The Moral Gaslighting of America and the Remarkable John Heisman

On December 9, 2022, Kim Monson welcomed essayist Allen Thomas to discuss his latest work, “The Moral Gaslighting of America,” examining how media institutions have systematically dismissed conservative concerns while enabling harmful cultural trends. The broadcast also featured Lieutenant Colonel Bill Rutledge sharing the fascinating biography of John Heisman, and Colonel John Priecko promoting Colorado’s “In God We Trust” license plate initiative.

Media Manipulation and Moral Relativism

Start listening at 02:37 – Hour 1

Allen Thomas exposes the systematic gaslighting of American conservatives by mainstream media and Big Tech platforms. Thomas traces how institutions labeled legitimate concerns as conspiracy theories, from IRS targeting of conservative 501(c)(3) organizations to the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story. The recent Twitter Files revelations, he argues, have vindicated those who questioned platform neutrality.

Thomas connects this pattern to the Balenciaga photo shoot controversy, where sexualized imagery of children was dismissed by outlets like the New York Times as manufactured outrage by the “alt-right.” He cites alarming statistics: two-thirds of sex offenders in state prisons committed offenses against children, and 1.2 million children are trafficked annually worldwide. The essay confronts what Thomas calls the destruction of foundational institutions, from the nuclear family to absolute moral standards.

“Don’t call me crazy because I don’t want children sex trafficked. Don’t call me the crazy one that’s coming up with controversy when my morality tells me to preserve the innocence of children.”

Allen Thomas, Essayist

Colorado’s “In God We Trust” License Plate

Start listening at 19:34 – Hour 1

Retired United States Air Force Colonel John Priecko updates listeners on efforts to establish an “In God We Trust” specialty license plate for Colorado. The initiative, supported by incoming State Senator Mark Baisley and Representative Kurt Huffman, will be reintroduced on January 9th after stalling in the 2022 legislative session. Twenty-three other states already offer similar plates honoring the national motto.

Priecko explains that House Bill 22-1048 passed the House but was slowed in the Appropriations Committee. The grassroots campaign seeks 3,500 petition signatures through iPetitions before the bill’s reintroduction. Priecko notes with some surprise that several large churches and Christian organizations have declined to support the initiative.

“Virginia and 23 other states already have a license plate that says, In God We Trust.”

John Priecko, Retired USAF Colonel

Football Innovation and the Trophy’s Origins

Start listening at 75:33 – Hour 2

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bill Rutledge, 94 years old, presents a comprehensive biography of John Heisman ahead of the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Born in 1869 to German immigrant parents in Cleveland, Heisman emerged as a true Renaissance man: lawyer, actor, writer, and football innovator. After nearly losing his sight playing in Madison Square Garden, he completed his law degree through oral examinations with the help of a roommate who read his textbooks aloud.

Rutledge details Heisman’s 37-year coaching career spanning Oberlin, Auburn, Clemson, and Georgia Tech, where he set the still-standing record of 222-0 against Cumberland College in 1916. His friendship with golf legend Bobby Jones proved pivotal; Jones recommended him for the Downtown Athletic Club position in 1934. When Heisman died of pneumonia in October 1936, the club renamed its outstanding player award in his honor. The connection between these two sports giants links the Heisman Trophy and the Masters Tournament as America’s most coveted athletic honors.

“It’s very unfortunate that the recipients of the award at that time were not knowledgeable. Now more people know more about it. They’ve had a couple of books written about him.”

Bill Rutledge, Retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel

Financial Planning and Social Capital

Start listening at 64:00 – Hour 2

Steve Cruz of Three Points Financial encourages listeners to reflect on social capital alongside financial capital during the holiday season. Cruz emphasizes that investing in relationships yields returns no government can tax or confiscate, unlike financial assets subject to estate taxes and regulations. The Christmas season offers opportunities to convert financial resources into relational investments with lasting value.

“The potential returns of investing in the relationships in our lives are a whole lot higher than any financial investment we can make.”

Steve Cruz, Three Points Financial