Morality, Human Flourishing, and the China Threat

On February 17, 2023, Kim Monson examines the philosophical foundations of liberty and self-governance with essayist Rick Turnquist, who argues that morality and human flourishing are inseparable from free market principles. Former Colorado State Senator Kevin Lundberg discusses his bid for GOP State Chair and the need for Republican Party reform, while Forbes contributor Kenneth Rapoza analyzes China trade policy and the surveillance balloon incident.

The Philosophy of Liberty and Human Flourishing

Start listening at 01:03 – Hour 1

In this segment, Rick Turnquist joins Kim in studio to discuss his essay “Morality and Human Flourishing.” Now living in Oklahoma after leaving Colorado, Turnquist reflects on the contrast between states that embrace liberty and those pursuing progressive policies. He argues that Colorado has surpassed California and Oregon in implementing radical legislation, from the Fair Work Week bill to rent control measures.

Turnquist explores the intersection of morality and human flourishing, defining morality as the framework we use to determine right from wrong. He emphasizes that proper morality promotes individual self-interest, family well-being, and overall human flourishing. The discussion touches on how self-interest, properly understood, means taking responsibility for one’s own life while doing no harm to others. He critiques both left-wing redistributionism and attempts to use government force to impose religious morality.

The conversation addresses the pillars of modern life, which Turnquist identifies as free market capitalism, limited government, and fossil fuels. He encourages readers to visit KimMonson.com to read his essay and announces plans to publish a book collecting his writings on these themes.

“In my view, morality is what you use to determine what’s the right thing to do and what’s the wrong thing to do. And those things are usually defined by law, religion, philosophy or common belief. But I believe that the proper or right thing or the moral thing is that which promotes your personal self-interest, your family’s self-interest, and overall human flourishing.”

Rick Turnquist, Writer and Political Commentator

Republican Party Reform in Colorado

Start listening at 16:44 – Hour 1

Kevin Lundberg, former Colorado State Senator and Executive Director of the Republican Study Committee of Colorado, announces his candidacy for GOP State Chair. He outlines his vision for rebuilding the Republican brand in Colorado, emphasizing a return to constitutional principles and limited government.

Lundberg advocates challenging the unconstitutional open primary system in federal court, noting a previous lawsuit failed because the party itself did not join. He believes the grassroots, meaning individual citizens and county parties, must be empowered rather than following a top-down leadership model. The discussion covers the defeat of Senate Bill 101 which would have eliminated the caucus system, and the broader challenges facing Colorado Republicans.

“We’ve got to fix the problems that are within the GOP. And you already referred to the problems in the state, which is indicative of we need a new direction. And I believe that I can help provide some of that guidance and direction as chairman of the state GOP.”

Kevin Lundberg, Former Colorado State Senator

China Policy and the Surveillance Balloon

Start listening at 68:46 – Hour 2

Kenneth Rapoza, industry analyst from the Coalition for a Prosperous America and senior Forbes contributor covering China, analyzes the Chinese surveillance balloon incident and Biden administration trade policy. He explains that two Republican legislators are investigating whether solar panels on the balloon came from Chinese companies under investigation for dumping products in the United States.

The conversation explores how Biden’s emergency declaration effectively gave Chinese solar companies operating in Southeast Asia a two-year reprieve from tariffs, even after the Commerce Department found they were circumventing U.S. trade law. Rapoza notes Warren Buffett has been selling shares in BYD, a Chinese company found to be breaking trade law, possibly anticipating tariff enforcement.

On the East Palestine train derailment, Rapoza argues the delayed mainstream media coverage reflects partisan bias, noting that under a Republican president, the story would have dominated headlines. He emphasizes that China has only been treated as a strategic rival since 2017-2018, explaining the relatively muted response to Chinese provocations.

“Because who’s the president of the United States? Is it Donald Trump? If it was Donald Trump who was the president of the United States, they would have been on it, and they would have blamed him for it.”

Kenneth Rapoza, Coalition for a Prosperous America