Join us for a compelling episode of You, Me, and Democracy, where we delve into the intersection of veterans, terrorism, and the health of our democratic systems. This episode features two remarkable guests: Matt Langenberg, an attorney at Burg Simpson who represents injured veterans in lawsuits against Iran under the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST), and Rob, a U.S. Army veteran who served one tour in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, surviving catastrophic injuries from an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) during his final deployment. Together, they unpack the legal and personal ramifications of state-sponsored terrorism, spotlighting the USVSST—often known as the 9/11 Victims Fund—and its role in compensating veterans harmed by nations like Iran, which funds terror groups but rarely faces direct accountability in court. Matt explains how the fund, fueled by sanctions and penalties, seeks to deliver justice, while Rob shares his harrowing journey—from enlisting at 17, inspired by John Wayne films, to enduring multiple combat tours and a life-altering IED attack that cost him both legs just 11 days before he was due to return home.

In this episode, we explore the profound stakes of policy and law, including the recent Borochov court decision, which controversially requires a completed extrajudicial killing for claims to qualify—potentially excluding veterans like Rob, who survived despite severe injuries, from receiving compensation. Matt breaks down the legal complexities, including the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and its terrorism exception, while Rob offers a raw, firsthand account of his service, the attack that changed his life, and his ongoing recovery, supported by Walter Reed’s exceptional care. Together, they highlight the broader implications for democracy: how supporting veterans through such funds not only honors their sacrifice but also dries up terrorism financing, holding state sponsors accountable. With actionable insights—contact your member of Congress to clarify the fund’s intent and ensure its funding—this episode is a powerful call to action, revealing how one bomb, one policy shift, or one voice can ripple through lives and nations, as Rob poignantly notes: stopping even a single IED could have saved his comrades.

Find out how an unlicensed HOA property manager was able to steal more than $600,000 from homeowners and what they have had to go through to try to get their money back. Meet the HOA board president, a board member and the trial lawyer who fought to bring them to justice with a $2.7 million dollar judgment. Community association managers have a lot of power and responsibility and all-volunteer boards rely and trust them to honestly handle HOA dues, give an accurate accounting, and responsibly handle repairs, maintenance and the rights of homeowners.

Every episode focuses on the everyday decisions we make that impact the health of our democracy. This episode focuses on the prevalence of junk (hidden) fees and its impact on America and on our family budgets. Whether hidden fees in airlines, concert tickets, rental fees, food delivery, health care or automotive services, they add up to $65 Billion per year in hidden fees on Americans each year. This episode explores the nature of the problem and some real world things you can do about it.