Prices, Profits, and the Real Culprit Behind Globalization

On Friday, December 16, 2022, Kim Monson examined the forces shaping American prosperity, from energy policy to global trade. Guests included Greg Lopez announcing his bid for Colorado GOP chair, Rick Turnquist explaining how oil and gas prices actually work, Mary Alpers discussing financial planning, and Kenneth Rapoza exposing the corporate architects behind globalization.

The Battle for Colorado GOP Leadership

Start listening at 17:29 – Hour 1

Greg Lopez, former gubernatorial candidate, announced his candidacy for Colorado State Republican Party chair. Lopez brings over 30 years of organizational leadership experience and pledged to bridge the divide between the establishment consultant class and grassroots activists. He argued that Republican consultants have failed to deliver victories for two decades and must reconnect with the real challenges facing Colorado families.

Lopez criticized Proposition 123, the affordable housing measure that passed narrowly, calling it an assault on homeownership that creates government dependency. He noted that Republican consultant Dick Wadhams received $27,500 to promote the measure, which Lopez believes undermines the American dream. His vision centers on clear communication and making the Republican Party relevant again by championing individual rights against government overreach.

“And when you give something away, it loses its value. It really loses its luster.”

Greg Lopez, Former Gubernatorial Candidate

Understanding Oil and Gas Economics

Start listening at 30:20 – Hour 1

Rick Turnquist dismantled progressive myths about energy prices in his essay “Prices and Profits, What Leftists Get Wrong.” Working in the oil and gas industry, Turnquist explained that upstream companies extracting oil and gas have zero power to set consumer prices. A left-wing blog had complained about Shell’s record profits, prompting Turnquist to clarify how the industry actually functions.

The industry operates in three segments: upstream (exploration and production), midstream (storage and transportation), and downstream (refining and distribution). Turnquist noted that drilling rigs cost over $20,000 per day to rent, making oil and gas production extremely capital-intensive. He pointed out that 13 percent of pump prices go directly to government taxes, while companies like Apple enjoy similar profit margins without public criticism.

Turnquist highlighted Alex Epstein’s book Fossil Future, arguing that fossil fuels remain essential to modern life. He warned that European climate policies have created energy crises, with ordinary citizens facing doubled utility bills as a direct result of the war on affordable energy.

“Oil and gas companies have zero power to set prices. And what you pay at the pump has very little to do with anything that an upstream oil and gas company does.”

Rick Turnquist, Oil and Gas Industry Analyst

Financial Planning for Uncertain Times

Start listening at 64:47 – Hour 2

Mary Alpers, co-owner of Three Points Financial, shared insights from their recent client appreciation dinner. As a fee-only fiduciary firm, Three Points Financial focuses exclusively on client interests without product sales or commissions. Alpers emphasized the importance of balancing long-term financial security with short-term life experiences.

Alpers recounted how the loss of a close friend prompted her to take an impromptu trip to California for a high school reunion, demonstrating that life requires flexibility alongside careful planning. She encouraged listeners to take private time over the holidays to review their lives and envision both short-term and long-term goals.

“I thought, I may never see these seven people again, and I need to do this. So I did it.”

Mary Alpers, Co-owner, Three Points Financial

Exposing the Corporate Architects of Globalization

Start listening at 72:59 – Hour 2

Kenneth Rapoza, industry analyst for the Coalition for a Prosperous America, traced globalization’s origins to corporate decisions rather than foreign manipulation. Rapoza argued that no Chinese official forced American companies to offshore manufacturing; executives chose lower labor and environmental costs abroad. He referenced Mike Collins’ book Dismantling of the American Dream as essential reading on the subject.

Rapoza connected globalization to the World Economic Forum’s “Fourth Industrial Revolution” agenda, identifying five targeted industries: new transportation (electric vehicles), new energy (replacing fossil fuels), new food (lab-grown alternatives), new biotech (medicine for healthy people), and central bank digital currencies. He cited Czech leader Vaclav Havel’s strategy of constantly exposing leadership hypocrisy while building parallel community systems.

The analyst warned that electric vehicle mandates represent control mechanisms, pointing to Switzerland telling citizens not to charge cars during energy shortages and California’s similar restrictions during heat waves. Consumer power remains the strongest countermeasure, Rapoza argued, urging Americans to demand domestic production and let corporations know their priorities.

“Remember, no one in China held a gun to these companies’ heads and said, you have to manufacture here. China, when we were growing up, was a happy meal toy-making economy. Now they’re the guys that make TikTok.”

Kenneth Rapoza, Industry Analyst, Coalition for a Prosperous America