Left Face

Curious about how political ideologies evolve through personal experiences? Our new co-host, Dick Wilkinson, shares his journey from a conservative upbringing in Texas to a broad-minded perspective shaped by his military service. 

We'll explore the intricate balance veterans face between libertarian principles and governmental necessities. Hear firsthand how personal and ethical dilemmas unfold during political races and campaign financing. The conversation also touches on the ever-growing bureaucracy and the constant quest for efficiency, highlighting how different political ideologies approach the challenges of progressive change and conservative simplicity.

In a deeply concerning chapter, we address the environmental impact of PFAS chemicals in military communities like Colorado Springs. With local advocates like Liz Rosenbaum leading the charge! We'll also speculate on Kamala Harris's potential VP picks, considering how each candidate could shape her campaign. Join us for a multifaceted episode that seamlessly blends military experiences with political insights and community advocacy.

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Drawing from the profound experiences of military life and the complexities of parenting, Megan—a military spouse and mother to three—joins me to share her unique perspective on the highly charged debate around arming teachers in Colorado Springs' District 20. Our discussion ventures beyond the mere policy implications, touching upon the emotional and psychological effects such measures could have on both educators and students, and the significance of local school board elections in shaping educational integrity.

The safety of our kids in school is a topic that hits close to home for all of us, and Megan's activism in the school community as we grapple with the idea of concealed carry for teachers highlights the broader conversation on how we can best protect our children. We reflect on the FASTER program's initiatives, the potential impact on teachers' psychological wellbeing, and the use of School Resource Officers as an alternative. The heartrending reality of active shooter drills and their impact on our youngest ones is a stirring call to action for every listener concerned with the future of school safety.

But our journey doesn't stop at the school gates; it takes us around the globe as Megan and I explore how different cultures can reshape our political ideologies and the trust we place in our government. From the social safety nets in Germany to the challenges faced by American middle-class families and educators, we tackle the intricacies of economic pressures and the responsibilities we carry in framing a truthful narrative of American history for our children. Join us as we navigate these waters, confronting the critical issues that shape our lives and the world our children will inherit.

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Have you ever wondered how veterans continue to shape our political landscape post-service? Join me as I sit down with Pablo Capistrano from the El Paso County Democratic Party Veterans Outreach Committee to unravel the depths of veterans' political activism and the pressing need for their voices in today's democracy. Pablo sheds light on the importance of dispelling myths about party allegiance, particularly the notion that military support is a Republican hallmark, and urges voters to align their ballots with their personal values.

Our conversation doesn't shy away from the tough questions, as we examine the challenges of engaging constructively with conservatives who don't subscribe to extremist ideologies. I share anecdotes from my own life about the delicate art of discussing politics with friends and family who hold different views. These stories highlight the transformative power of empathy in political discourse, hinting at the potential to bridge divides and foster understanding through respectful conversation. Furthermore, we dissect the worrying trends within the Republican Party, drawing parallels with examples of democratic backsliding internationally and underscoring the crucial role of independent and unaffiliated voters in pushing back against these trends.

The episode wraps up with an exploration into the deepening influence of right-wing extremism on local issues, such as school board elections and cannabis legalization movements. Through my discussion with Pablo, we spotlight the significant impact that local community action can have, especially when it comes to protecting the integrity of public education and supporting veterans' needs. If you're looking for a thought-provoking listen that combines personal insights with an impassioned plea for civic engagement, this is the episode for you.

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Join us as we traverse the volatile terrain of global conflicts and American politics with Joe Reagan from the Welcome Party. Unpack the complex Ukraine-Russian war, its ripple effects on international relations, and the potential influence on the Israel-Hamas conflict. We dive into the intricate details of the war, exploring its impact on both nations and the global community, while highlighting the critical role the US plays in showing support for Ukraine, a significant NATO ally.

In the final act of our discussion, we delve into the economic implications of political policies. Comparing the core values of both the Republican and Democratic parties, we evaluate how these principles shape our economy and employment landscape. We touch upon the transition to green energy and the potential for less dependence on OPEC. As we wrap up, we reflect on the qualifications required for elected officials and the irreplaceable value of electing true representatives of our values. So, join us and brace yourself for a thought-provoking episode filled with engaging exchanges and expert insights.

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Get ready for a riveting exploration into the treacherous waters of school board politics as our guest, Rob Rogers, the first vice chair of El Paso County Democratic Party, sheds light on the recent elections and their implications. Discover how conservative extremists have seized control of the two largest school districts of El Paso County, D11 and D20, and what that means for public education.

We also delve into the significant role of information warfare in shaping our perceptions of education. From the ease of peddling fear and hate to the enduring influence of negative rhetoric, we underscore the urgent need to rebuild trust in public education and debunk outdated narratives. Recognizing the pivotal role of school boards as a launchpad for electable officials, this discussion is a call to arms for everyone to champion public education, because the fight for quality education is a fight for all, directly impacted or otherwise. Brace yourselves for a thought-provoking episode.

Sign up for the 2 December Event here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/8Xpejf2cM4uuhLmt/?mibextid=9l3rBW

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What if you could transform your biggest traumas into your greatest strengths? Join us in a deep dive as Matt Simpson, author of 'Worth the Fight: Acting for a Better World,' charts a remarkable course from corporate America to an empowering servant to the military and veteran community. Matt’s story is one of selfless service, donating all the profits from his book to veteran charities and facilitating over 100 psychedelic experiences to help veterans navigate from post-traumatic stress disorder to post-traumatic growth.

As we lean into society's perception of trauma, Matt brings forth the compelling idea of how our deepest wounds can birth our most significant strengths. He recounts experiences with the Heroic Hearts Project and his recreational plant medicine journeys, emphasizing the necessity of forging connections with the world around us for our mental health. As we wrap up this enlightening discussion, we delve into the complex realm of recreational psychedelics use and its benefits, with Matt sharing pragmatic advice to better navigate this space. Don’t miss out on this conversation that promises to be both inspiring and enlightening, as we learn about the liberating energy of trauma, the transformative power of plant medicines, and Matt's dedication to healing and empowering the veteran community.


Psychedelics & Limitless Personal Growth Meetup:

https://www.meetup.com/psychedelics-and-limitless-personal-growth/

Wim Hof App: 

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/wim-hof-method-mobile-app

Wim Hof Method: Potent guided breathwork: For full effect 4-5 rounds 40-50 breaths. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ

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Ever wondered how a yes or no vote on Proposition HH could change the future of your property taxes? Ponder no more! I'm your host, Adam Gillard, and in this episode, we're breaking down the impacts of Proposition HH - a legislation aimed at reducing property taxes for homes and businesses for at least a decade. We'll walk you through what voting 'yes' or 'no' would mean for you as a taxpayer, the implications for seniors, and the effects on rental properties and more. Plus, we'll review how the proposition interacts with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (Tabor) refunds for all taxpayers in 2023. 

So, tune in, and let's unravel the mysteries of Proposition HH together!

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Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of VA benefits with our guest, Mike Walljasper, a seasoned veteran of the VA DBA office. Mike, who's been with the VA since 2006, provides an insider's view into the transformative shifts that the VA has undergone, from paper to digital, and how these changes have significantly improved the way veterans are served, even amidst a global pandemic. 

Prepare for a deep dive into the PACT Act as Mike shares the triumphant stories of over 8,500 Colorado veterans who have reaped retroactive benefits from it. We'll also talk about the evolution of transitioning from active duty to reserve over the years. Listen now to gather the essential information straight from a seasoned VA professional.

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Imagine, as a veteran, finding solace not just in the understanding companionship of fellow veterans but also in the healing embrace of nature and its adventures. This captivating episode introduces you to Mark Fruehling, an Army veteran who is on a mission to create such a space. Mark and other members of the Paso County, Colorado Progressive Veterans group share a common goal – to alleviate the sense of isolation often felt by veterans. They have found an innovative way to do this – by engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

We then navigate through the somewhat contentious topic of cannabis and its potential in supporting veterans’ well-being. Mark opens up about his personal experiences around PTSD, anxiety, and back pain and how the right cannabis type assisted him. We also share a heartening story of a gentleman who rediscovered his mobility through cannabis and physical therapy. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about the potential benefits of cannabis in managing PTSD and other service-related medical conditions. Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or just interested in supporting the community, this episode is a must-listen.

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What if your mailbox was your ballot box? That's the revolutionary idea we explore with our passionate guest, Rich Lins, more affectionately known as The Stamp Guy. After a personal experience hunting for a 71 cent stamp to mail his ballot, Rich was awakened to the pivotal role of accessible voting. Uncover the lesser-known US Postal Service policy that ensures ballots are delivered regardless of postage, and join us as we champion the transformation of every mailbox into a ballot dropbox.

Let's dive into the significance of paid postage for Colorado, the pitfalls of ballot harvesting, and the ripple effects of the failure to pass HR 1 For the People Act. Rich's initiative raises the promising prospect of increased voter turnout through an accessible paid postage return envelope. Tune in to explore the potential of an equitable playing field, and the compelling power of the humble postage stamp in our democracy.

Contact Rich Lins 

https://www.facebook.com/RichLins998

Sign the petition!

https://www.change.org/p/colorado-governor-colorado-election-ballots-mailed-with-postage-pre-paid-return-envelopes-bre?source_location=search

Thanks for listening, Stay safe!

v/r
AG

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