Divine Providence in Washington’s Military Career and California’s Threat to State Unity

On February 24, 2023, Kim Monson explores the themes of divine providence and American unity with three compelling guests. Colonel Bill Rutledge provides a detailed account of George Washington’s military career, from the French and Indian War through the Revolutionary War victories at Trenton and Princeton. Allen Thomas examines how California’s policies echo the warnings of John Jay in Federalist No. 2 about states acting in an unsocial manner toward their neighbors. Tina Peters discusses her candidacy for Colorado GOP Chair and the importance of election integrity.

Washington’s Military Career and Divine Providence

Start listening at 66:52 – Hour 2

Colonel Bill Rutledge, a 94-year-old retired United States Air Force officer, joins Kim to discuss the remarkable military career of George Washington. The Colonel traces Washington’s journey from a 21-year-old surveyor tasked with delivering a message to French forces in 1753, through his experiences in the French and Indian War, to his emergence as the commanding general of the Continental Army.

Rutledge emphasizes the theme of divine providence that appears throughout Washington’s military career. During Braddock’s disastrous expedition, Washington had bullet holes through his coat and hat yet emerged without a scratch. The Colonel recounts how even Indian leaders recognized Washington as blessed, observing that despite being a tall target on horseback leading from the front, he consistently survived when others fell around him.

The discussion culminates with the critical winter of 1776, when Washington’s forces crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night to surprise the Hessian garrison at Trenton. Rutledge notes how weather conditions, seemingly providential in nature, worked to conceal Washington’s approach, including dense fog and a blizzard that prevented the enemy sentries from detecting the American advance. This victory, followed by the Battle of Princeton, turned the tide of the Revolution when the cause seemed lost.

“He was held in great awe by being able to lead his men in combat in the front and never die because they were all shooting at him.”

Bill Rutledge, Retired Colonel, USAF

California’s Policies and Federalist Warnings on State Unity

Start listening at 34:37 – Hour 1

Allen Thomas joins Kim in studio to discuss his essay, “California and Federalist No. 2.” Thomas explains that while Federalist No. 2 was written by John Jay to convince the states to unite under one federal government, its wisdom about interstate relations remains relevant today. He applies Jay’s insights to California’s current policies, which he argues create enmity between states.

Thomas highlights California’s war on diesel, including San Francisco ports banning diesel truckers and the state requiring federal agencies to transition to electric vehicles by 2042. He argues these policies force businesses in other states to adopt California’s ideological preferences simply to conduct commerce. Jay’s Federalist Paper emphasized that mutual exchange and free transport of commodities unites the country, and when one state becomes hostile to that exchange, it damages national unity.

The discussion also addresses California’s proposed exit tax on high-net-worth individuals and businesses leaving the state. Thomas notes this directly contradicts the founding principle of freedom and mobility between states. He warns against the temptation on the right to simply let California fail, explaining that as part of the union, what happens in California affects all states. The solution, he argues, is to fight the war of ideas and help California return to sound principles.

“When you have a state that is so ideologically driven, they’re creating this enmity between different states and between businesses.”

Allen Thomas, Writer and Policy Analyst

Colorado GOP Leadership and Election Integrity

Start listening at 15:02 – Hour 1

Tina Peters, former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder and candidate for Colorado GOP Chair, discusses her vision for the state Republican Party. Peters, who previously ran for Secretary of State, emphasizes the importance of closing Republican primaries to prevent non-Republicans from influencing party nominations. She also defends the caucus assembly process against Senate Bill 23-101, which would have gutted the system.

Peters frames her candidacy as a last-ditch effort to save Colorado, pointing to the state’s Democrat-controlled government and what she sees as irregularities in election systems. She criticizes big money influences in the party and calls for an audit of the $4 million the RNC gave the Colorado GOP. Peters also pledges to terminate the GOP’s retainer agreement with the Brownstein Law Firm, which she notes also represents Dominion Voting Systems.

On election integrity, Peters advocates for completely eliminating and rebuilding voter rolls, requiring citizens to re-register in person with identification. She addresses questions about her pending legal cases, stating that her efforts to preserve election records have exposed what she calls crimes in the system. Peters encourages listeners to watch the documentary Selection Code to understand the issues she has raised about electronic voting systems.

“We have to close the primaries. You know, we cannot, we have to have Republicans only voting in Republican primaries, and we need to protect the caucus.”

Tina Peters, Former Mesa County Clerk