Colorado’s Assault on Parental Rights and Second Amendment Freedoms

On March 30, 2023, Kim Monson examines the Colorado legislature’s aggressive push to undermine parental rights and Second Amendment freedoms. Colorado Representative Richard Holtorf sounds the alarm on abortion bills allowing minors to access procedures without parental consent, while Mark Oliva of the National Shooting Sports Foundation warns of multiple firearms restrictions making their way through the statehouse. Economic historian Dr. Brian Domitrovic rounds out the broadcast with insights on Federal Reserve interventionism and the path back to prosperity.

Second Amendment Under Siege in the Colorado Legislature

Start listening at 33:50 – Hour 1

Mark Oliva, Managing Director of Public Affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, provides a comprehensive analysis of the firearms legislation threatening Coloradans’ constitutional rights. He addresses proposed changes to red flag laws that lack due process protections, age-based gun bans that would raise the minimum purchase age to 21, and waiting period requirements that effectively delay the exercise of constitutional rights.

Of particular concern is Senate Bill 168, which would allow public nuisance lawsuits against anyone in the firearm industry for crimes committed by third parties. This means manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and even those who create instructional content could face legal liability for the criminal actions of others. Oliva points out the absurdity of this approach, noting that society does not sue Ford and Budweiser for drunk driving deaths.

Following the Nashville tragedy, an assault weapons ban was immediately introduced into Colorado’s legislature. Though paused, the bill represents the ongoing threat to ban the most popular semi-automatic rifles sold in America. Oliva calls on Coloradans to make their voices heard by contacting their legislators and the governor’s office.

“When you delay a right, you are denying that right. When relegating the Second Amendment right to a second-class right, it is no longer a right, it is a privilege that’s being granted by the state.”

Mark Oliva, Managing Director of Public Affairs, National Shooting Sports Foundation

Federal Reserve Interventionism and the Path to Prosperity

Start listening at 72:34 – Hour 2

Economic historian Dr. Brian Domitrovic, author of multiple books on supply-side economics and taxation, joins Kim to discuss the current economic challenges facing America. Domitrovic expresses concern that policymakers have abandoned the lessons learned from the Reagan revolution, with excessive spending, rising real tax rates driven by inflation, increased regulation, and neglect of the dollar’s value.

The Federal Reserve’s approach of attempting to reduce inflation through austerity and economic contraction is fundamentally flawed, Domitrovic argues. Less production does not solve inflation problems; more goods naturally moderate prices. He suggests the Fed is more interested in maintaining its institutional relevance than pursuing policies that would unleash economic growth.

On digital currencies, Domitrovic is skeptical of central bank digital currencies but optimistic about Bitcoin. He notes that real money requires cult-like appeal, which gold has maintained for thousands of years and which Bitcoin has developed. Central bank digital currencies, in contrast, elicit “horror and laughter” from the public. Despite current challenges, Domitrovic remains optimistic that America could quickly solve its fiscal problems through economic growth, achieving budget surpluses within years if spending were held to 2019 levels.

“You start running a budget surplus right now. You hold the spending, 2019 levels, have 4% or 5% growth. You start running a surplus. When you start running a surplus, you pay down current debt. That possibility is in our hands right now.”

Dr. Brian Domitrovic, Economic Historian, Laffer Center

Legislative Attack on Parental Rights and Minor Children

Start listening at 16:40 – Hour 1

Richard Holtorf, Colorado State Representative from District 63, joins Kim to expose the troubling implications of Senate Bills 188, 189, and 190 currently advancing through the legislature. Holtorf explains that these measures represent a coordinated effort to marginalize parents and fundamentally transform traditional family values in Colorado.

The legislation allows children as young as 12 to access mental health treatment, psychotropic medications, gender reassignment procedures, and abortions without any parental notification or consent. Holtorf emphasizes that SB 190 specifically attacks crisis pregnancy centers that offer alternatives to abortion, potentially making abortion reversal treatments illegal under the guise of preventing “deceptive trade practices.” Additionally, SB 189 would mandate that health insurance carriers cover abortion services, likely driving some insurers out of the state.

The representative urges parents, mothers, fathers, and community members to speak up at school boards and contact their legislators. He notes that Democrats have invoked Rule 14 to limit debate on these controversial measures, restricting the ability of opponents to voice concerns before votes occur.

“Now a 12, 13, 14, or 15-year-old can get gender reassignment surgery. You can get transition treatment. You can get puberty blockers, all unbeknownst to a parent now, and get the mental health treatment to go with it.”

Richard Holtorf, Colorado State Representative, District 63

Housing Policy and Property Rights Concerns

Start listening at 61:39 – Hour 2

Award-winning realtor Karen Levine of RE/MAX Alliance discusses Senate Bill 213, a 110-page housing bill making its way through the legislature. While the Colorado Association of Realtors has not yet taken an official position, preliminary review shows the bill could potentially increase property rights, spur real estate transactions, and remove government barriers to reduce housing costs.

Levine emphasizes the fundamental truth about affordable housing: the best way to achieve it is to get government out of housing, because government involvement increases costs. Policy, rules, and regulations account for approximately 30% of the cost of new home construction. While recognizing that land is limited and density may be necessary as population grows, Levine advocates for choices made by educated voters and property owners rather than government mandates.

“The best way to make affordable housing affordable is to get the government out of housing, because when they’re involved in housing, the cost of housing goes up.”

Karen Levine, Award-Winning Realtor, RE/MAX Alliance