Bigger Truth Media

Bigger Truth Podcast Episode 72 with Matt Wilk: The Truth about "Axe My Tax"

In today's episode of the Bigger Truth Podcast, I sat down with Matt Wilk to discuss the controversial "Axe My Tax" proposal gaining traction in Michigan. Matt brings deep insights from his experience as a former school board treasurer and his extensive background in finance.

Highlights from the Discussion:

* Axe My Tax Explained: The proposal aims to abolish local property taxes and shift funding to the state through increased allocations of income, sales, and excise taxes. Matt breaks down the math and explains why the numbers simply don't add up, showing the proposal falls drastically short—$2.8 billion in projected state revenue versus the $17 billion currently funded by property taxes.

* Loss of Local Control: Matt argues that shifting control from local to state government inherently reduces transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. He emphasizes the importance of local oversight, citing personal examples and drawing historical parallels.

* The Hidden Consequences: Matt highlights how funding shortfalls from Axe My Tax would severely impact critical local services, including law enforcement, schools, courts, and community infrastructure, potentially paving the way for increased state and federal control.

* Better Solutions Exist: Rather than pursuing unrealistic proposals, Matt suggests targeted tax reforms, such as gradually reducing state income tax, to responsibly shrink government while protecting local autonomy. He references successful tax reform efforts championed nationally by Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform.

* Transparency and Citizen Engagement: Both Matt and I emphasize the power of local citizen engagement in the budgeting process. Matt shares personal experiences demonstrating how active citizen oversight can lead to real savings and better governance.

Key Takeaway: Matt stresses the importance of focusing reform efforts where they can truly make an impact—cutting waste, encouraging transparency, and responsibly reducing taxes without sacrificing local governance and accountability.

Listen in for a deep dive into responsible tax reform and the dangers of simplistic, emotionally-driven proposals.

Follow Matt Wilk on X: @MJWgoblue

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In this brief episode of The Bigger Truth Podcast, I share my thoughts on the "Axe MI Tax" proposal that's pushing for Michigan's 2026 ballot. As a first-year Lapeer County Commissioner – and the only one who voted against a recent small property tax increase – I've been diving into our county's budgeting process. While abolishing property taxes might sound appealing, I believe it would weaken local control, increase state and federal involvement in our communities, and put vital services at risk. Drawing from what I've learned so far, I discuss the potential pitfalls and encourage us all to think carefully about the trade-offs involved.

Key Takeaways

* The Appeal and the Risks: "Axe My Tax" aims to eliminate property taxes, which I get – no one loves paying them. But from my experience, this could leave local governments scrambling for funds, leading to heavier reliance on state or federal money, and much higher sales and income taxes. Essential services like parks, animal control, and senior programs might be the first to suffer, and sheriffs’ departments will face an existential crisis.

* Protecting Local Influence: Property taxes support our sheriffs, courts, and judges – the folks we can hold accountable right here in our communities. Without them, we would see more state oversight, similar to how Agenda 21/2030 ideas push for reducing local power (think overriding zoning for large solar projects). I share a tough story about a local family facing that reality.

* Lessons from Elsewhere: In places like California and Nebraska, similar changes caused real hardships, from closed parks to strained justice systems. It's a reminder that quick fixes can have long-term consequences.

* Behind the Push: The proposal has support from Michigan GOP leaders and groups like the America Project, but I worry it might pull focus from stronger conservative efforts, like cutting state income taxes.

* What We Can Do: Instead of drastic cuts, let's get involved locally – review budgets, attend meetings, and advocate for smarter spending. I've been asking proponents: How should we fund our communities? It's a question worth pondering together.

Why Listen?If you're a fellow Michigander frustrated with taxes but committed to thoughtful solutions, I hope this episode sparks some reflection. I'm no expert – just someone trying to learn and serve – but I believe understanding these nuances helps us build stronger communities without unintended chaos. True conservatism, in my view, is about balancing freedom with responsibility.

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Episode 70 Show Notes

Podcast Summary: Unmasking the Reawaken America Tour and General Flynn's Influence

In this explosive episode, I sit down with Jeff and Shannon of the MG Show to explore the "Reawaken America Tour" and its role in shaping a divisive political movement under General Michael Flynn.

Key Highlights:

* Origins and Influence:

* The Reawaken America Tour emerged in 2021 as a significant driver behind what is now recognized as the Flynn network, deeply intertwining politics, religion, and conspiracy narratives.

* Jeff and Shannon share first-hand experiences from backstage, exposing how General Flynn and Clay Clark leveraged events to cultivate a tightly controlled community.

* Psychological Warfare:

* Discussion around military intelligence practices, emphasizing Flynn's extensive training in psychological operations. Highlighting how emotional manipulation and orchestrated narratives were key strategies employed during the events.

* Financial and Organizational Tactics:

* Insights into the financial structures and questionable practices behind the tour, revealing how many event speakers were financially tied to Clay Clark as paying clients, thus raising concerns about authenticity and agenda.

* Cult-Like Dynamics:

* Exploration of the psychological markers identifying the Flynn network as exhibiting cult-like characteristics—unquestioned loyalty, demonization of dissent, and leaders presented as infallible.

* Disturbing Connections:

* Unveiled concerning backgrounds of prominent figures within the tour, including scandals and criminal activities involving key organizers and their associates.

* Call to Awareness:

* A strong message urging the audience to critically assess narratives, reclaim individual thought processes, and resist manipulative emotional tactics employed by powerful influencers.

This eye-opening conversation invites listeners to challenge accepted narratives, question influential leaders, and foster independent critical thinking.

Featured Guests: Jeff and Shannon (MG Show)

Tune in to discover how the Reawaken America Tour exemplifies deeper challenges MAGA and Trump face today.

Subscribe, like, and share to stay informed and empowered.

Listen to the full episode for complete details and deeper insights.

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On tonight’s stream, Luis returned to the cache and two of the dumpsters were chained together - an encouraging sign. As he continued circling the downtown area, he captured some interesting interviews and interactions with protesters.

It appears that these protests are fizzling. LAPD seems to be taking the threat extremely seriously and they did not permit any large downtown assembly after curfew.

One interesting note. After we ended the stream, the motorcycle couple he talked to earlier and a few other motorcycles passed him multiple times on his way back to his hotel. They were definitely tracking him. I stayed on the phone with him until he was safely back.

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In today’s first livestream Luis Ruiz (link here to his X page) took us on a tour of the entire downtown LA riots theater. We witnessed two different marches, a very communist speaking event, and, most alarming: a weapons cache of throwing stones and engineered dumpsters with heavy duty, easy-push caster wheels that Luis has caught protesters using as movable barricades and weapons against police on multiple occasions. The large pile of river rock that appears freshly delivered is particularly alarming. It is located off First Street between Los Angeles and San Pedro.

My takeaways from this stream:

* This is definitely a communist-led effort.

* They are definitely planning for kinetic violence against police.

* They do not have the numbers of non-communist/black block militaristic protestors that they need to be successful.

* They are probably hoping to provoke police or the military to violence.

We will go LIVE again tonight at 7:30pm PST, 30 minutes before curfew. You can catch live us on X, FB, YouTube, or Rumble. I’ll post the replay here after.

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With Luis Ruiz on the ground in downtown Los Angeles, we got a valuable ground-level perspective of the events of night five of these antifa-led riots.

Luis did stay safe, although at times we all had serious concern. He was clearly marked by several antifa operatives over the course of the night and he found himself adjacent to a pre-planned, armed maneuver by antifa against police.

Tonight’s show also featured some extremely insightful interviews with various individuals.

To follow Luis on X, his handle is @CorrrespondentX.

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This was a very enlightening livestream from downtown Los Angeles, where Luis gained and shared some direct intel from Antifa-linked individuals. Plus we found the DNC-linked org that is planning to pay bail for protesters.

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This was our second live coverage of the LA Riots Monday night. The police made a strong show of force, declared the riot an unlawful assembly, and, through strength, appeared to cause the riot to fizzle, which was great news.

One of Luis’ observations that I found interesting is that the protestors appeared to be true believers, not paid actors.

We discussed the upcoming protests planned for Flag Day and Ivan Raiklin’s and Jake Lang’s public statements that indicate their likely intention to foment counter protests.

We continue to pray that cooler heads prevail.

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We just got off the air with this live footage of the LA riots with important information about what is happening on the ground at the epicenter of the riots right now.

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🎙️ The Bigger True Show: Interview with Ashley Jo on Tore Maras

In this explosive episode, I sit down with Ashley Jo, a former follower of Tore Maras, to break down the psychology, influence, and impact of one of the most controversial figures in the Flynn alt-media network. Ashley pulls no punches as she shares her personal journey into—and out of—what she now calls "the Tore cult."

We dig deep into:

🔹 Tore’s rise and tactics — From post-COVID radicalization to building a tight-knit, highly controlled online community.

🔹 The Book Scheme — Why Tore is charging up to $888 for books she claims were written in a day, and what’s really going on with those preorders.

🔹 Her supposed intel background — Is she a cyber genius and former Navy intel officer, or is it all smoke and mirrors?

🔹 The 2020 election fallout — How Tore’s "poison pill" affidavit made its way into Sidney Powell’s lawsuits and helped derail the Kraken.

🔹 Hunter Biden’s laptop — A chaotic trail of conflicting stories, evidence tampering, and unverified claims.

🔹 January 6th & the Flynn Network — How Tore allegedly primed her followers for J6 while publicly distancing herself after the fact.

🔹 Cult recovery and manipulation — Ashley shares the moment it all clicked, and how stepping away from daily immersion in Tore’s content helped her reclaim her thoughts—and her life.

This is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand how political psyops, cultic influence, and digital disinformation intertwine.

👉 Follow Ashley Jo on X: @Ashleyjo1117👉 Clip mentioned in the episode:

Listen now and let us know what you think in the comments.

Subscribe and let’s pursue the Bigger Truth!

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