football-cliches-live Adam's new book, Extra Time Beckons, Penalties Loom: How to Use (and Abuse) The Language of Football, is available to pre-order: https://geni.us/ExtraTimeBeckons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 1001 to choose from, how do you pick just five? Well, the Dordogne Valley is called the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux” due to five historical chateaux that gained prominence during the Hundred Years War.These castles transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and drama of the medieval era. One chateau was home to Richard the Lionheart for a time, another to “The Great Bastard of Savoy,” and another to a famous American-born French entertainer. If only the walls of these castles could talk. It's like stepping into a real-life fairy tale, from the imposing stone towers to the intricate carvings and tapestries. So, I invite you to join me as we take a trip back into French history and five fabulous chateaux from Medieval France.Full notes and images on today's episode:Discover five fabulous Dordogne chateauxI'm Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you'll discover sections covering:City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.French Travel News - discover what's happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.If there is anything you'd like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

Solar Haze are a heavy rock three piece based in Southern California. They'll be shredding at the great dba256 in Pomona, August 15th!

This episode aired LIVE on May 31, 2024 Today Basil will be digging into some questions posed last episode. What exactly does God think about bunkers? We'll be checking in on some bunker real estate listings…because why not? And if you're watching live – join the call in portion to ask a question or give […]

This episode aired LIVE on May 31, 2024   Today Basil will be digging into some questions posed last episode. What exactly does God think about bunkers? We'll be checking in on some bunker real estate listings...because why not? And if you're watching live - join the call in portion to ask a question or give us your best prepper move!

When you are part of the one percent you are able to do things that the rest of us could only dream about. Not only are they in the business of buying yachts, now they are turning them into floating fortresses to protect them and their possessions from pirates and other undesirables. In this episode we hear about the insane lengths some of these people are going to as far as security goes. (commercial at 9:35)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/billionaires-worried-about-their-safety-on-superyachts-are-creating-floating-fortresses/ar-AAXQCDD?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c53360c098e3489aafdd9fefbf964c83

Support the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavishttps://americanreformer.org/2024/03/build-a-fortress/https://americanreformer.org/2024/03/restore-baptist-churches-to-save-the-west/SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the concept of fortresses in the context of Christianity in today's world. They explore the differences between culture warriors and cultural engagement, highlighting the flaws in both approaches. They introduce the concept of cultural insurgency as a strategy for Christians in the current negative world. The hosts delve into the importance of shifting loyalties and owning space, emphasizing the need for Christians to understand the distinction between the ruling regime and the nation. They also discuss the significance of fortresses as a metaphor for strengthening the Christian position and launching from a place of strength. The conversation explores the concept of fortresses as a strategy for Christians in a negative world. Fortresses are tangible, martial in spirit, and serve as defensive structures that can be a base for launching forward. The progression in building fortresses is similar to the progression in strategy games, starting with small settlements and advancing to defensive structures. Fortresses are cultural spaces that provide a necessary area of life for Christians. Examples of fortresses include American Reformer and classical education. Churches owning their own space is crucial in a negative world. Screening is important to attract the right people and protect the integrity of the fortress. Normies can be won over by offering a better and higher life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions03:44 Culture Warriors vs Cultural Engagement09:18 Cultural Insurgency13:56 Shifting Loyalties26:00 The Importance of Fortresses28:50 Introduction to the Concept of Fortresses29:19 The Importance of Tangibility and Martial Spirit30:14 Progression in Building Fortresses31:09 Fortresses as Cultural Spaces32:08 Building a Network of Fortresses33:07 Examples of Fortresses: American Reformer and Classical Education36:43 The Importance of Churches Owning Space39:29 Screening and the Importance of Attracting the Right People44:16 The Controversy of Screening and Ruffling Feathers45:38 The Concept of Normies and Acquiring Their LoyaltySupport the showSign up for the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisFollow Full Proof Theology on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fullprooftheology/Follow Full Proof Theology on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fullprooftheology/

Defense wins championships.Let us know what stuck for you at spaghettilaunchers@gmail.com

It's not just smartphones that lure our attention away from driving, it's also the design of our vehicles and our brains working against us that cause us to be distracted. Danny sits down with the President & CEO of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) to discuss. Host: Danny SmithGuest: Robyn Robertson

In the relentless hustle of life, where every day feels like a battle on a new front, how do we keep our families not just safe, but spiritually secure? How do we forge an unbreakable spirit within our homes? It's a task that demands more than just physical strength or emotional resilience; it requires a foundation built on unwavering faith and courage. Let's dive into the essence of what it means to protect our most cherished treasures in a world that seems increasingly volatile.Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13 - "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."This passage serves as a clarion call, echoing through the ages to reach us with a message that's as relevant now as it was then. It's not merely advice; it's a strategy for life, encompassing the physical, the emotional, and the spiritual. To protect our families, we must first fortify ourselves with these four pillars: vigilance, steadfastness, courage, and strength. Each one is a critical component in the architecture of a family that can withstand any storm.Being "on guard" means being aware, not just of the physical threats that loom in the outside world, but of the subtler, more insidious dangers that can seep into our homes unnoticed: complacency, apathy, and fear. "Standing firm in the faith" is our anchor, reminding us that our beliefs are not just fair-weather friends, but the very bedrock of our existence. Being "courageous" and "strong" are the attributes that enable us to face these challenges head-on, not with the arrogance of invincibility, but with the humble recognition of our reliance on a power greater than ourselves.Focus Points (2 minutes):* Vigilance in Faith: Stay alert to the spiritual and moral challenges facing your family. Regularly engage in conversations about faith, values, and the importance of maintaining integrity in a compromising world.* Steadfastness in Belief: Anchor your family with rituals and traditions that reinforce your faith. Whether it's prayer before meals, weekly worship, or family Bible study, these practices build a strong spiritual foundation.* Courage in Adversity: Teach your family that courage doesn't mean the absence of fear, but the determination to face it head-on. Model this courage in your actions and decisions.* Strength in Unity: Foster a family environment where every member knows they are supported and loved. Strength comes from unity, from knowing that no one stands alone in times of trouble.Conclusion:Protecting our families in today's world requires more than just physical safeguards; it demands a fortress of faith, built on vigilance, steadfastness, courage, and strength. By embodying these principles, we not only shield our loved ones from harm but also empower them to stand firm in their own battles.Call to Action:This week, take a moment to evaluate your family's spiritual health. Identify one area where you can strengthen your collective faith, whether it's initiating a new family tradition, engaging in a community service project together, or simply spending more time in prayer as a family unit.Question of the Day: What step can you take today to fortify your family's spiritual resilience?Let's Pray:Heavenly Father, arm us with the vigilance to guard our hearts and homes, the steadfastness to remain rooted in our faith, the courage to face our fears, and the strength to stand united as a family in Your love. May we be a beacon of Your light in a dark world, a fortress of faith that never wavers. Amen.As we navigate the challenges of life, let's remember that the greatest protection we can offer our families doesn't come from the walls we build around our homes, but from the strength, courage, faith, and vigilance we cultivate within them. Together, let's build fortresses of faith that stand the test of time.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered how the ultra-wealthy manage to keep their financial empires thriving? Join Richard C. Wilson, for a captivating journey into the world of Family Offices, where he reveals how bespoke investment solutions are crafted for those with fortunes ranging from the tens of millions to several billion dollars. In our latest episode in this 14 part mini series, we delve into the myriad challenges that come with vast wealth and how employing a dedicated team can help navigate the complexities of countless LLCs, equity stakes, and regulatory requirements.Unlock the secrets to both offensive and defensive wealth management strategies that safeguard and enhance your assets. Whether your passion lies in business, family, or philanthropy, learn how the structuring of a Family Office enables you to concentrate on what truly matters. We're unpacking the secrets of virtual, single, and Multi-Family Offices, and the pivotal role they play in minimizing costly errors and maximizing the efficacy of wealth management. Tune in and empower your financial future with the insights shared in this enlightening discussion.This is episode #2 of 14 in the creating a Family Office mini series. Download the entire mini-series today!To learn more about Jonathan's recession resilient mobile home park real estate Fund, as our next Fund raise is $50 million and only for accredited investors: https://www.midwestparkcapital.com/To learn more about Jonathan's highest level business growth consulting and fractional CMO services. And upcoming group zoom entrepreneur masterminds:https://www.revenueascend.com/consulting/The Family Office Club was founded in 2007 and has now become the world's largest association in the industry with over 4,000 registered ultra-wealthy investors-Richard C. Wilson is the partner of the Accredited Investor Podcast: https://familyoffices.com/Sign up to get on the list for the World's Most Exclusive Social Networking App: https://www.prestigesocialapp.com/Our new Kava beverage, it's buzzy not boozy:https://www.drinkwowipop.com/To those looking to potential exit or sell their business or talk about potential business roll up partnerships:https://www.businesscashout.com/Join one of the fastest growing real estate groups on Facebook, which is our 23,600 Multifamily Investor Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451061265284414To learn more about mobile home investing, acquiring your first mobile home park:  https://www.mobilehomewealthacademy.com  https://linktr.ee/jonathantuttleAccredited Investor Podcast- sign up to the email list and get notified of new episodes, bonus content, and potential deal opportunities: https://www.accreditedinvestorpodcast.com/#capitalraising #privateequity #entreprenuer #venturecapital #sovereignwealthfund #capital #businessgrowth #startup #realestate #100million #entreprenuership #accreditedinvestors #capitalraising #FamilyOffice #BusinessOwner #Podcast #JonathanTuttle #RichardCWilson #FamilyOfficeClub #UHNW

Support TUC with an all-access pass, TUC Magazine subscriptions, or our monthly Book Readers Club:   / membership   Website: The Unexpected Cosmology Link: https://theunexpectedcosmology.com/ Archives page: https://theunexpectedcosmology.com/ar... Contact: noelhadley@yahoo.com Facebook:   / theunexpectedcosmology  

Published by: Holy Monastery "Evangelist John the Theologian", Souroti, Thessalonica, Greece PART 3: Spiritual Bravery Chapter One: The Signs of the Times Chapter Two: Sacrifice Brings Joy Chapter Three: Bravery Is Born of Trust in God Chapter Four: For the Faithful, Martyrdom Is a Festival PART 4: Dependency Upon Heaven Chapter One: God's Providence For Man Chapter Two: Faith and Trust in God Chapter Three: Where Man Cannot Reach, God Provides Help PART 5: Spiritual Weapons Chapter One: Prayer Is a Powerful Weapon Chapter Two: Monasteries Are the Fortresses of the Church Chapter Three: The Deeper Meaning in Life --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Mellow ingenuity, drowned in reverb, London at its most gloomy and miserable. London-based multidisciplinary artist Sam Ashton discusses three important albums.Sam's picks:Explosions In The Sky – The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead PlaceGrouper – Dragging A Dead Deer Up A HillBurial – S/TYou can check out Sam's music over at the Fortresses Bandcamp or over at Dragon's Eye Recordings. He's also on Instagram.Donate to Crucial Listening on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/cruciallistening

As the First Balkan War enters its final stages, the final 3 Ottoman fortresses are each forced to surrender. But even before the guns fall silent, the true battlefield has shifted to the negotiating table. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/196-the-fortresses-fall

Please welcome the legendary Lach to your ears. Lower East Side/Edinburgh artist and producer and presenter, novelist, BBC radio host — you name it, he's probably done it. We go super deep into the history of anti-folk in NYC and the world, but that's just the surface of the thing. Memory, dreams, visions, heartbreak and triumph, life and death, love and letdowns — it's the very DNA of this little podcast, and few guests have hit so many of the notes. You're in for it. Clips in this episode: Crazy House (1988 version) - Lach, NYC's Fortunes 13 (2015)Holy Days - Lach, Lach Live at ABC No Rio, NYC, 1980's (2017)The Edie Effect - Lach, Contender (2015)Effect A Change - Lach (2015)New York ≈ Hoboken - Lach (2017)

In this podcast episode of "Art of the Kickstart," the CEO and co-founder of Silent, Aaron Zar, discussed the journey of establishing Silent Pocket, a company specializing in privacy and security products. Aaron explained that the company's roots go back to his father's invention of a Faraday sleeve, initially called the Suit Pocket, in the late 1990s as a way to address privacy and security concerns with advancing mobile technology. Over the years, Aaron and his father overcame challenges, including their diverse backgrounds and a lack of cut and sew expertise, to create products that empower individuals to protect their digital lives and maintain privacy in an increasingly vulnerable and data-driven world. They discussed the importance of privacy and security in today's digital age and the need for individuals to take control of their own digital protection.

When you are part of the one percent you are able to do things that the rest of us could only dream about. Not only are they in the business of buying yachts, now they are turning them into floating fortresses to protect them and their possessions from pirates and other undesirables. In this episode we hear about the insane lengths some of these people are going to as far as security goes.(commercial at 8:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/billionaires-worried-about-their-safety-on-superyachts-are-creating-floating-fortresses/ar-AAXQCDD?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c53360c098e3489aafdd9fefbf964c83This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5080327/advertisement

Happy April Fools! We truly meant to release this episode as promised on the 1st day of the month, but, life threw us some curve balls and we just had to roll with it! So, as a happy accident, we've ended up releasing this episode on the LAST day of the month instead, ha! Joke's on you. If you're not on Patreon, you're listening to this in October so you don't even realize the chaos that ensued 6 months ago! Anyway, thank you so much for watching/listening to another episode of On Deck at Dusk! This episode, Katie talks about two haunted fortresses in India. Disembodied voices at the Shaniwar Wada fortress and a 400 year old curse at the Bhangarh fortress. Is it paranormal? or is it monkeys? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hauntandcold/support

So what is meant by "fortresses" of faith? Much like the castles of medieval times, the saints serve as very visible guideposts, help us orient ourselves, and can even offer refuge in times of trouble. In this 7 minute podcast from the Sonrise Morning Show with host Anna Mitchell, Dr. Italy discusses the essential place of Mary and the saints in the Church and in our lives. He details how this pilgrimage down the Rhine river and the unique places that will be visited can bring bring us a deeper understanding and connection to some of our amazing brothers and sisters in heaven.

Join me today for Episode 791 of Bitcoin And . . . is LIVE! Topics for today: - Chainalysis is Reaching Now - Ripple to Buy Fortress Trust - SEC on Appeal - 1 in 4 Investment Firms Place Senior Execs on Digital Currencies #Bitcoin #BitcoinAnd #BTC Circle P: Announcing Rev. Hodl's Applied Permaculture Class (and Fireside Bitcoin Meetup) https://primal.net/e/note1qqk84pasxsn5s8daetqvpmvpw4jkt3k55jkqda3ywvunr2v6dl2qneecra Song of The Day: https://www.wavlake.com/track/2ec9b297-dfe9-40df-a555-b90a7f7aa65b Articles: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/chainalysis-denounces-bitcoin-core-contributor-as-unqualified https://decrypt.co/155658/ripple-fortress-trust-brad-garlinghouse-scott-purcell https://cointelegraph.com/news/ftx-reverse-payments-to-shaq-celebrities-athletes https://decrypt.co/155689/sec-ripple-appeal-xrp-securities https://cointelegraph.com/magazine/big-questions-crypto-deaths/ https://primal.net/e/note19kn205l9gryjphwh76s85h2psk6cl48rc3f5cx594tttqdq2ejxs3ar76y https://primal.net/e/note19w9entg7tw7gpjt7p5fhmfl3pska02quyzpyl4uzh8wf0wk0kmaszyxekv - https://www.cnbc.com/futures-and-commodities/ - https://bitinfocharts.com/ - https://bitcoin.clarkmoody.com/dashboard/ - https://mempool.space/ - https://fountain.fm/charts https://cointelegraph.com/news/investment-firms-senior-roles-digital-assets https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/human-rights-in-finance-foundation-eu-travel-rule/ https://decrypt.co/155694/ted-cruz-texas-senator-bitcoin-mining-dennis-porter-satoshi-act-fund https://opensats.org/blog/announcing-nostr-design?ref=nobsbitcoin.com https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-france-launches-certificate-finfluencers-including-crypto Find me on nostr npub1vwymuey3u7mf860ndrkw3r7dz30s0srg6tqmhtjzg7umtm6rn5eq2qzugd (npub) 6389be6491e7b693e9f368ece88fcd145f07c068d2c1bbae4247b9b5ef439d32 (Hex) StackerNews: stacker.news/NunyaBidness Podcasting 2.0: fountain.fm/show/eK5XaSb3UaLRavU3lYrI Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/unm35bjh Instagram: instagram.com/bitcoin_and Mastodon: noagendasocial.com/@NunyaBidness Support Bitcoin And . . . on Patreon: patreon.com/BitcoinAndPodcast Find Lightning Network Channel partners here: https://t.me/+bj-7w_ePsANlOGEx (Nodestrich) https://t.me/plebnet (Plebnet) Music by: Flutey Funk Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Marquis Laughlin looks at the rise of the Antichrist and the source of his power. He discusses how this might look to unbelievers when it happens. Discover how the world is quickly being prepared to accept, worship, and follow what is coming, and how you can use this information to share the Gospel.  

Are you tired of attracting the wrong clients? Want to know how you can set yourself apart in the saturated world of content marketing? In this episode, we delve into the world of 'Content Fortresses' with our guest experts.Our experts, Lyndsay Cambridge and Martin Huntbach of Jammy Digital, break down the concept of a 'Content Fortress', a strategic approach to content marketing that attracts the right clients and repels the wrong ones. They share their insights, experiences, and methods to help you build a strong, unique brand that speaks to your ideal audience.Here are some of the topics we covered:

The post Turning schools into fortresses is not the answer to gun violence crisis appeared first on NC Newsline.

Episode 79, Angela Denker, Part 1First Quarter:· The governmental imposition of religion, and religion's happy acceptance:o Lerone Martin's new book, The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoovero Weaponizing Jesus: Prince Of Peace? Christian Nationalists Push Jesus As Military Leadero Who is Policing the Military: The Coup & The Military-Christian Nationalist Industrial Complexo The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, check out their archives for all the projects they continue to report and work on. Second and Third Quarter – Conversation with Angela Denker part 1. Author of Red State Christians: A Journey into White Christian Nationalism and the Wreckage It Leaves Behind Angela is a multi-talented creative person. Along with being an athlete, a sports journalist, an ordained Lutheran pastor (ELCA), a writer, and also (now) a substitute teachers. Angela now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and children. Previously, Angela served a Lutheran parish in one of the most maga-friendly parts of the country in Orange County, California. Visit Angela Denker's writings and substack at: https://www.angeladenker.com/ and at I'm Listening on SubstackHang out with some of our podcast friends at the Resisting Christian Nationalism with the Gospel of Peace seminar at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. An online short course taught by Drew Strait. Dates: April 12 – May 9, 2023. Early registration deadline: March 22, 2023. Final registration deadline April 5, 2023Transition music by Fields and Fortresses, Freedom has a SoundFourth Quarter:· March Madness· Spring plans

When you are part of the one percent you are able to do things that the rest of us could only dream about. Not only are they in the business of buying yachts, now they are turning them into floating fortresses to protect them and their possessions from pirates and other undesirables. In this episode we hear about the insane lengths some of these people are going to as far as security goes.(commercial at 9:33)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/billionaires-worried-about-their-safety-on-superyachts-are-creating-floating-fortresses/ar-AAXQCDD?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c53360c098e3489aafdd9fefbf964c83

When you are part of the one percent you are able to do things that the rest of us could only dream about. Not only are they in the business of buying yachts, now they are turning them into floating fortresses to protect them and their possessions from pirates and other undesirables. In this episode we hear about the insane lengths some of these people are going to as far as security goes.(commercial at 9:33)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/billionaires-worried-about-their-safety-on-superyachts-are-creating-floating-fortresses/ar-AAXQCDD?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c53360c098e3489aafdd9fefbf964c83

In the final lecture on Florida, we examine how the tropical state, thanks to innovations like DDT, orange-juice concentrate, and air conditioning, was able to boom at an unimaginable pace, rocketing into the top five biggest states in the union, with massive scientific and artistic communities, a diverse immigrant mosaic, and after the Civil Rights movement, exceptionally volatile and unpredictable politics. We consider the importance of the last great expression of Florida utopianism -- namely, Disney World -- and the shift into a perceived playground of anarchy and American dreams gone mad, as personified in the notorious "Florida Man." Rolling Stone article outline ways to help Florida, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico following Hurricane Ian: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/hurricane-ian-victims-help-donate-florida-puerto-rico-cuba-dominican-republic-1234601215/ Suggested further reading: Gannon, "Florida: A Short History"; Nolan, "Fifty Feet in Paradise: The Booming of Florida." Please sign up as a patron at any level in order to hear patron-only materials, including the latest "Myth of the Month" on Conspiracy Theories -- https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5530632

1067 was a time of incredible change within England. Fortresses were being constructed everywhere. Existing fortresses were seized and then manned by foreign mercenaries. Estates and farms in the surrounding areas were being seized and handed over to many of these same foreigners.

When you are part of the one percent you are able to do things that the rest of us could only dream about. Not only are they in the business of buying yachts, now they are turning them into floating fortresses to protect them and their possessions from pirates and other undesirables. In this episode we hear about the insane lengths some of these people are going to as far as security goes.(commercial at 8:38)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/billionaires-worried-about-their-safety-on-superyachts-are-creating-floating-fortresses/ar-AAXQCDD?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c53360c098e3489aafdd9fefbf964c83

When you are part of the one percent you are able to do things that the rest of us could only dream about. Not only are they in the business of buying yachts, now they are turning them into floating fortresses to protect them and their possessions from pirates and other undesirables. In this episode we hear about the insane lengths some of these people are going to as far as security goes.(commercial at 8:44)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/billionaires-worried-about-their-safety-on-superyachts-are-creating-floating-fortresses/ar-AAXQCDD?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=c53360c098e3489aafdd9fefbf964c83

John Goodall examines how the castle's role has evolved through time – from medieval fortresses and prisons to regal residences and tourist hotspots. Speaking with Emily Briffett, he explains how these iconic landmarks have reflected society throughout their long history and shaped the way we think about the past. (Ad) John Goodall is the author of The Castle: A History (Yale University Press, 2022). Buy it now from Waterstones:https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-castle%2Fjohn-goodall%2F9780300251906 Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we're talking about the Eastern front of WWII. First the History Guy talks about one of the first battles of Operation Barbarossa, the heroic soviet defense of Brest Fortress. Then he tells the story of the famous “Night Witches”, the soviet women who terrorized German troops from the air. Finally, the History Guy tells the story of one one of the most important battles of the war - the Battle of Moscow - and of Panfilov's twenty-eight guardsmen.  https://www.magellantv.com/ (MagellanTV) - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere. The service includes over 3,000 documentary movies, series, and exclusive playlists across the major genres, with particular depth in Ancient History, Modern History, War and Military. Check out their curated https://www.magellantv.com/explore/history (history playlist), designed with you in mind. Claim your free month trial at: https://try.magellantv.com/historyguy (https://try.magellantv.com/historyguy)

We follow the southward-racing juggernaut of modern Florida, from statehood in 1845 to the 1930s – the insatiable quest of visionaries and megalomaniacs, from Jewish utopians, to slave-driving planters, to evangelical missionaries, to black politicians, to hotel magnates, to messianic cult leaders, to women's suffragists, to Cuban revolutionaries, to bohemian poets, to impose a sense of order upon the chaotic and unruly wilderness of tropical Florida. Though ignored in our national mythology and dismissed as a southern backwater, the state was the site of the first confrontation of the Civil War, and of the longest-lasting and most aggressive Reconstruction regime, which created the first universal public school system in the South and fostered the first booming tourist economy in America, spearheaded by none other than Harriet Beecher Stowe. We conclude our journey through Florida with an examination of Florida literature, ending with an analysis of Wallace Stevens' ode to Florida, “The Idea of Order at Key West.” Suggested Further Reading: Foster & Foster, “Beechers, Stowes, and Yankee Strangers: The Transformation of Florida”; J. T. Kirby, “Mockingbird Song: Ecological Landscapes of the South.” Please sign up as a patron to hear the next Myth of the Month – www.patreon.com/user?u=5530632

Conservatives continue to focus solely on Biden and the midterms, while failing to see how Republicans are already betraying them. Last night, Republicans funded more inflation and clot-shot mandates with the defense bill, yet nobody cares. GOP governors are going along with punishing Guardsmen for not getting the shots. Then, we still have people getting thrown in jail for Jan. 6 while not having committed actual crimes. What are we going to do to stop this political persecution? We are joined by Pinal County, Arizona, Sheriff Mark Lamb, who warns that tyranny cannot succeed without the complaisance of local law enforcement. He explains his "sheriff's posse" program to establish a seamless relationship between local law enforcement and the community to ensure that a firewall against tyranny is built at the local level. Our challenge is to use and expand this idea throughout the country.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have battles in our minds—in our thoughts. Our minds are at enmity with God, hostile to His Word, and need to be changed. Today Derek explains, through the Word and personal experience, how we must fight our way through discouragement, doubt, and fear to walk in victory in truth.