Defending Constitutional Rights Against Legislative Overreach

On February 7, 2024, Nephi Cole, Robert Farnham, Jim May, and Mary Janssen joined the show. Discussed pending Colorado legislation threatening firearms rights, including First Amendment implications of advertising restrictions, while emphasizing that 90 percent of crime guns are obtained illegally Explained threats to Colorado’s $4 Described three generations of cattle ranching across Colorado, Nebraska, and Nevada, and the philosophy behind Lavaca Meat Company’s premium aged.

Second Amendment Under Siege in Colorado

Start listening at 30:05 – Hour 1

Nephi Cole, Director of Government Relations and State Affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, sounded the alarm on Colorado’s aggressive push against firearms rights. Fresh from the massive SHOT Show in Las Vegas, where 70,000 industry professionals gathered at the nation’s eighth-largest trade show, Cole turned his attention to the legislative battles brewing in Denver.

Cole identified a troubling pattern in Colorado’s approach to gun legislation: lawmakers targeting law-abiding citizens rather than criminals. He emphasized that 90 percent of firearms used in crimes are obtained illegally, through straw purchases, underground markets, or theft. Convicted felons, illegal drug users, fugitives from justice, and other prohibited persons already cannot legally purchase firearms, yet proposed restrictions would burden only those who follow the law.

The conversation extended beyond the Second Amendment to First Amendment concerns, with pending legislation that could restrict firearms advertising. Cole drew a direct line between the right to keep and bear arms and freedom of speech, warning that attacking one constitutional right inevitably threatens others.

“Taking liberty away from law-abiding people does not stop criminals. It makes criminals.”

Nephi Cole, Director of Government Relations, National Shooting Sports Foundation

Protecting Colorado’s Cattle Industry from Outside Attacks

Start listening at 73:22 – Hour 2

Robert Farnham, president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, described an unprecedented assault on the state’s number one industry from radical environmental groups and out-of-state activists. The cattle industry generates $4.75 billion annually in direct commerce while preserving Colorado’s open landscapes and scenic beauty.

Farnham outlined immediate threats including a Denver ballot initiative to ban meat processing that would shutter Superior Packing Plant, eliminate 400 jobs, and potentially drive the National Western Stock Show out of Denver. Initial polling shows residents split 50-50 on the measure, giving the industry hope but requiring significant outreach to defeat it.

The conversation revealed how outside money, particularly from New York, funds ballot initiatives designed to bankrupt western agriculture. Farnham connected the dots between the defeated pet registration bill, firearms restrictions, and attacks on ranching as a coordinated effort to erode individual property rights and freedom.

“I think the biggest thing is, you know we have to, as a society, not let these small interest groups dictate to our daily lives, and I think that the biggest thing is just get involved.”

Robert Farnham, President, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association

Third-Generation Ranching Meets Premium Beef

Start listening at 16:26 – Hour 1

Jim May of Lavaca Meat Company shared the story of a family cattle operation spanning generations and three states. The May brothers operate feedlots in Stratton, Colorado with 65,000 head, another 80,000 in Nebraska, and ranches in northern Nevada and the Colorado black forest country.

From their downtown Littleton store in the historic Coors building, Lavaca offers premium aged beef selected from their own herds. May emphasized that behind the retail operation sits a sophisticated trading and risk management business handling futures contracts for their extensive cattle holdings.

The conversation turned personal when May, a cowboy poet who has known legendary figures like Baxter Black, reflected on Toby Keith’s passing. The country star’s death that week resonated with cattlemen who embodied the cowboy spirit Keith celebrated in songs like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

“We have a wonderful life. I know that how lucky we’ve been blessed to do this all our lives and something that we just love, I mean, to the heart.”

Jim May, Lavaca Meat Company

Lakewood Residents Rally Against Sanctuary City Push

Start listening at 102:47 – Hour 2

Former Lakewood City Councilor Mary Janssen called in with a firsthand account of a community meeting that drew 500 to 600 concerned residents despite last-minute venue changes. The school district canceled the original location claiming they could not find a janitor, forcing organizers to scramble for an alternative.

Janssen explained that residents demanded answers about whether Lakewood would become a sanctuary city and potentially house illegal immigrants in vacant schools. While city officials maintain they have no such plans, a January 8th council motion directing staff to explore how Lakewood could assist Denver with migrant issues raised red flags for constituents.

The massive turnout demonstrated growing frustration with government transparency on immigration policy. Janssen urged residents to attend the February 12th council meeting and make their opposition heard before the city commits to any path forward.

“Sanctuary city status, it ruins the city and we do not want to do this to our city.”

Mary Janssen, Former Lakewood City Councilor