Constitutional Rights Under Assault and America’s Growing Threats

On March 1, 2023, Kim Monson assembled a formidable lineup of guests to examine the multi-front assault on American liberty. From unconstitutional gun legislation advancing through the Colorado State Capitol to grave foreign and domestic threats challenging national security, this broadcast connected the dots between policy decisions and their consequences for everyday Coloradans and Americans.

Foreign and Domestic Threats to National Security

Start listening at 32:25 – Hour 1

In this segment, General Joe Arbuckle, a retired Army General, joins Kim to deliver a sobering assessment of America’s current security posture. Arbuckle characterized this moment as the most dangerous since the Cuban missile crisis, citing emboldened adversaries following the Afghanistan withdrawal. China’s move toward a wartime footing, the recent balloon incident testing American resolve, Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear pursuits, and North Korea’s missile tests all compound to create an unprecedented threat environment.

Beyond foreign adversaries, Arbuckle emphasized that domestic threats pose an even greater danger. He identified five priority concerns: election integrity, open borders allowing infiltration from as many as 160 nations, the breakdown of rule of law with no accountability for violations, the Biden administration’s war on fossil fuels driving inflation, and the crushing national debt whose interest payments alone approach the entire defense budget.

“Citizens have to get involved and take back, for example, their school boards that have drifted into the left side too far, take back control of their local governments, their towns, their cities, run for office.”

Joe Arbuckle, Retired Army General

Arbuckle highlighted his involvement with Flag Officers for America and STARRS (Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalism in the Services), organizations formed by retired generals and admirals who feel compelled to stand up and defend the Constitution against these mounting threats.

The 30 by 30 Land Grab and Food Security

Start listening at 69:29 – Hour 2

In this segment, Trent Loos, a sixth-generation farmer and rancher, joins Kim to expose the Biden administration’s 30 by 30 initiative and its threat to American agriculture. Loos detailed how the Kansas Department of Agriculture outbid a four-generation rancher for grazing land, using federal money to let productive farmland sit idle. He warned that Conservation Reserve Program contracts now contain fine print granting the government perpetual control over enrolled land.

Loos connected various policies to a broader “rewilding America” agenda, including wolf reintroduction in Colorado which reduces grazing capacity. He contrasted this with agricultural efficiency gains that reduced land requirements from 10 acres per person in 1900 to less than one-third acre today. The U.S. corn crop, he noted, produces four times more photosynthesis than the Amazon rainforest.

“Engage in what’s happening at the local level. Make a difference. Shape the direction instead of sitting back saying, where are they going to take us next? That journey we don’t want to be a part of.”

Trent Loos, Sixth-Generation Farmer and Rancher

Loos also addressed listener questions about GMOs and glyphosate, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and questioning the integrity of corporations rather than reflexively opposing technology. He traced the World Economic Forum’s origins to Klaus Schwab’s 1971 European Management Forum, urging listeners to focus on local engagement rather than global elite agendas.

Unconstitutional Gun Legislation in Colorado

Start listening at 08:21 – Hour 1

In this segment, Representative Ken DeGraff of Colorado House District 22 joins Kim to expose the dangerous gun control legislation advancing through the state legislature. DeGraff outlined four bills targeting Second Amendment rights: SB 23-70 expanding red flag orders, HB 23-1219 implementing a waiting period controlled by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, SB 23-169 raising the firearm possession age to 21, and SB 23-168 creating manufacturer liability for firearm misuse.

DeGraff noted the logical inconsistency of these policies, pointing out that the same legislators allowing 12-year-olds to make irrevocable medical decisions want to prevent 18-year-olds who can vote, sign contracts, and join the military from purchasing firearms. He highlighted how the bill’s broad definition of “firearm” could encompass almost anything capable of causing injury.

“Ultimately the Second Amendment is about protecting yourself from the government, from the government, as Huey Newton also observed.”

Ken DeGraff, Colorado State Representative

The Fight for Republican Party Leadership

Start listening at 20:15 – Hour 1

In this segment, Erik Aadland, candidate for Colorado State GOP Chair, joins Kim to discuss his vision for rebuilding the party. As a combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan who ran a $300 million project, Aadland brings leadership experience and independent thinking to the race. He advocated for closing Republican primaries, noting that only 37 percent participated in the CD7 primary and arguing the party should marshal resources for general elections.

Aadland defended the caucus assembly process as essential for candidates without significant funding to gain ballot access, committing to work with every county to establish repeatable processes. On election integrity, he acknowledged the chairman’s limited power but championed ballot initiatives and building county-level ballot harvesting organizations to compete with Democrats.

“We need to inspire hope, not despair, and I believe there is hope, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this. There is a way forward. We need great leadership.”

Erik Aadland, Candidate for Colorado State GOP Chair