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 commu...