Episode #96: "I Have SOMETHING To Say" with special guest, Brittany Ramos DeBarros

<p><span data-ogsc="black">Why do people run for elected office? In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, B</span><strong><span data-ogsc="black">rittany Ramos DeBarros tells me her why.</span></strong><span data-ogsc="black"> A proud Afro-Latina Staten Islander, community organizer, and combat veteran, she’s running for Congress in New York’s 11th District. Growing up in a deeply patriotic military family, she entered the Army in order to help pay for college. Her time in Afghanistan changed her mind about war, making her feel betrayed by a system that covered up greed and corruption with the veneer of freedom. “</span><span data-ogsc="rgb(1, 4, 23)">When I deployed, I believed I was going to fight for freedom and protect vulnerable communities overseas, but as I got to know the Afghan people, I saw with my own eyes that wasn’t true. I watched some officers care more about role-playing Call of Duty and collecting medals than the needs of regular people or even the mission. I came home hurt and angry because it was clear that I had only caused more harm to the very people I wanted to protect. I felt betrayed by those who were entrusted with my life and who exploited my service – military leaders and politicians alike.</span><span data-ogsc= "black">”</span>  <span data-ogsc="black">DeBarros is determined to help lead the fight to build a better, more just world; the world that we all deserve.</span></p>