OPEC Takes Charge as Energy Independence Fades and Human Trafficking Demands Action

On this Monday, June 19, 2023 broadcast, Kim Monson examines America’s return to energy dependence and the ongoing fight against human trafficking. Daniel Turner, founder of Power the Future, breaks down how the Biden administration surrendered American energy independence to OPEC, while trafficking survivor Andi Buerger describes her organization’s mission to protect victims and pursue predators. America’s Energy Independence Surrendered to OPEC Start listening at 31:55 – Hour 1 Daniel Turner sounds the alarm on America’s regression to 1970s-style energy dependence. Turner, founder of Power the Future, details how just a few years ago, OPEC meetings were irrelevant because American production was so vast that their production cuts had no impact. Now, the Biden administration has restored OPEC’s power over American consumers. Turner explains that higher energy prices drive inflation across all sectors of the economy. The only way to lower the cost of food and goods is to make energy inexpensive, and that requires domestic production. He criticizes the administration’s games with inflation numbers, noting they try to exclude energy prices from calculations to make the numbers look better. The discussion extends to the assault on gas-powered appliances, with Turner arguing that if electric stoves and vehicles were truly superior, consumers would choose them voluntarily. The push to ban gas-powered items is an attempt to dry up the fossil fuel market entirely. Turner reminds listeners that fossil fuels underpin modern prosperity, from air conditioning to smartphones. “If they were so good, you wouldn’t have to force people into buying them because nothing is a better indication of consumer choice than free will and free markets.” Daniel Turner, Founder of Power the Future Surviving Child Trafficking and Fighting Back Start listening at 70:45 – Hour 2 Andi Buerger shares her harrowing personal story of surviving child sex trafficking from six months to 17 years old. Buerger, founder of Voices Against Trafficking, describes how the organization brings together survivors, nonprofits, corporations, and individuals to turn back the tide against predators and in favor of victims. Buerger emphasizes that healing is possible but requires commitment. She explains that trafficking survivors face deep intimate violations that do not heal in a single counseling session. Her own recovery took three years of weekly counseling plus residential treatment. Faith played a central role in her survival, with God intervening at age five when she first attempted suicide. The conversation turns to how COVID lockdowns worsened conditions for trafficking victims, trapping them with predators for extended periods while support services shut down. Buerger also addresses concerns about the current transgender activist agenda, arguing it amounts to stealing children’s innocence by pushing life-altering decisions on minors who cannot vote or drive. “I’m also a survivor of child sex trafficking from the ages of six months to 17 years old, way back before there ever was a term.” Andi Buerger, Founder of Voices Against Trafficking Additional Topics Kim and Producer Steve discuss the rise of social conservatism and pushback against corporate wokeness. They note that Disney’s latest film flopped at the box office, continuing the company’s streak of failures. The United Methodist Church is experiencing a massive exodus with over 5,000 congregations leaving amid disputes over sex and ge...