Sponsored by Parker Conservatives

Honey Badger Report #5, August 2023

In this issue:

Sound of Freedom
Tip of the Hat
The Uni-Party Deals Away Our Conservative Principles
San Luis Valley Water to Douglas County
Liberty Scorecard, Colorado
How Hard Can An Apology Be?
The Perils of Special Interest Campaign Funding
Douglas County School Board Race this November
So what's up with canceling the Republican Open Primary?
Parker Conservative Business Directory

Everyone Should See

"Sound of Freedom"

This thought-provoking movie delves into the harrowing world of pedophile networks and the heroes working tirelessly to save victims. The film spotlights the main character's transformation from tracking to rescuing victims, driven by a profound belief that "God's children are not for sale." It explores the supportive role of a wife, who perceives the rescued victims as her own, and contemplates the remorse of an adult sex industry consumer seeking redemption. The film highlights the individual efforts of Tim Ballard who fights this fight largely alone, stressing the importance of collective action against such atrocities. Lastly, it evokes empathy for parents of trafficked children. This significant film confronts a grave issue, suggesting it's a must-watch for its impactful message.

Go see the movie and spread the word!

Why?

It's time to hold up the mirror to society and confront the grim visage staring back at us. We've got a major crisis on our hands - child sex trafficking and human slavery. It's rampant, it's vile, and worse, it's growing. There are more people in the clutches of this modern-day slavery today than at any other point in our history, a damning testament to the failings of our systems.

These predators, these diabolical perpetrators are exploiting the weakest links in our chain. The poor, the uneducated, those living in politically unstable lands, they're being thrown into the heart of darkness, stripped of their fundamental human rights, and we sit here and ask how this can be happening in our modern, "civilized" society?

The very advances we've made - globalization and digital technology - are being twisted into tools of exploitation by these devious traffickers, operating across borders with alarming sophistication. Folks, it's a mockery of the freedom and dignity we stand for.

As followers of God, we've got a part to play in this fight. It's not enough to offer thoughts and prayers. We cannot, we must not, turn a blind eye to this atrocity. We've been bestowed with the moral responsibility to raise our voices and take definitive action.

We need to be advocating for stronger, more effective legislation, not some mealy-mouthed laws that these traffickers can slip through. Enforcement of these laws needs to be ramped up, and we need to be there to ensure that happens. We've got to rally behind victim support systems, pour resources into rehabilitation and offer those affected the chance of a new life.

Our faith can serve as a bastion of hope in this bleak landscape. It is love, compassion, and justice that we are called to personify. It is these principles that should fuel our response to this grotesque perversion of human dignity. So, my fellow Americans, it's time to step up, step in, and fight for the freedom of our fellow human beings.

This is not someone else's problem, this is

OUR problem.

You may choose to look the other way but you can

never again say you did not know.

William Wilberforce

I want to give a "Tip of the Hat" 🎩 to this month's recent meeting of our own Douglas County GOP for unanimously passing a resolution to endorse Republican candidates in uninflated elections!

A very special shout-out to:

Steve Peck and the Douglas County GOP and all those

District Captains that voted in favor.

Do you know someone that works hard for the greater good? Send me a note with the person's name and why we should highlight them. I'll see about having them in an upcoming issue.

The Uni-Party Deals Away Our Conservative Principles

True conservatism stands on the pillars of limited government, individual freedom, and a robust free-market economy. As steadfast conservatives, we adhere to these principles because they form the backbone of our great American republic, facilitating liberty and prosperity like no other nation in the world. However, these foundations are being eroded from within our own ranks by the compromising stance of so-called "Republicans In Name Only" (RINOs). Their propensity to capitulate to liberal ideologies and special interest groups undermines the very essence of conservative doctrine and betrays the trust of the citizenry who voted them into office based on their professed conservative values.

The danger in RINOs making deals with liberals and special interest groups is multi-fold. Not only do such concessions often translate into larger government and bureaucratic control, but they also pose a significant threat to individual liberties. The nature of these deals invariably involve policies that increase regulatory burdens, balloon our national debt, or compromise the integrity of our constitutional rights. This unholy alliance between RINOs and liberals betrays the very principles that conservatives strive to uphold: economic freedom, personal liberty, and a restrained government.

This isn't just a betrayal of the conservative platform; it's a betrayal of the American people who expect their representatives to safeguard their interests. When these RINOs make deals with the other side, they dilute the distinct voice of conservatism that is critical in maintaining the balance in our democratic processes. If conservatives fail to hold the line, then the nuances, the checks, and balances that are fundamental to our democracy get swept away in a tide of compromise. It's time we hold these RINOs accountable and remind them of their commitment to conservative principles and the American people who entrusted them with their votes. In this ideological battlefield, there is no room for those who waiver in their duty to defend the conservative foundation of our great republic.

San Luis Valley Water to Douglas County

Adding to the ecological, social, and economic reasons, there's also a constitutional argument to consider when debating the redirection of water from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County. The U.S. Constitution, specifically the Tenth Amendment, affirms that powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. This has often been interpreted as ensuring state sovereignty over natural resources, unless federal law explicitly states otherwise.

In the context of Colorado, the state's water law, based on the doctrine of prior appropriation, essentially states "first in time, first in right." This means that those who have historically used the water in a certain area have a superior right to it over those who came later. Redirecting water from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County would seemingly contravene this principle. It could also potentially infringe on the rights of local communities in the San Luis Valley, which have relied on this water for generations for agriculture. These constitutional and legal complexities add yet another layer of argument against the redirection of water to Douglas County.

Moreover, the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could potentially be invoked. If water is being diverted from a poorer, rural community like those in the San Luis Valley to support growth in a wealthier, urban county like Douglas County, it could be argued that this violates the clause's mandate that all people be treated equally under the law. Hence, diverting water in this manner might not only raise questions about sustainable development and ecological conservation but also constitutional law.

In my opinion, any County Commissioners seated or future that supports removing water from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County should rethink their position. Do not let the special interest groups and big-money donors make the decisions.

"Water belongs to the people, not the government. We must resist efforts to expand government control over our water resources and instead empower individuals and local communities to manage and steward their own water rights."

Matt Salmon

The Colorado House is out of session until January 2024. Here are the final Liberty Scorecards for Republicans.

“2023 FINAL Liberty Scorecard, Colorado" The letter grades are brutal.

Click Here to see the Full Report

Recap of our Douglas County Elected Officials:

(S) Kevin Van Winkle (R) CO030, Score 83.5 (up 1.5 from last month)

303-866-4881, kevin.vanwinkle.senate@coleg.gov

S) Mark Baisley (R) CO004, Score 73 (up 3 from last month)

303-866-4877, mark.baisley@senate.co.com

(HR) Brandi Bradley (R) CO039, Score 68.8 (down .2 from last month)

303-866-2935, brandi.bradley.house@coleg.gov

(S) Jim Smallwood (R) CO002, Score 68.4 (up 2.4 from last month)

303-866-4869, SenatorSmallwood@gmail.com

(HR) Anthony Hartsook (R) CO044, Score 61.5 (up 1.5 from last month) The ONLY Doug Co Representative that openly voted for a Democrat House Chairperson when a Republican candidate was available to vote for. Day 202 with no apology to his constituents for this betrayal of the Republican Party. 303-866-2933, anthony.hartsook.house@coleg.gov

(HR) Lisa Frizell (R) CO045, Score 59.6 (up 1.6 from last month)

303-866-2948, lisa.frizell.house@coleg.gov

(HR) Bob Marshall (D) CO043, Score 26.8

303-866-2936, bob.marshall.house@coleg.gov

There is no spin here, these are the numbers from Liberty Scorecard. You may not like it, but it is an impartial scoring system to our constitution. I encourage all constituents that, if you don't like what you see in your representatives scores, call and email them. Provide your elected official's feedback and that loud voice!

"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.

Will Rogers

How Hard Can An Apology Be?

Well, well, well, ladies and gentlemen, isn't it just the most puzzling mystery of our time? Why is it so dreadfully hard for our politicians to simply utter those three tiny words: "I was wrong"?

Most of us, the regular folks, we make a mistake, we own up to it, we say we're sorry, and we move forward. But not our illustrious politicians, oh no, not them. It's like they've got some special, privileged translator that turns every blunder into a "miscommunication" or a "misunderstanding". Somehow, it's always we who got it wrong, not them. Now isn't that convenient?

In the circus of politics, apologies are as rare as unicorns. These folks act like admitting to a mistake is akin to jumping off a cliff. It's all about projecting an image of invincibility, like they're these marble statues beyond the reach of human fallibility. Somehow, they've got it in their heads that saying "I'm sorry" is a sign of weakness, when in reality, it's just a sign of being a normal, decent human being.

But why choose the path of integrity when there's always the tantalizing route of sidestepping and spinning? Why say, "I was wrong," when they can murmur about how they're "evolving," "learning," or "listening," "I did not have time to think" – all pretty code words that artfully skirt around the actual apology?

And let's not forget the blame-shifting! Who needs to apologize when there's perfectly good people to point fingers at or scream at them? Own up to their own failures? Nah, they'd rather make out like you are in the wrong for questioning, not them.

Then there's the creme-de-la-creme of political apologies: The Non-Apology Apology. This is where they express their "sincere regret" if someone was "offended" or "misunderstood" their pure, unblemished intentions. It's a clever dance around admitting they did anything wrong.

So let's cut our politicians some slack, shall we? Apologizing for mistakes requires accountability, honesty, humility, and a pledge to do better. And come on, are those really the kind of things we should expect from the people elected to represent us? I mean, really, who are we kidding here?

Do the right thing Representative Hartsook, and write that apology for voting for the Democrat Colorado Speaker of the House.

Preserving the Integrity of the Election Process:

The Perils of Special Interest Campaign Funding

The integrity of the election process is paramount in upholding the principles of democracy. However, when candidates accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, it poses a significant threat to this integrity. Conservative voices should recognize the dangers associated with such practices, as it can create an appearance of quid pro quo and undermine public trust. This article aims to shed light on the harmful consequences of candidates accepting campaign money from special interest groups and advocate for the avoidance of such practices.

The acceptance of campaign funds from special interest groups can tip the scales in favor of those with deep pockets, giving them undue influence over the election process. Candidates may feel compelled to cater to the interests of these groups, compromising their ability to serve the broader public. By avoiding these financial ties, candidates can level the playing field and ensure fair representation for all constituents.

The public's perception of quid pro quo, or the exchange of favors for financial support, erodes confidence in the electoral process. When candidates accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, questions arise regarding their motives and the influence they may wield once in office. Even if no explicit favors are exchanged, the appearance of such arrangements can damage the reputation of candidates and the electoral system as a whole. To maintain trust and transparency, conservative candidates should distance themselves from the potential perception of quid pro quo.

Special interest groups often have specific agendas or policy preferences that may not align with the broader interests of the electorate. Accepting campaign money from such groups can compromise a candidate's independence and their ability to make unbiased decisions. By avoiding financial entanglements with special interest groups, conservative candidates can maintain their autonomy and prioritize the needs of their constituents, thus fostering a more accountable and transparent political environment.

The influence of money in politics has long been a concern for conservatives, as it can create a perception that politicians are more responsive to donors than to the concerns of ordinary citizens. By refusing campaign money from special interest groups, candidates demonstrate their commitment to prioritizing the public interest over personal gain or corporate influence. This principled stance can help restore public confidence in the election process and rebuild trust between elected officials and the constituents they serve.

Conservative candidates and publications dedicated to preserving the integrity of the election process, it is essential to acknowledge the harmful effects of accepting campaign funds from special interest groups. By avoiding such financial ties, candidates can maintain fairness, prevent quid pro quo allegations, safeguard their independence, and foster public confidence and trust. By upholding these principles, conservatives can champion a transparent and accountable political system that prioritizes the needs and values of Douglas County.

Douglas County School Board Race this November

This November, there will be 3 seats open on the Douglas County School Board. You can bet that the Dems are already foaming at the mouth to win/keep these seats. AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT THIS IS A NON-PARTISAN RACE.

District A - Susan Meek (West Highlands Ranch)
District C - Elizabeth Hanson (Central and South Highlands Ranch)
District F - David Ray - term limited (Parker Area)

We need to find individuals to run for the school board with strong conservative principles. They also need to be willing to challenge opposition in allowing FASTER-trained (or equivalent) teachers to carry sidearms in school.

They also need a strong opposition to all things CRT that are still being allowed in DougCo schools.

Candidates need to live in the districts that have an opening. The entire county will vote for all of the candidates.

If you are thinking about running, I would like to hear from you. Contact Mark Here

So far, we know of four candidates, 2 for District C and 1 for A & F:

Dave DiCarlo & Jason Page

Andy Jones

Maria Sumnicht

It is absolutely imperative for Republican conservatives to vehemently reject any notion of voting for mill levy increases for schools. Their core principles and the long-term interests of the economy and society are undeniably at stake.

Above all, fiscal responsibility must be upheld with unwavering commitment. While investing in education is commendable, blindly increasing mill levies without stringent accountability measures (like the last mill levy) will only perpetuate wasteful spending and squander precious taxpayer resources. Republicans must ardently demand responsible budgeting and unwavering transparency to ensure that every dollar invested in education yields maximum returns.

Furthermore, conservatives hold sacred the principles of limited government intervention and individual freedom. Mill levy increases place an oppressive burden on hardworking taxpayers, curtailing their ability to exercise autonomy over their own earnings. Such tax hikes have the potential to stifle economic growth, discourage investment, and dampen the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives our nation forward. Republicans must passionately champion alternatives, such as promoting robust school choice initiatives and advocating for innovative solutions that revolutionize education without resorting to coercive tax increases.

Moreover, history has consistently demonstrated that pouring more money into schools does not inherently guarantee improved educational outcomes. Merely relying on escalating mill levies without demanding tangible results only perpetuates a flawed system. Republicans must forcefully advocate for transformative reforms that prioritize accountability, merit-based evaluations, and the efficient utilization of existing resources.

Republican conservatives cannot afford to waver in their steadfast opposition to mill levy increases for schools. Their resolute commitment to fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, and prudent resource allocation will pave the way for genuine educational reform. By relentlessly championing alternative solutions and demanding unwavering accountability, conservatives can usher in a new era of excellence in education while upholding their core principles.

The following is a message from candidate District C

Dave DiCarlo

I am running for the Douglas County Board of Education because there is a gap in the board’s current leadership. Claims that you are a conservative or a Republican are not enough—you actually need to advance conservative principles and the Republican Party platform by implementing policies that support those claims. When I look at the track record of the current board I must ask: Where are the conservative actions? What have they done? Last year they asked for a tax increase and—having been rejected by the voters—they are about to try asking for another one even though Biden’s economy is already punishing the citizens of Douglas County with the worst inflation of the past 40 years. Asking for more taxes is not conservative, much less when the families in the county are already struggling to pay their bills.

The current board lacks a conservative anchor so I am running to be that missing anchor.

It is unconscionable to ask the citizens of Douglas County for more money right now. Property taxes are soaring, the cost of groceries has skyrocketed, gas is still around $4 a gallon, and the Governor is coming for your future Taxpayer Bill of Rights refunds with the deceptive Proposition HH. This is not the time to go to the citizens for an increase. This is a time for the district to tighten its belt, just like the community they serve has had to do.

Regarding academics, it is time to get away from the Constructivism that was brought by Superintendent Fagen. You do not get to build your own truth. 2+2 is not subjective, and neither are the events of 1776, the rules of the English language or the temperature at which water freezes. The job of education is to provide a framework to teach kids how to think, not to program them what to think. Our remediation rates are on a sharp rise and literacy issues deeply concerning. We spend too much time on fluff and opinions and not enough time on the basics necessary to produce educated citizens capable of drawing their own conclusions.

I am competent, qualified, and actually conservative with a proven track record in the public education arena as an activist, a parent and as a former twice-elected Chairman of the DCSD District Accountability Committee. I have the knowledge, expertise and experience to do this job and will not be a rubber stamp for tax increases nor a faux conservative.

I would appreciate your vote this November,

Dave DiCarlo

So what's up with canceling the Republican Open Primary?

Is it bad as they say it is?

Here are two takes on this question

Here is a column written by Dick Wadhams (Con):

The “open primary” causes acne, too | Dick Wadhams

Former Colorado state Rep. Dave Williams speaks during a February debate for the state Republican Party leadership election in Hudson, two weeks before the Colorado GOP elected Williams as its chairman.

the associated pressColorado Republican “leadership” continues to drive the party toward political impotence and irrelevance with its obsession to ban unaffiliated voters from voting in so-called “open primary” elections.

Stolen election conspiracist Dave Williams, the new state chairman, has announced the Colorado Republican State Central Committee (CRC) will vote whether to cancel the 2024 Republican primary election. And to accomplish this act of political suicide, they want to make a change in the committee’s voting rules that would make the old Soviet Politburo proud.

Voters passed Proposition 108 in 2016 which allows unaffiliated voters to vote in the primary election of their choice. Click Here to see the Full Report

Second

I personally have a different take on this question (Pro):

Solidifying the Bedrock:

Canceling the Republican Primary in Colorado and

Strengthening the Party

The Colorado Republican Party's decision to vote on canceling the Republican primary has sparked considerable debate. Yet, amid these fiery discussions, it's critical to acknowledge the potential fortifying effects this decision can offer. This article seeks to shed light on why nixing the primary might indeed strengthen the Colorado Republican Party and stimulate the broader political discourse.

Enhancing Party Autonomy and Boosting Candidate Excellence:

Canceling the primary election could bolster the autonomy of the Colorado Republican Party, allowing it to carefully vet and select candidates who truly reflect the party's fundamental principles. By negating the influence of unaffiliated voters, the party can proffer a more robust and genuine platform to the electorate, promoting candidate excellence.

Amplifying Grassroots Activists and Catalyzing Party Participation:

The caucus-assembly process has traditionally been the pulse of the Republican base. By shifting the nomination power from the primary, the party could rekindle grassroots participation. Precinct caucuses become dynamic hubs where dedicated Republicans congregate, fostering a sense of solidarity and excitement. This grassroots reactivation fortifies the party's foundation and reenergizes its spirit.

Guaranteeing True Representation and Strengthening Voices of Party Members:

The caucus-assembly process holds the key to truly representative decision-making. This method ensures that candidate nominations mirror the genuine voices and beliefs of dedicated party members. By adopting the caucus system, the Colorado Republican Party intensifies the power of candidate selection, placing it in the hands of those who have invested time, energy, and passion into the party's future.

Simplifying the Election Process and Optimizing Resources:

Canceling the primary is a practical and financially astute choice. By avoiding a statewide primary, the Colorado Republican Party can allocate its resources more efficiently. This change permits a greater focus on candidate development, grassroots outreach, and comprehensive voter education initiatives. With simplified operations, the party can concentrate on its core mission: winning elections.

Cultivating Party Unity and Rallying for Victory:

Primary elections often breed internal discord and divisions. Canceling the primary quashes this detrimental infighting, allowing the Colorado Republican Party to present a united front to voters. This unity transcends symbolism and significantly fortifies the party's chances of success in the general election, paving the way to victory.

While the decision to vote on canceling the Republican primary in Colorado has sparked fiery debates, it's a decision grounded in strategic foresight and conviction. By enhancing party autonomy, amplifying grassroots activists, guaranteeing genuine representation, optimizing operations, and cultivating party unity, the Colorado Republican Party is primed for victory. This brave move towards solidifying core values, rekindling grassroots momentum, and crafting an indomitable force represents a stronger future for the Colorado Republican Party. Let's seize this opportunity and herald the dawn of a strengthened Colorado Republican Party.

I don't know about acne, but at least we are doing something to curb unwanted influence in selecting our candidates. If this is not a solution you like, what's yours? And don't say suing the State of Colorado.... you have a better chance of finding a live unicorn in your backyard than winning that suit in this state.

That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

So, a question you might have is, “why Honey Badger”?

Honey Badgers have been described in the Guinness Book of Records as the "most fearless animal in the world" and can even fight off much larger predators like lions and hyenas if challenged. We know the political landscape is filled with hyenas, thus, we need the Honey Badger.

If you have a Parker or Douglas County topic that needs attention brought to it, please submit it to: Honey Badger Report, mark.hampton@comcast.net. I will review it and see about adding it to the monthly publication.

True things prevail

Tucker Carlson

Looking for a Conservative Business in Parker or Douglas County? Here is the latest Parker Conservative Business Directory. Click Here

If you have a business you would like us to add, just let us know.