The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America – A Conversation with Knox Thames

01/22/25 • 43 min

What does the First Amendment mean in a modern, diverse America? In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot speaks with Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author with over 20 years of experience across U.S. administrations. Thames, who served as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia, unpacks the historical roots and contemporary challenges of religious freedom in the United States.

From the First Amendment’s foundational promise of freedom of religion to the complexities of pluralism in a globalized world, this thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of protecting the rights of all religious minorities. Thames also reflects on his book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom, offering insights into how the U.S. can lead by example in a world grappling with religious intolerance.

#ReligiousFreedom, #HumanRights, #GlobalAffairs, #FirstAmendment, #USForeignPolicy, #ReligiousMinorities, #HumanRightsAbroad

#ReligiousFreedom, #HumanRights, #GlobalAffairs, #FirstAmendment, #USForeignPolicy, #ReligiousMinorities, #HumanRightsAbroad

Previous Episode

Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: A Conversation with Coco Kee

Host Stan Berteloot welcomes Coco Kee, entrepreneur, blockchain pioneer, and host of the Blockchain Asia Podcast. Coco shares her journey from studying literature and theater at Peking University to becoming a leading figure in cryptocurrency.

Coco discusses on the 2024 U.S. elections and offers a unique perspectives on theChinese-American voters.
Exploration of the surprising connections between politics and cryptocurrency.
Coco opens up about her experiences as an immigrant and how her arts background shaped her approach to technology and business.
Insights on how regulatory changes under different U.S. administrations have impacted the cryptocurrency industry.
Explanation of Bitcoin's resurgence linked to political shifts and China's stance on crypto, addressing capital control vs. decentralization.
Discussion on the convergence of AI and blockchain and how it could decentralize computing power and data ownership, counteracting big tech monopolies.
Practical advice for crypto beginners, including ETFs as a safe entry point into digital currencies.
Reflection on Coco’s political awakening after the 2016 election and her views on opportunities and freedoms in the U.S.
An eye-opening discussion bridging global perspectives, emerging technologies, and a decentralized future.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.

Next Episode

Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

A green card interview is supposed to be the last step before legal residency—but what if it’s actually a setup?
This episode of Back in America features filmmakers Sam and David Cutler Kreutz discussing their short film, "A Lien," a story about a couple navigating the complexities of the US immigration system. The conversation delves into the film's themes of family, the "banal cruelty" of the immigration process, and the broader political context surrounding immigration in America.

Key Topics

Discuss The Inspiration Behind "A Lien" The New York Times article that sparked the idea for the film and their desire to tell a story that highlights the human side of immigration. They emphasize the film's focus on families and the emotional toll of the legal process.
They share their efforts to accurately portray the immigration process, including working with lawyers and individuals who have experienced similar situations. They discuss the specific forms and procedures mentioned in the film
The podcast explores the film's unique cinematography, including its use of kinetic visuals and the focus on the wife's perspective through her iPhone.
They discuss how the film resonates with the current political climate, particularly concerning immigration.
The conversation explores what viewers can do after watching "A Lien" to support immigration reform or get involved in advocacy. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding the human stories behind immigration.

In just 15 minutes, A Lien delivers an emotional gut-punch, following an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and his American wife as they step into what should be a routine interview—only to find themselves entrapped. With haunting cinematography and nail-biting suspense, the film exposes the brutal side of a system designed to keep immigrants on edge.

Watch A Lien (link here https://vimeo.com/997805490), then tune in as we break down the film, the real-life cases that inspired it, and what this means for America today.