Flag Officers Sound the Alarm on National Security Threats

On November 3, 2022, Kim Monson examines critical national security threats with retired Major General Joe Arbuckle, who represents 157 flag officers warning that America stands on the precipice of losing its constitutional republic. The broadcast also addresses the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes and three controversial alcohol propositions on the Colorado ballot.

National Security at a Crossroads

Start listening at 32:30 – Hour 1

Major General Joe Arbuckle, retired Army, sounds the alarm on what he calls the most dangerous period in American history since 1775. Representing Flag Officers for America, a coalition of 157 retired generals and admirals, Arbuckle outlines six critical threats: election integrity erosion, collapse of the rule of law, open borders, energy dependence, spiraling national debt, and censorship of free speech.

Arbuckle connects the Afghanistan withdrawal debacle to emboldened adversaries worldwide. He points to China’s aggressive moves toward Taiwan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea’s provocations as direct consequences of perceived American weakness. The general reserves particular criticism for woke policies infiltrating military leadership, which he argues undermine unit cohesion and combat readiness.

“If you ask me what would I do if I wanted to destroy our country, I’d do exactly what’s going on right now in terms of weakening our country economically, which is a huge issue, as we know: election integrity, the things I just mentioned, like rule of law, open borders, energy dependence, the debt, censoring people and so on.”

Joe Arbuckle, Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Federal Reserve Rate Hikes Squeeze Homeowners

Start listening at 23:36 – Hour 1

Lorne Levy, mortgage specialist with Polygon Financial Group, breaks down the Fed’s latest 75 basis point rate increase. While the hike was widely anticipated, Levy explains the market’s disappointment with the Fed’s hawkish stance signaling more increases ahead. Credit card interest rates approaching 19% now trap many consumers in debt spirals.

Levy describes a counterintuitive solution he recently implemented for a client: refinancing from a 3.25% mortgage to 6.875% to consolidate high-interest credit card debt, saving $1,300 monthly. For seniors on fixed incomes facing both inflation and rising property taxes, reverse mortgages offer one avenue for relief, with proceeds coming out tax-free.

“And so what’s going to happen is that person is never going to pay off those credit cards. And so we did the math. And even though they were going to take their interest rate from like 3.25 to 6.875, it was still going to save this client $1,300 a month.”

Lorne Levy, Mortgage Specialist, Polygon Financial Group

Property Tax Surge Threatens Colorado Homeowners

Start listening at 63:08 – Hour 2

Karen Levine, RE/MAX realtor, warns that Colorado property owners face a perfect storm. The upcoming reassessment will use data from market highs, potentially increasing assessed values 40-50% in Douglas County. These increases come without voter-approved mill levy hikes, meaning tax bills rise automatically.

Levine urges voters to scrutinize the unusually long ballot, noting many measures involve tax increases or attempts to circumvent TABOR protections. She criticizes television advertising for distorting truth about ballot measures, recommending voters research independently before casting their ballots.

“So the data that the assessors use, and this new assessment will take place really front-range wide. We reassess properties in Jefferson County and Denver County and Douglas County and Adams County every two years, and they use the last 18 months of data.”

Karen Levine, RE/MAX Realtor

Corporate Money Threatens Independent Liquor Stores

Start listening at 72:43 – Hour 2

Joe Brunner, owner of Lucas Liquors in Lone Tree, exposes the corporate interests behind Propositions 124, 125, and 126. With over $2 million flowing from out-of-state corporations, Brunner argues these measures will eliminate the 1,650 independent liquor stores across Colorado, leaving consumers with higher prices and less selection.

Brunner provides specific examples of current price manipulation, citing a 21-year single malt selling for $159 at a competitor just 1,500 feet from his store, compared to $79 at Lucas Liquors. He reserves particular criticism for Proposition 126, which would allow third-party alcohol delivery without the penalties that apply to independent stores and restaurants. As a father of four, he worries about alcohol reaching minors through unaccountable delivery drivers.

“If you don’t have me or any other independent fighting to keep pricing correct in our market, which is a fair and balanced market, then we will, as Colorado consumers, absolutely 100% going to get ripped off.”

Joe Brunner, Owner, Lucas Liquors