Left Face

When military veterans analyze politics, they bring a unique perspective that cuts through partisan noise. This episode of Left Face offers exactly that as Dick Wilkinson and Adam Gillard engage in a wide-ranging discussion that connects local Colorado politics with global security concerns.

The conversation begins with a firsthand account of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser's town hall event, where both hosts witnessed his commitment to addressing community questions and his track record of challenging executive overreach. This leads to a thoughtful analysis of how tax policies impact veteran retirement decisions – with Dick making a compelling economic case for why states should incentivize military retirees to stay local rather than flee to tax-friendly destinations.

Space Command's announced relocation from Colorado Springs to Huntsville becomes a launching point for examining both immediate local impact and long-term strategic considerations. The veterans offer reassurance about Colorado's enduring space industry presence while acknowledging the potential for gradual shifts in defense contractor investments.

Things take a darker turn as they discuss recent military actions against alleged drug traffickers in international waters, raising profound questions about authorization, oversight, and the disturbing precedent of lethal force without clear accountability. This connects to growing concerns about domestic deployment of military assets and constitutional boundaries between state and federal authorities.

Most alarming is their assessment of the recent summit in China that brought together Putin, Xi Jinping, and other leaders opposed to American interests. Drawing on their military expertise, Dick and Adam break down China's growing capabilities in anti-satellite warfare and what Taiwan's semiconductor industry means for American national security. Their analysis offers a sobering reminder of how economic and military threats intertwine in ways most civilian analysts miss.

Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on social media or attend our upcoming events where veterans and community members come together to discuss the politics that shape our lives.

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The line between patriotism and authoritarianism has never been so clearly drawn. As veterans gather at Union Station to stand between ICE agents and American citizens, we're witnessing a powerful example of what it truly means to honor one's oath to the Constitution.

This episode explores the psychological processes that enable military personnel to normalize increasingly problematic actions against their fellow citizens. The gradual normalization of troops in civilian spaces creates a dangerous precedent where what begins as mundane duties can escalate to confrontations with Americans exercising their constitutional rights. Veterans Adam Gillard and Dick Wilkinson examine this slippery slope through the lens of their military experience, offering unique insight into how indoctrination and team loyalty can blur ethical boundaries.

We dive into the concerning exodus of scientists and medical professionals from government agencies like the CDC, where expertise is being replaced by political loyalty. When people with PhDs in unrelated fields are appointed to oversee public health decisions, the consequences reach far beyond partisan politics into the realm of public safety. The parallels to historical authoritarian regimes silencing scientific voices are impossible to ignore.

The conversation takes a passionate turn when discussing symbols of resistance and what it means to display the American flag during political protest. Should veterans fly the flag upside down as a distress signal, or is there greater power in reclaiming patriotic symbols from those who would undermine democratic institutions?

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion about what it means to honor one's oath in challenging times. If you're concerned about the increasing militarization of civilian spaces and the erosion of democratic norms, this episode offers both sobering analysis and inspiring examples of veterans taking action.

Listen now and consider: what lines would you refuse to cross, and how can we protect our democracy before it's too late?

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The battleground for American democracy is shifting from the ballot box to the map room as Texas Governor Greg Abbott's brazen redistricting gambit ignites what could become a nationwide gerrymandering war. What started as a power grab to flip five Democratic seats has triggered an unprecedented response—Democratic lawmakers fleeing the state to prevent a quorum, governors receiving civil arrest warrants, and bomb threats elevating the stakes from political theater to potential danger.

The most fascinating development? Democratic governors are preparing to fight fire with fire. California's Gavin Newsom has essentially declared: "You think you can flip five seats? We'll flip ten." This strategic counterpunch could transform a local power play into a national reckoning with our broken redistricting system. As one host provocatively suggests, "If we all abuse the system, we might fix the system."

Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues dismantling institutional guardrails, firing the chief statistician for simply reporting job numbers that contradicted the president's preferred narrative. This troubling development coincides with the increasingly transactional nature of policy-making, exemplified by Tim Cook's gold-adorned gift to Trump amid promises to bring Apple manufacturing stateside—a move that sounds patriotic until you consider the $2,000 iPhones and regulatory rollbacks it would require.

The conversation weaves through environmental consequences of corporate decisions, the human costs of overseas manufacturing, and the uncomfortable truth that many "Made in America" promises rely on environmental and labor concessions that undermine their purported benefits. Throughout these interconnected issues runs a central question: What happens when both sides decide to play hardball with the same rulebook?

Whether you're concerned about the integrity of our democratic systems, the economic realities behind political promises, or the strategic chess match unfolding between parties, this episode delivers critical insights into the high-stakes power games reshaping American politics. Subscribe now to join our community of politically engaged listeners who refuse to accept surface-level explanations in an increasingly complex political landscape.

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The latest episode of Left Face unveils the exciting formation of the Colorado Democrat Veterans Council, a vital new initiative aimed at advancing veterans' causes through state legislation. Hosts Dick Wilkinson and Adam Gillard share how this council has established a strategic partnership with the thriving New Mexico Veterans Caucus, creating an opportunity to learn from their success and avoid common pitfalls.

What makes this initiative particularly significant is its potential impact on El Paso County's substantial veteran population, which comprises approximately 15% of residents. The hosts explore how the council plans to leverage Colorado's four-month legislative session to champion veteran-focused bills, drawing inspiration from New Mexico's model while adapting to Colorado's unique landscape.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn toward national politics, examining potential Democratic presidential candidates for upcoming elections. Pete Buttigieg emerges as a standout figure in their discussion, praised for his genuine approach, military background, and moderate policy positions that resonate across generational lines. By contrast, the hosts express skepticism about candidates who rely more on political theater than authentic leadership.

Locally, the competitive race for Colorado's 5th Congressional District captures attention with Jessica Killen's remarkable fundraising success—$750,000 on day one, outpacing the incumbent. This development, coupled with the potential relocation of Space Command, signals a potentially historic opportunity to flip a traditionally Republican seat.

Throughout the episode, Dick and Adam reflect on the challenges of political fundraising, the importance of genuine representation, and how organized veteran groups can influence both local and state politics. Their passionate discussion offers listeners valuable insights into the intersection of military service, political advocacy, and community impact.

Ready to make a difference for veterans in Colorado? Reach out to join the Colorado Democrat Veterans Council and help shape legislation that truly serves those who've served our country.

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Freedom, surveillance, and veterans' unique perspective on democracy collide in this riveting crossover episode featuring hosts from Left Face and Justice with Jax. When progressive activist Jax Armendiaz had their entire digital life confiscated by police following a housing justice protest—despite never being convicted of any crime—it exposed the dangerous erosion of Fourth Amendment protections happening right in our backyard.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Dick Wilkinson, a retired Army veteran and podcast co-host, reveals his background as an NSA surveillance professional. His insider perspective illuminates the stark contrast between federal intelligence agencies' strict protocols regarding Americans' privacy and the seemingly unlimited reach local police sought through search warrants targeting activists. This firsthand knowledge adds critical context to Jax's ongoing ACLU lawsuit against the City of Colorado Springs, now approaching 690 days in litigation.

What emerges is a troubling pattern: military-heavy communities like Colorado Springs, where veterans comprise 15% of the population, often become testing grounds for surveillance tactics and civil liberties infringements. The hosts explain how military culture discourages political participation during active service, creating patterns of disengagement that continue into civilian life and leave these communities vulnerable to governmental overreach.

Against the backdrop of recent political assassinations and heightened tensions nationwide, this conversation couldn't be more timely. The hosts grapple with how fear functions as a tool to suppress political engagement while emphasizing the vital importance of pushing through that fear to protect democracy. For veterans, military families, and civilians alike, this episode offers crucial insight into how surveillance and constitutional rights intersect in our increasingly digital world.

Ready to hear veterans speak truth about surveillance, democracy, and political engagement? Subscribe now and join the conversation about protecting our constitutional rights in military communities and beyond.

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The world watches with bated breath as the Middle East teeters on another precipice of conflict. American B-2 bombers have crossed into Iranian airspace, delivering specialized "bunker buster" bombs to underground nuclear facilities while submarines launched missiles from nearby waters. The operation lasted just 25 minutes but may have consequences that stretch far into our future.

Veterans Dick Wilkinson and Adam break down the strategic implications of this dramatic escalation with expert insights from their military experience. This isn't just another headline—it's a significant shift in American foreign policy with real implications for deployed military personnel, global oil markets, and potentially even domestic security. As they explain, "Two-thirds of our nuclear triad just stretched their legs as a show of force," demonstrating America's overwhelming military capability while significantly raising the stakes.

The conversation delves deep into both tactical details and strategic questions. How were these strikes coordinated with Israel's earlier operations? What responses might Iran pursue—from proxy warfare and missile strikes to potential cyber attacks on American infrastructure? And how might this conflict affect local military communities like Colorado Springs, home to critical installations like NORAD and NORTHCOM?

Most chillingly, our hosts explore whether Iran's leaders might pursue a "death knell" strategy that could bring devastating consequences to both nations. "Are they willing to set themselves on fire to try to win a fight with America?" Adam asks. The answer remains uncertain, but the potential for miscalculation has never been higher.

For anyone trying to understand not just what happened but what comes next, this episode provides crucial context from those who've been inside military decision-making processes. Whether you're concerned about family members deployed overseas, curious about unusual aircraft activity over military communities, or simply trying to make sense of rapidly evolving global tensions, this discussion offers valuable perspective beyond mainstream headlines.

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