GOP Primary Battles, Constitutional Celebrations, and Cannabis Policy Debates

On this September 12, 2023 broadcast, Kim Monson examines the intersection of constitutional principles and modern political battles. Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams exposes a lawsuit seeking to remove Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot, Grand Lake Constitution Week organizers Marc Auville and Mike Tompkins preview their 12th annual celebration of founding principles, and medical freedom advocate Pam Long challenges conventional thinking on cannabis drug testing and its impact on workforce shortages. Cannabis Testing and School Bus Driver Shortages Start listening at 70:07 – Hour 2 Pam Long challenges conservative assumptions about cannabis users and workforce shortages. The medical freedom advocate explains that cannabis drug tests detect usage from days to 90 days prior, not impairment, unlike alcohol breathalyzers that accurately measure current intoxication. She argues that attributing school bus driver shortages to cannabis use is factually incorrect and politically counterproductive. Long presents economic analysis showing bus driver shortages stem from COVID-related layoffs that pushed drivers to competing employers like Amazon and UPS offering better compensation. She notes Douglas County pays among the lowest bus driver wages in metro Denver despite facing one of the largest shortages. Strategically, Long urges conservatives to understand that cannabis users include professionals treating chronic pain conditions, not just recreational users, and that welcoming these voters could significantly expand the conservative coalition. “Cannabis testing does not indicate impairment or intoxication. This has been determined both legally and scientifically. So a blood test and a urine test cannot detect if a person is impaired.” Pam Long, Medical Freedom Advocate and Author Celebrating the Constitution in Grand Lake Start listening at 18:00 – Hour 1 Marc Auville and Mike Tompkins detail the 12th annual Grand Lake U.S. Constitution Week, running through September 17th. The celebration features an impressive lineup including Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix, constitutional scholar Rob Nadelson, and former Secretary of the Senate Kelly Johnston. Tompkins emphasizes that Drew Dix will speak Thursday evening about the warrior’s role in upholding the Constitution, noting that Pueblo, Colorado has produced more Medal of Honor recipients than any other American city. The organizers highlight Friday’s Youth Appreciation Day, designed to attract young Americans to constitutional education through activities including go-karts, bumper cars, and a constitutional bee. Saturday’s events culminate with a parade, concert by Dot Cero, keynote by Dr. Carol Swain, and fireworks display. Auville explains their broader mission to inspire other communities nationwide to establish their own Constitution Week celebrations. “Pueblo’s the home of heroes because there’s actually been four Medal of Honor recipients from Pueblo, and that’s the most in the country. No other city in the United States has contributed that much to our country’s history.” Mike Tompkins, Grand Lake U.S. Constitution Week Co-Founder Trump Ballot Lawsuit and GOP Primary Reform Start listening at 33:08 – Hour 1 Dave Williams, Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, addresses multiple threats to Republican voter rights. He criticizes a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington...