Glenn's plan to restore America begins with 'first principles'

August 19, 2015

WRITER

Millions of Americans believe our nation is in trouble. A troubled economy, attacks on our homeland, corrupt leadership and floundering educational and health care systems threaten to wreak havoc on this country. But everyone views these problems through a different lens - and that's what divides us.

On radio Tuesday, Glenn suggested we establish our "first principles" before even attempting to come together on solutions.

"It is easy to diagnose the problems. It is harder then to prioritize the solutions," Glenn said.

Our nation's founders believed God and the Constitution were their first principles, Glenn said. If you're going to restore America, he explained, those must be your first principles as well.

He then began writing down his own first principles:

1. God.

2. Constitution.

3. Life. (And that means all life. That goes into health care. That goes into war on ISIS. That goes into Planned Parenthood.)

4. Government corruption. (And that goes to limited government and rule of law. That would include immigration.)

Glenn lists his "first principles" during radio, Aug. 19, 2015.

When looking at problems through the lens of these first principles, Glenn found it much easier to know how the problems of our nation should be dealt with.

"You can't fix immigration until you fix corruption. You can't fix corruption until you fix the Constitution. You can't fix the Constitution until you fixed it right with God and you know where those constitutional principles come from," Glenn said.

Watch the segment or read the full transcript below.

Below is a rush transcript of this segment, it may contain errors.

GLENN: It is easy to diagnose the problems. It is harder then to prioritize the solutions. What are your first principles? Our founders believed God and Constitution were the first principles. So if you're going to restore America, not back to 2000 or 1980 with Ronald Reagan, you're going to restore it back to its first principles, those must be your first principles. That's my goal.

So when I talk about things, you can understand -- this whole -- this whole self-examination here is so I can understand you better. And you can understand me better. And we can stop calling each other traitors. We disagree.

STU: Yeah, look, I certainly never called anyone a traitor. And I know you haven't. But it's out there.

GLENN: No. It's happening online from people.

STU: Certainly.

GLENN: And we will divide ourselves. And we will destroy -- we will be our own worst enemy. We will destroy ourselves.

The difference is the lens. So I think we should look at our lens and say, what are our first principles? My first principles: God, Constitution, life. And that means all life. That goes into health care. That goes into war on ISIS. That goes into Planned Parenthood. Then I would say corruption. Government corruption.

PAT: It's important to have that. Is that what you're saying?

GLENN: No. And that goes to limited government and rule of law.

PAT: Yeah. Which would also include probably immigration.

GLENN: The border. Yeah, it would include the border.

PAT: Yeah.

GLENN: See, I mean, once you go into first principles, you say what are the problems? You can't fix the -- you can't fix immigration until you fix corruption. You can't fix corruption until you fix the Constitution. You can't fix the Constitution until you fixed it right with God and you know where those constitutional principles come from.

So this is my thinking on -- on Donald Trump. It's not that I don't like the guy. It's not that I -- I mean, I've seen his -- I was watching MSNBC, and they're like, Donald Trump and his crazy immigration policy. And I'm looking at the talking points, and I'm like, I agree with those. So I don't know. Maybe I'm crazy too, MSNBC. Because I agree with those.

STU: MSNBC has confirmed, you are also crazy. That is true.

GLENN: I know that. I know that.

PAT: Yes.

GLENN: So why is it that we're at each other's throats? Because of first principles. And so I tell you my first principles, the question is, what are your first principles? If you want to just fix jobs, we're not going to be able to do that. If you say we just want to fix jobs, well, then that gives Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders the opportunity to fix jobs. Bernie Sanders says he can fix the economy and jobs. Why don't we go for him?

Because his first principles, we disagree with. His first principles are, we live in a collective. Our first principles are all men are created equal. And endowed with things that make them individuals.

So we don't agree with Bernie Sanders, not on policy. On first principles.

I heard something yesterday from Hillary Clinton I thought was astounding. She said -- she was talking to Black Lives Matter people. And it was before I think she was speaking in Ohio. And it was caught on tape behind the scenes. And it was billed as this tense moment between her and Black Lives Matter. Do you have it?

PAT: Uh-huh.

GLENN: Okay. Play it. It's good so far.

VOICE: This is and has always been a white problem of violence. It's not -- there's -- there's not much that we can do to stop the violence against us.

HILLARY: Okay. I understand what you're saying.

(talking over)

VOICE: And also respectfully --

HILLARY: Yeah. Well, respectfully, if that is your position, then I will talk only to white people about how we're going to deal with the very real problems.

VOICE: That's not what I mean. That's not what I mean. That's not what I mean. But, like, what I'm saying is, you -- what you just said was a form of victim blaming. And you were saying what the Black Lives Matter movement --

PAT: Oh, jeez. Help me!

GLENN: Listen. Listen.

PAT: It's agonizing, first of all. But there's more.

GLENN: I know. There's more. Listen to what she says, not what he says.

HILLARY: Look, I don't believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws. You change allocation of resources. You change the way systems operate.

GLENN: Stop. This is why respectfully, I say Hillary Clinton is possibly the Antichrist. I'm just saying. This is why I think she's wrong for the country. What she just said. I don't believe you change hearts. I do. I believe you could have all the policies. All of the laws in the world. But until you change hearts, you change nothing. You only have to have a bigger and bigger police force if you don't change hearts. Okay.

Her first principles are wrong. Her first principle is, government will solve this with the right policy.

PAT: Yes. Yes.

GLENN: So I don't hate Hillary Clinton. I honestly don't think she's the Antichrist.

PAT: But that falls right in line with her first principles. Her first principle is government.

GLENN: Correct. So this is what we have to concentrate on. When we talk to people who are Trump supporters: What are your first principles? And not in an accusation way or anything else. Knowing that we'll disagree on things: What are your first principles? And does he satisfy those first principles?

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

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I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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