Alexander Markovsky, a Soviet immigrant who grew up as the son of a high-ranking Communist Party member, brings his rare and valuable perspective to this episode of STARRS & Stripes podcast hosted by retired Navy Commander Al Palmer. Markovsky offers listeners an insider's view of Marxist ideology and its modern manifestation in American institutions.

Drawing from his degrees in economics and political science from the University of Marxism and Leninism, Markovsky unpacks the fundamental nature of socialism as an "artificial social order" that requires enforcement to exist—making it inherently incompatible with freedom. His most startling revelation comes when he explains that "true economic equality can exist only in poverty," highlighting why every socialist experiment throughout history has resulted in oppression rather than liberation.

What makes Markovsky's warning particularly compelling is his analysis of how modern American socialism has evolved from traditional Marxist-Leninist approaches. He identifies a more subtle, "benevolent" form that doesn't require violent revolution but instead focuses on controlling three vital sectors—healthcare, finance, and energy—allowing for the gradual imposition of socialist policies without triggering immediate resistance. This strategy explains many current government policies that increase oversight in these critical areas.

The conversation takes a sobering turn when Markovsky draws direct parallels between Lenin's strategies and contemporary American policies, particularly regarding currency debasement and using the judicial system as a tool against political opponents. "What the Soviet Union could not achieve through its formidable military and nuclear capabilities is now being realized by duly elected American presidents and legislature," he observes with evident concern.

Listen now to understand how ideologies like Critical Race Theory and DEI policies potentially undermine American institutions, and discover why Markovsky believes the only antidote is a renewed focus on freedom, productivity, and the individual pursuit of prosperity. This episode presents a crucial warning from someone who has witnessed firsthand the destructive power of Marxist ideology.

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For more information about STARRS, go to our website: https://starrs.us which works to eliminate the divisive Marxist-based CRT/DEI/Woke agenda in the Department of Defense and to promote the return to a warfighter ethos of meritocracy, lethality, readiness, accountability, standards and excellence in the military.

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STARRS held its quarterly Town Hall meeting on 9 April 2025 with special guest speakers Sam Shoemate, a retired Army intelligence analyst, and Chase Spears, a retired Army Public Affairs Officer.

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A chilling revelation unfolds as military whistleblowers expose the coordinated resistance against presidential executive orders to dismantle DEI programs within the Department of Defense. Former Army intelligence officer Sam Shumate and former Army public affairs officer Dr. Chase Spears share firsthand accounts of "malicious compliance" and deliberate subversion from within military ranks.

We discover how senior officers openly mock the chain of command while carefully constructed networks of resistance operate through the Judge Advocate General Corps and public affairs channels to undermine reform efforts. The discussion reveals troubling patterns: affinity groups functioning as resistance cells, strategic leaking to embarrass the administration, and an ideological capture so deep that DEI functions "almost as a religion" for adherents within military leadership.

Matt Lohmeier, STARRS Executive Vice President and nominee for Undersecretary of the Air Force, offers a sobering perspective on the challenges facing political appointees attempting to implement change against entrenched bureaucratic resistance. His candid reflections highlight the tremendous pressure to conform rather than speak truthfully about military challenges.

The town hall culminates with STARRS leadership outlining their adjusted mission: monitoring executive order implementation, advancing national defense reform, supporting service members harmed by vaccine mandates, and continuing vital education efforts. The message is clear—while policy changes represent progress, the deeper cultural battle for America's military institutions demands sustained vigilance and commitment.

This episode serves as both warning and call to action for all who believe our armed forces should remain focused on warfighting excellence rather than ideological experimentation. Join us in this crucial fight for the soul of our military and the security of our nation.

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For more information about STARRS, go to our website: https://starrs.us which works to eliminate the divisive Marxist-based CRT/DEI/Woke agenda in the Department of Defense and to promote the return to a warfighter ethos of meritocracy, lethality, readiness, accountability, standards and excellence in the military.

Join our Mailing List for our weekly newsletter on this issue.

Follow STARRS:
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Support the Mission: Make a tax-deductible donation to STARRS.

In this episode of STARRS & Stripes, host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, interviews retired Brigadier General Christopher Petty who draws from his distinguished 31-year Army career as a West Point graduate, combat helicopter pilot, and battalion commander in Iraq to discuss how CRT/DEI ideology has affected military readiness and what must be done to restore a warfighting focus.

Among the topics he discusses:

• West Point graduate who chose aviation after seeing helicopter pilots during Ranger School
• Discusses how DEI policies introduced under Obama's 2011 Executive Order have undermined military unit cohesion
• Explains how prioritizing demographic quotas has resulted in lowered standards and damaged the meritocracy
• Identifies China's superior industrial production capacity as America's greatest strategic vulnerability
• Argues that senior military leadership failed to show moral courage in pushing back against harmful ideological policies
• Believes the military must return to valuing warfighters who can win conflicts
• Created Battle Digest to help today's military leaders learn from historical battles

Gen. Petty is the author of "12 Battles Every American Should Know" and the creator of Battle Digest (battledigest.com) —described as "Reader's Digest for Warfare"—to explore military history in an accessible format designed for today's officers and military enthusiasts.

Subscribe to STARRS & Stripes for more critical conversations about America's military readiness and the challenges facing our armed forces in an increasingly complex global landscape.

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For more information about STARRS, go to our website: https://starrs.us which monitors the elimination of the CRT/DEI/Woke agenda in the Department of Defense and promotes the return to a warfighter ethos of meritocracy, lethality, readiness, accountability and excellence in the military.

Join our Mailing List for our weekly newsletter on this issue.

Follow STARRS:
X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Rumble | YouTube | Truth | Gettr | Gab

Support the Mission: Make a tax-deductible donation to STARRS.