105 Comments
User's avatar
P A Williams's avatar

To do what he did, and to come to his current place is a testament that people can truly change their lives.

Mari Wilson's avatar

Absolutely! Beautiful words P A. ❤️

Professor Mac's avatar

I believe that there is much to learn from his journey, and how to help others. He shows that there is hope for those who fall into that pit.

Roger Helbig's avatar

Adam, you should do some research into the so-called BLM riots. Nobody who was there because Black Lives Matter rioted. Rioters and thieves used the BLM marches as cover for criminal activity. Unlike the J6 folks, they did not pose for selfies or videos and thus there was very little evidence to identify the criminals. The typical BLM marcher was a mother with a baby carriage. Those people were not rioters.

Kat Hudy's avatar

I agree. It wasn’t a riot by those protesting. It got out of control because of bad actors taking advantage of the protest for cover of their individual criminality.

Anne Smith's avatar

Thanks for saying this, Roger. You're totally right.

Kathryn A Kreckel's avatar

Thank you for this enlightening discussion with Jason showing all MAGA folks that anyone with a true belief in America can choose the right course. There is still time to be a truth seeker and have faith that we truly are all in this together.

Mari Wilson's avatar

Let's not forget Pastor Niemöller, who was at first an Antisemite who supported the Nazis:

First They Came

First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left

To speak out for me

Diane1's avatar

Here's my latest protest sign:

First they came for the immigrants.....

And I spoke out because I KNOW the rest of the G.. D... poem!

User's avatar
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Aug 20, 2025
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Diane1's avatar

your sign sounds awesome! And I know it takes a lot of work- and money! I found out about the issue of rain during the No Kings Protest- I had stapled 2 sings back to back because I wanted to use the one side of 1 and one side of the other sign for the rally. I usually use one poster board for 2 signs. I happened to like the 2 signs from each board for this protest. But it drizzled the whole time so by the time the rally and march were over, I had to throw out both posters = 4 signs! ps- I have since remade the one from those 4 that was my favorite- Stop the Madness!- Incompetence, Cruelty, Gaslighting, DESTRUCTION!!

Cheryl's avatar

Thank you Mari. I have shared this statement on Facebook many times hoping that it someone reading it understands that we are all in it together. If we don't stick up for one another there will be no one left.

Kimberlie Hammerschmidt's avatar

But Trump just said again, Putin said the election wasn't stolen. Good God, help this country and get this pathological, liar, and con-artist impeached

MelissaL's avatar

I’m so sorry, Adam, for all you went through! Thank you for your honesty and patriotism!

Cheryl Okerlund's avatar

This wasn't really all about Adam..

It's Come To This's avatar

I can commend him only for leaving the cult after hitting something akin to rock bottom. Yet I will never understand how so many people with weak minds, and without strong internal compasses grounded in morality, can be so easily taken for a ride to nowhere but ruin in the first place.

It only confirms for me the obvious: leaving a cult is always 100 times more difficult than getting into one. And that is why Republicans continue to support and cover for a depraved monster.

Diana Talbott's avatar

O.M.G Thank you for that insight. Could be the power and money that that is intoxicating also? Please, please drink the kool-aid club MAGA!

Pat Jones Garcia's avatar

Adam, it's the 1st time I heard a little of what you went through. Not easy. At the time of the televised hearings I hoped you and Liz Cheney would represent a better Republican Party and work with the Democrat Congresspeople the way it used to be.... Thanks for your good communications with Jason and us.

Adam Kinzinger's avatar

Thank you. Ya it wasn’t fun

Cats 🐈🐈‍⬛'s avatar

What a very interesting interview! I appreciated hearing Jason’s story. I am happy that he was able to “turn” his life around and get to a place where he could live his life in peace. For me, I will never be able to understand a person not knowing the difference between right and wrong. I learned that from my family at a very young age. I guess not everyone is as fortunate as I was to have such a good social foundation. The most important thing is that he has come so far and I wish him all the best that life can offer. Also, Adam, thank you for sharing some of your story. I really think you would be such a wonderful and wise president some day.

mike mcaleese's avatar

Thank you Adam and thank you Jason

Lisa Ciorlieri's avatar

Wow. Lots of honesty from both of you. Thank you.

Virginia Watson's avatar

The need to belong and feel special...cults fulfill these needs.

Cheryl's avatar

Thank you Jason for sharing your experience and helping me better understand why some people support Maga. I hope you are successful in helping others. Adam, I thought the end of this discussion about friendships was interesting. I recently met someone new, had a wonderful conversation (not political) with them, and really thought we could be friends. I found myself wondering if she was a Trump supporter. I realize how much I've been affected by the changes and chaos over the last decade plus. It does not make me happy. I do want to remain hopeful that things will 'normalize' whatever that may mean. Thank you Adam for giving us a platform to express our concerns, fears, and hopes.

What I forgot to say was that I have always judged people on how they treat other people. Not on their politics. Truthfully I never though that much about parties, just how someone acted. I have always wanted to ask Trump supporters=would you want him as a friend? Would you want him to speak to your children? Do you trust him? My answer to those questions and some others is No I do not trust or like him as a person.

Mari Wilson's avatar

Thank you, thank you, thank you for these amazing words. I have frequently posed the question, "So it's no big deal... just 'locker room talk' right?"

"Fine, then let him walk right up and grab your mother, sister, or beloved daughter--as of course she's YOUNG--and let him grab 'em by their genitals."

It really is that simple. But not to a cultified mob. What happened to Do unto others...? Regardless of religion we aaall are familiar with this basic moral tenet that comes from the Bible.

This country has become an utter disgrace.

Julie's avatar

This interview is so incredibly insightful for everyone outside the bubble.

I have a feeling (God willing) we will be having the same conversation with former ICE agents in a few years. ICE agents are part of this fraternity. They are working with the president to “save America”. And saving America is going to require extreme and unprovoked violence toward unarmed “evil people” who are “destroying America”.

Roger Helbig's avatar

Way to go Jason - to get the "we are going to help you" - I admire your formal renunciation of the pardon issued by the criminal-in-chief, the mob boss who had enticed you all to come to DC.