Unpacking Global Threats and Local Politics
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When military veterans analyze politics, they bring a unique perspective that cuts through partisan noise. This episode of Left Face offers exactly that as Dick Wilkinson and Adam Gillard engage in a wide-ranging discussion that connects local Colorado politics with global security concerns.
The conversation begins with a firsthand account of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser's town hall event, where both hosts witnessed his commitment to addressing community questions and his track record of challenging executive overreach. This leads to a thoughtful analysis of how tax policies impact veteran retirement decisions – with Dick making a compelling economic case for why states should incentivize military retirees to stay local rather than flee to tax-friendly destinations.
Space Command's announced relocation from Colorado Springs to Huntsville becomes a launching point for examining both immediate local impact and long-term strategic considerations. The veterans offer reassurance about Colorado's enduring space industry presence while acknowledging the potential for gradual shifts in defense contractor investments.
Things take a darker turn as they discuss recent military actions against alleged drug traffickers in international waters, raising profound questions about authorization, oversight, and the disturbing precedent of lethal force without clear accountability. This connects to growing concerns about domestic deployment of military assets and constitutional boundaries between state and federal authorities.
Most alarming is their assessment of the recent summit in China that brought together Putin, Xi Jinping, and other leaders opposed to American interests. Drawing on their military expertise, Dick and Adam break down China's growing capabilities in anti-satellite warfare and what Taiwan's semiconductor industry means for American national security. Their analysis offers a sobering reminder of how economic and military threats intertwine in ways most civilian analysts miss.
Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on social media or attend our upcoming events where veterans and community members come together to discuss the politics that shape our lives.
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Chapters
1. Unpacking Global Threats and Local Politics (00:00:00)
2. Introduction to Left Face Podcast (00:00:15)
3. Phil Weiser's Town Hall Event (00:00:54)
4. Veterans and Colorado Tax Policy (00:04:32)
5. Space Command Moves to Alabama (00:11:50)
6. Congress and the Epstein Files (00:17:08)
7. Military Strike on Caribbean Drug Boat (00:23:13)
8. National Guard Deployments and Politics (00:30:03)
9. China-Russia Summit and Military Threats (00:34:27)
10. Taiwan's Strategic Importance (00:43:28)
106 episodes