The Power of Ideas and the Battle Against Government Overreach

On President’s Day, February 20, 2023, Kim Monson explored the power of ideas with Liberty Toastmasters co-founder Brad Beck and examined how radical Colorado legislation threatens small business owners with entrepreneur Susan Kochevar. The show also featured a brief interview with GOP chair candidate Erik Aadland and a caller discussing the value of work and personal investment.

Ideas, Innovation, and Presidential Legacy

Start listening at 6:42 – Hour 1

Brad Beck, co-founder of Liberty Toastmasters, joined Kim in studio fresh from the Leadership Program of the Rockies annual retreat where he hosted the Plug-In event, described as the “Shark Tank of Liberty.” The event featured 21 contestants pitching ideas for advancing freedom, with Linda White winning first place and a $3,000 prize for her “Grandparents for Kids” concept. Beck emphasized that ideas are the foundation of innovation and that observation combined with opportunity creates the best outcomes.

The conversation turned to presidential rankings and the criteria used to evaluate them. Beck noted that traditional rankings by historians rarely ask about fidelity to the Constitution or commitment to liberty. He championed lesser-known presidents like Martin Van Buren, Grover Cleveland, and Calvin Coolidge, who understood limited government. Coolidge in particular reduced not just the deficit but the national debt, understanding that the president’s proper role is restraint rather than expansion of power.

“Ideas are like balloons. You blow it up and see where it takes you. Sometimes they get shot down. Sometimes they should be shot down. Other times they keep floating and they go higher and higher and higher.”

Brad Beck, Co-founder of Liberty Toastmasters

Small Business Under Attack from Colorado Legislation

Start listening at 59:43 – Hour 2

Susan Kochevar, owner of the 88 Drive-In Theater, joined to discuss how Colorado legislation threatens small businesses. House Bill 23-1118, the predictive scheduling bill, would require businesses to provide guaranteed two-week schedules. For a seasonal, weather-dependent business like the drive-in, this is unworkable. Kochevar explained that businesses get all their money from customers, and without customers, there is nothing to pay bills, employees, or generate the profit necessary for everything from training to charitable contributions.

Kochevar shared her approach to educating young employees about capitalism, telling them directly that she is a capitalist and explaining how business works, including the reality that her payroll is $10,000 a month. She emphasized that employees are her best asset and that most employers want their workers to thrive. The conversation touched on how child labor laws have left young people unprepared, unable to make change, use a can opener, or operate basic tools. Kochevar teaches practical skills alongside the dignity of work, helping young employees understand they are always their own small business, selling their time and skills to an employer.

“Contrary to opinion, businesses get all of their money from customers. So without customers, I have nothing to pay my bills with. I have nothing to pay the employees with. I have nothing to have profit left over. And people think profit’s a bad thing. But understand, without profit, nothing happens.”

Susan Kochevar, Owner of 88 Drive-In Theater

Colorado GOP Chair Race and the Caucus Process

Start listening at 19:00 – Hour 1

Erik Aadland, a candidate for Colorado State GOP Chair and former congressional candidate, joined by phone to discuss his vision for the party. Despite connection issues, Aadland expressed his commitment to closing primaries, noting he would sign on as a plaintiff in the lawsuit as chairman. He emphasized his focus on winning elections, beating Democrats, and restoring sanity to the political process.

On the caucus assembly process, Aadland advocated for making it excellent rather than eliminating it. He described the caucus as the foundational bedrock of Colorado politics and stressed the importance of filling precinct captain ranks and working with county leaders. Beck added that the caucus process is the most democratic form of government, allowing citizens to participate from the bottom up and exchange ideas with their neighbors.

“We’re losing this country. Colorado’s being destroyed by leftist policies. It’s diminishing hope for my children, and we’ve got to address it.”

Erik Aadland, Candidate for Colorado State GOP Chair