General Mattis and “the power of inspiration”

The Hoover Institution’s Peter Robinson interviewed General (Ret.) Jim Mattis and Spirit of America’s founder Jim Hake for Uncommon Knowledge.
Peter asked General Mattis what he thought when he met Hake at Camp Pendleton in December 2003 and heard the idea for Spirit of America. Here’s what the General said: General Mattis: “Peter, here’s the bottom line. America has two fundamental powers. One is the power of inspiration. The other is the power of intimidation. Those of us in uniform are in an intimidating role up against the enemy. But we now fight wars among innocent people, among populations that need to be on our side if we’re going to win. There is where America’s power of inspiration comes to bear. And that’s why you want to reach out across the cultural divides … and make common cause with people. This [Spirit of America] was going to give us a nongovernmental organization that was unapologetically not neutral … they were on our side … like the Special Forces we almost had to pinch ourselves that we had somebody [Jim Hake] with this concept that could bring it to bear.” Robinson_Hake_and_Mattis
Spirit of America is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit working alongside US servicemembers and diplomats to improve their safety and success. In 2018, Congress recognized us as a partner in “supporting the missions of deployed United States personnel around the world.”

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Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 20-1687786

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3033 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201

Follow Us

No endorsement of Spirit of America by the US Department of Defense, Department of State, or US personnel is intended or implied.

Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 20-1687786

“You don't have to wear a uniform to serve the nation.™” and “Patriotism without politics.™” are trademarked by Spirit of America.

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