Defending Free Speech in the Wake of Political Violence

On September 12, 2025, Kim Monson broadcasts from Et Voila French Bakery on Lookout Mountain while reflecting on the tragic assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Marc Auville previews Grand Lake Constitution Week, Wade Miller analyzes tariff policy and the meaning of Kirk’s death, and Colorado activists discuss protecting free speech, the Second Amendment, and parental rights.

Constitution Week and Free Speech Under Fire

Start listening at 16:17 – Hour 1

Marc Auville, president of Grand Lake U.S. Constitution Week, opens the broadcast with a discussion of the upcoming 14th annual event. With keynote speaker Jonathan Turley set to address “Free Speech in an Age of Rage,” Auville notes how the Charlie Kirk assassination has made the timing even more critical. The week-long celebration includes presentations from constitutional scholars, a trivia contest, youth appreciation day, and culminates in Turley’s Saturday address followed by fireworks over Grand Lake. Auville emphasizes that Kirk embodied the civic engagement the founders envisioned, making his violent silencing a direct attack on American values.

“We’ve got some tough questions to ask about the First Amendment, somebody getting killed in cold blood just because they’re expressing their First Amendment rights.”

Marc Auville, President, Grand Lake U.S. Constitution Week

Tariffs, Trade Policy, and Honoring Charlie Kirk’s Legacy

Start listening at 33:15 – Hour 1

Wade Miller, senior advisor at the Center for Renewing America, explains how tariff policies have generated significant revenue while not increasing consumer prices as critics predicted. Miller notes that China’s unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and worker exploitation, justify protective measures. The conversation turns to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with Miller describing how the loss affects the entire conservative movement. Kirk’s willingness to engage respectfully with those who disagreed, his generational talent for communication, and his potential future as a political leader make this loss incalculable. Miller commits to holding accountable those who celebrated Kirk’s death.

“He was the best of us, and someone stole that from us all.”

Wade Miller, Senior Advisor, Center for Renewing America

Second Amendment Defense and School Safety

Start listening at 63:54 – Hour 2

Alicia Garcia, co-founder of the Second Syndicate, discusses her organization’s campaign to fund scholarships for the FASTER program, which trains school staff to carry firearms. With a goal of $50,000, Garcia explains that educators including teachers, custodians, and principals can receive training to protect students. She reflects on the irony that Second Amendment advocates fight to protect the rights of everyone, including those who oppose them. The Evergreen High School shooting, occurring the same day as Kirk’s assassination, underscores the urgency of allowing trained defenders in schools.

“We’re literally fighting to protect the people that hate us, and that’s impactful.”

Alicia Garcia, Co-founder, Second Syndicate

An Immigrant’s Perspective on American Freedom

Start listening at 75:12 – Hour 2

Helen Raleigh, author and naturalized citizen who grew up in communist China, shares her personal encounter with Charlie Kirk and reflects on his assassination. She recalls meeting him in 2014 at the Stimbo Institute Freedom Conference when he was just 21, noting his infectious smile and youthful energy. Raleigh draws parallels between the French immigrant owners of Et Voila French Bakery and her own journey, emphasizing that immigrants still believe in the American Dream even as native-born Americans lose faith due to bureaucratic barriers. She warns that dark forces seek to silence dissent through violence, and the only appropriate response is to continue speaking out.

“The only way we can honor him and to keep this American experiment going is to keep speaking out.”

Helen Raleigh, Author and Speaker

Small Business Survival and the American Dream

Start listening at 87:16 – Hour 2

Rachel Dufour, owner of Et Voila French Bakery, describes her family’s struggle with Jefferson County zoning officials. The French immigrants sold everything they owned to open the bakery, living in tiny homes on the commercial property so that Ruth can begin baking at 1 AM. An anonymous complaint triggered enforcement action, but over 9,500 petition signatures on Change.org have pressured the county to stay penalties during the appeals process. Dufour notes the irony that a previous restaurant owner lived on the same property for years without issue. She asks only for a variance to continue pursuing her American Dream.

“I’m very touched to see that the people still have a voice in this country, and we want to keep it going.”

Rachel Dufour, Owner, Et Voila French Bakery

Parental Rights and Community Action

Start listening at 101:06 – Hour 2

Lori Gimelshteyn, co-founder of the Colorado Parents Advocacy Network, promotes their September 19th gala at the Vehicle Vault in Parker. Featured speakers include Trevor Loudon, author of “The Enemy Within,” and video commentary from Dr. Alveda King and James Lindsay. CPAN’s mission has expanded beyond education to encompass healthcare, family court, and child protective services. Gimelshteyn frames the gala as a night of hope and strength, a chance for fellowship in the wake of Kirk’s death and an opportunity to celebrate Colorado’s cultural shift toward protecting parental rights.

“You know, our whole mission is for parents to take back their authority to direct their child’s upbringing, care, and education.”

Lori Gimelshteyn, Co-founder, Colorado Parents Advocacy Network

Protecting Children and Defending Free Speech

Start listening at 106:38 – Hour 2

Yvonne Paez, co-founder of Perspectives 101 and longtime friend of Kim Monson, describes the Protect Kids Colorado ballot initiative campaign. The three measures would strengthen penalties for child sex trafficking, prohibit biological males from girls’ sports, and ban irreversible sex-change surgeries for minors. Paez recalls Kirk’s respectful debate style and predicts Turning Point USA will grow stronger after his death. She urges listeners to remain courageous, noting that freedom of speech must be defended or it will be silenced forever.

“Yes, he would invite people to tell them what they thought, and he would counter with his ideas, always in a respectful manner.”

Yvonne Paez, Co-founder, Perspectives 101