Colorado Legislature Assaults Second Amendment and Property Rights

On March 22, 2024, Nephi Cole, Allen Thomas, Lorne Levy, Jim May, and Karen Levine joined the show. Exposed the true scope of Colorado’s assault weapons ban targeting 80% of firearms while providing actionable steps for constituent engagement Argued that Republican success depends on commitment to founding principles rather than loyalty to individual politicians, warning against personality-driven politics Explained 2-1 buy-down programs and reverse mortgage options that help. Second Amendment Under Siege in Colorado Start listening at 17:41 – Hour 1 Nephi Cole, state affairs director at the National Shooting Sports Foundation, exposes the true scope of Colorado’s proposed assault weapons ban, House Bill 1292. The bill targets semiautomatic handguns and modern sporting rifles, which together constitute 80 percent of the firearms industry and generate $1.1 billion in Colorado revenue annually. Cole emphasizes this legislation fundamentally differs from typical gun control measures because it specifically targets law-abiding citizens rather than criminals. Cole walks through the legislative process and identifies key Democratic legislators who could be persuaded to oppose the measure. He urges listeners to contact representatives directly and provides resources through the Gun Funny Podcast for simplified constituent outreach. An additional excise tax bill, House Bill 1349, would add an 11 percent retail tax on firearms and ammunition. “How is an assault weapons ban different? Because it does not try and take guns away from bad guys. It is a bill to specifically take guns away from good guys. That is extremely different.” Nephi Cole, State Affairs Director, National Shooting Sports Foundation Republican Unity and the Danger of Personality Politics Start listening at 03:00 – Hour 1 Allen Thomas previews his upcoming essay on division within the Republican Party, arguing that commitment to ideas rather than personalities is essential for long-term political success. Drawing parallels to Lincoln and Reagan, Thomas contends both leaders unified Americans behind principles rather than personal loyalty. He warns that treating any politician, including Trump, as beyond criticism undermines the party’s ability to survive and adapt. Thomas connects this philosophy to Colorado’s current political landscape, noting that progressive Democrats maintain strict party discipline while Republicans struggle with internal divisions. He emphasizes that voters must engage with neighbors, educate themselves on issues, and push all elected officials to be better rather than simply following personalities. “We won’t survive if we commit to a personality or a person, and in this case, Donald Trump, as opposed to ideas, we won’t survive a post-Trump world because when the character fades, when the personality goes away, we no longer are set up to succeed and last because we’re following a person and not the ideas.” Allen Thomas, Political Essayist Housing Market Realities and Property Rights Erosion Start listening at 68:23 – Hour 2 Karen Levine, award-winning REMAX Alliance realtor, analyzes the spring real estate market and the legislative threats to property ownership. She explains how accessory dwelling unit legislation could help inventory shortages but warns against statewide mandates that override local control. Levine connects current housing challenges to decade-old construction defect legislation that inadver...