EMP Vulnerabilities and the Fight for Property Rights

On this Tuesday broadcast from June 27, 2023, Kim Monson explores two critical threats to American liberty: electromagnetic pulse vulnerabilities that could cripple the nation’s infrastructure, and property tax policies that undermine the fundamental right to own property. Glenn Rhoades of the EMP Task Force and entrepreneur Susan Kochevar provide expert analysis on these interconnected challenges to freedom. Property Taxes Undermine True Ownership Start listening at 60:00 – Hour 2 Susan Kochevar, entrepreneur and owner of the 88 Drive-In Theater, challenges listeners to reconsider what property ownership truly means in America. Kochevar argues that property taxes fundamentally undermine the concept of ownership, transforming citizens from property owners into perpetual renters from the government. She points to how rising property assessments translate into automatic tax increases without any corresponding vote by the people. The discussion extends to zoning laws and the insidious influence of ICLEI, the International Consortium of Landscape and Ecological Engineering, which Kochevar identifies as a vehicle for pushing World Economic Forum agendas into local governments. These policies manifest as 15-minute cities, road diets, and restrictions on mobility. Kochevar highlights the challenge of citizen oversight, noting that South Suburban Parks and Recreation, with 151,000 residents and a $98 million budget, saw its top board candidate receive only 949 votes. This disconnect between taxing authority and democratic accountability represents a fundamental threat to self-governance. “When you pay property taxes, you do not own your property. If you think you own it, stop paying your taxes, and you’ll find out you were just renting your property from the government.” Susan Kochevar, Owner, 88 Drive-In Theater Chinese Balloon Threat Exposes Grid Vulnerabilities Start listening at 30:00 – Hour 1 Glenn Rhoades, Director of National Operations for the EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security, delivers a sobering assessment of America’s vulnerability to electromagnetic pulse attacks. Rhoades reveals that the Chinese spy balloon that floated across the United States in January 2023 represented a far greater threat than most Americans realize. According to balloon expert Greg Allison, a high-altitude balloon can carry payloads of up to four tons, enough capacity for a nuclear device capable of generating a devastating EMP. Rhoades explains that at 30 kilometers altitude, a single EMP device could affect an area of 200 to 300 miles in radius. The Task Force submitted a comprehensive report to Congress through Senator Ron Johnson and Representative Mark Green, detailing these vulnerabilities. Perhaps most alarming, Rhoades notes that sensors capable of detecting radioactive materials on aircraft cannot function at balloon altitudes, meaning such threats could go undetected until detonation. He criticizes the EPRI report that downplayed EMP risks, noting the Department of Energy does not endorse its conclusions. “We should have never, ever allowed that balloon to float over the United States.” Glenn Rhoades, Director of National Operations, EMP Task Force