The Honey Badger Report #9

Sponsored by Parker Conservatives

Honey Badger Report #9,

December 2023

In this issue:

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!
Tip of the Hat!
Defining Life for Constitutional Rights
Douglas County's Water Commission
What is your Word Worth? A nickel I guess
2023 FINAL Liberty Scorecard
Added the Turning Point Action Ratings
A Common-Sense Approach to Election Integrity
Working Against Trump is a Losing Strategy

Disclaimer: The articles and content in this newsletter represent the opinions and viewpoints of the authors and are presented for informational and discussion purposes only. They are not presented as objective news and should not be interpreted as factual reporting. I encourage our readers to critical thinking when forming their opinions. The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect your opinion. That's the whole point!

Let's Get Ready to RUMBLE!

Ah, gather 'round, folks, for the great Douglas County Republican spectacle. The Establishment vs. The Grassroots. It's like watching a professional wrestling match, except the future of Douglas County and the country is actually at stake, and the masks they're wearing aren't nearly as fun.

On one side of the ring, we have The Establishment, those gladiators of the status quo. They strut around with the swagger of a high school quarterback in a teen movie, confident and utterly convinced that they're the protagonist in this tragicomedy.

Enter their opponent, The Grassroots, those plucky underdogs with dirt under their fingernails and the Constitution in their back pockets. They're the folks at home shaking their heads as they watch the news, wondering when 'representative' government was just a fraction of the registered Republicans.

Now, you might have heard of a guy named Ken Buck, just a bit of a player in this grand performance, who flirted with grassroots darling status before succumbing to the siren song of The Establishment. A moment of silence for the fallen, please. He had such potential before he went off-script and chose not to support Jim Jordan for House Speaker. The Grassroots remembers, Ken. The Grassroots remembers! ANY candidates that bypass Assembly, we will remember.

But let’s not get too caught up in one man’s tale of woe. This is about the heavyweight fight for the heart of the GOP. The Establishment plays it safe, like a rehearsed ballet, all twirls and no substance, promising to lead the party to the victory lane without breaking a sweat or a promise. Just vote for OUR candidates, not yours, our candidates are wiser because we said so.

In contrast, The Grassroots is like a barnstorming rock band, all raw energy and thunderous applause, ready to remind everyone that the real power in the GOP comes from its base, not from just a few Establishment generals playing puppet master.

The Establishment might scoff, patting the Grassroots on the head with a condescending chuckle, but they forget these 'little guys' are the ones with the power to vote them into office or out of it. It's the Grassroots who hold town halls in diners, who understand the price of milk and gas, and who actually live with the consequences of elected officials and policy.

So, who will emerge victorious? Will it be The Establishment, with their endorsements and their Super PACs? Or The Grassroots, with their town halls, Facebook groups, and Twitter threads?

This isn’t just a battle for control of a party, it's a showdown to define what being a Republican really means. Is it about the name, or is it about the values? The Establishment might think they have the upper hand with their experience and their connections, but The Grassroots has something far more potent, the spirit of the American people and the tenacity to fight for what they believe in.

So, place your bets. But remember, in the end, this isn’t a game. It's the future of Douglas County and our country. The Establishment is slowly finding out that the underdog has a bite that's worse than its bark.

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

Thomas Paine

"Tip of the Hat" 🎩 this month to Deborah Flora.

Thank you for running for CD4 as a 2024 candidate.

Thank you, Deborah Flora

Championing Conservative Principles!

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.

Defining Life for Constitutional Rights

In this nation, where the rule of law is not merely a concept but the bedrock of our civilization, there exists a glaring oversight in our legal system that demands address. The question of when life begins is not a mere academic exercise—it is a foundational inquiry that requires a decisive resolution. I propose a straightforward appeal to the guardians of our Constitution, the Supreme Court, to end the ambiguity and set forth a clear definition of when life, in the eyes of the law, begins.

Our Constitution, a masterwork of governance, implicitly respects the sanctity of life, but our courts have shied away from the task of defining the precise moment that life warrants legal protection. This omission is not trivial, it is a profound deficiency that leaves essential rights hanging in the balance, subject to the fragmented patchwork of state statutes rather than grounded in constitutional decree.

In a time when science allows us to glimpse the earliest sparks of life, when embryos can be frozen and life's inception mechanically paused, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The law must evolve to reflect these advancements. It is not a matter of ideology but one of legal necessity. Without a clear standard, we risk a future where the law no longer aligns with the realities of life and technology.

The question also strikes at the heart of our inheritance laws. As it stands, an unborn baby's claim to legacy can be muddled by the absence of a constitutional clarification on their legal status. This is not a question of potential life but of potential justice, and the law must speak with a clear voice on the matter.

In criminal law, the absence of a definitive standard creates a disparity that undermines the very concept of equal protection under the law. The court must establish a consistent legal definition of when life begins to ensure that justice is not a variable but a constant.

Beyond these, the burgeoning frontiers of embryonic research demand a constitutional framework that firmly establishes the legal status of embryos. Our laws must provide a bulwark against the ethical recklessness that can accompany scientific exploration, ensuring that progress never tramples on the intrinsic value of life.

It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Supreme Court to step forward and fulfill its role as the interpreter of our Constitution. The court must define the threshold of life, not wade into the waters of religious or moral debate, but to provide a legal standard that reflects the advancements in our understanding of life itself.

This is not an intrusion into the realm of personal belief but an affirmation of the court's duty to provide clarity and direction in matters of law. It is a call for the court to recognize the urgency of this question and to deliver a ruling that aligns our legal system with the undeniable realities of life's beginnings. Only then can the law truly offer everyone equal protection. Always remember if they found a single (one) cell living on Mars, there would be a claim, "We found life on Mars". The same standard should apply here on earth.

“How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!”

Thomas Jefferson

Douglas County's Water Commission

Before reading my opinion piece below on this subject. I encourage you to read this article by Merlin Klotz. It adds additional context to this discussion. Click Here

The following is George Teal's position regarding donors on this commission:

....."Being a political donor is not a disqualifier for participation in Government. Nor is it a qualifier for membership on the County Water Commission, either"....

In the shadow of the Rockies, there's a storm brewing in Douglas County that has nothing to do with the weather. It's a storm of scandal, a deluge of deceit, and it's all about water. Not just any water, but the lifeblood of our county, now seemingly up for grabs to the highest bidder. Welcome to the Douglas County Water Commission, or as I like to call it, "Douglas County's stink pond."

Here's the torrential downpour of truth, The Commission, charged with overseeing our water until 2050, looks less like a bastion of civic duty and more like a possible 'Pay for Play' playground for the well-heeled and well-connected donors. Sean Tonner and family, with their down payment, I mean, a donation to “George for Dougco”, has landed himself a cozy spot on the board. Let’s not forget some others who may have a connection through various companies, as listed in Linkedin to Sean Tonner, Hugh Bernardi at Zeppelin Partners, and Larry Hudson from Fulcrum Group Partners. It would seem this is Sean Tonner's family and friends affair. Why, it's almost like some donors are buying... influence. No, that can't be. Not here. Not in our backyard. Folks, you're not invited if you are not part of the "IN" crowd.

Then there's the rest of the merry band of Water Commission members. Harold Smethhills, Roger Hudson, James Ekland, and James Maras.

(Click Here for George Teal’s Nov 2023 Contribution Report)

Now, in all fairness, I saw some of these same names on Abe’s last campaign and Lora’s too. But wait, there’s more…. The Tonners clan showed up strong in Priscilla Rahn’s most recent contribution report. (Click Here for Priscilla’s Nov 2023 Contribution Report). Seems there is a lot of money in plain old run-of-the-mill water.

What we've got here is an appointed commission soaked in the cash of its members, and it stinks worse than a stagnant pond. I don't know about you, but when I think about those who should be safeguarding our most precious resource, I'm not picturing a Who's Who of the local political donor class.

And what’s the county's response to this? A collective shrug. Conflict of interest? "Much ado about nothing," they say. Recusal promises? As empty as a dried-up riverbed. Transparency? As clear as mud.

But here's the kicker, this isn't just a local issue. It's the epitome of what's rotten in the state of American politics. It's every reason why people distrust their elected officials. It's the story of a system where public service is just a front for private gain, and the losers are always the same. It's you, it's me, it's every Douglas County resident who believes in the quaint idea that government should work for the people, not the other way around.

Just remember, "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck."

Let your Douglas County Commissioners know what you think:

Abe Laydon, office 303-660-7401, email, alaydon@douglas.co.us

George Teal, office 303-660-7401, email, gteal@douglas.co.us

Lora Thomas, office 303-660-7401, email, lthomas@douglas.co.us

"We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force."

Ayn Rand

What is your Word Worth? A nickel, I guess

In Douglas County, Commissioner Abe Laydon's grand Harvard escapade has become a tutorial in political doublespeak, a case study in the all-too-familiar dance of the backtrack shuffle. Laydon, who pledged to repay the county's $17,400 investment in his education, seems to have forgotten the difference between a promise and a politician's platitude.

Here's a novel idea that might have been overlooked in Harvard's hallowed halls, a promise made should be a promise kept. It's a simple concept, one that we teach our children. Yet, somehow, In the realm of elected officials, the clear-cut principle of keeping promises often gets clouded by the murky waters of political convenience.

Commissioner Laydon's offer to educate the masses with the wisdom he's garnered for a mere nickel rings hollow. It's akin to a diner skipping out on the bill and then offering to tell the other customers about the taste of the meal. The citizens of Douglas County didn't need a taste-tester, they need a leader who sticks to his word.

Framing the conversation around whether constituents can spare a nickel is a deflection unworthy of the office Laydon holds. It's not about the cost, it's about the principle. The people of Douglas County aren't concerned with the mathematics of distribution, they care about the arithmetic of integrity. When that sum comes up short, no amount of pocket change can balance the books.

And let's dissect this "Harvard Education for a Nickel" charade. What does that mean for the taxpayers? It's a theatrical display, a consolation prize in the face of a breach of trust. Education is invaluable, but it cannot must not be used as a bargaining chip after the fact.

The issue at hand is bigger than a Harvard seminar or a budget line item. It's about the erosion of trust in public officials, a trend that has become all too common. Laydon's about-face is symptomatic of a larger disease plaguing our political landscape: the casual reneging on promises by those in power.

So, to Commissioner Laydon, a piece of unsolicited advice: If you wish to not be beholden to special interest groups, start with being beholden to your electorate. Repay the money not out of legal obligation but out of moral imperative. Your constituents aren't investors in your personal development, they're the people you swore to serve. And they deserve more than a nickel's worth of your respect.

To the voters of Douglas County: Hold your leaders accountable. A nickel may be pocket change, but your trust is a currency of immeasurable value. Don't sell it short.

Commissioner, in a world starving for leaders of conviction, it's not enough to play the part. You must act it. It's time to settle your debts not just the financial ones, but the deficit of trust you've incurred. Your move.

Epilog… I had a person contact me that went to one of Abe Laydon’s talks. She asked for her nickel back.

Let Abe Laydon know what you think of his actions:

Abe Laydon, office 303-660-7401, email, alaydon@douglas.co.us

"Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge

the government when it's wrong."

Ron Paul

The 2024 - 74th General Assembly starts on January 8, 2024

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 325 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

For our Federal elected officials, I am moving to "Turning Point Action" ratings.

I believe this better represents grassroots values. The current standing is as follows:

Click Here For The Full Report Here

There is no spin here, these are the numbers from Liberty Scorecard, a TPA. You may not like it, but it is an impartial scoring system to our constitution. I encourage all constituents if you don't like what you see in your representative's 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

"Whenever you do something,

act as if all the world were watching."

Thomas Jefferson

A Common-Sense Approach to Election Integrity

It's time for a no-nonsense discussion about the integrity of American elections. Let's cut through the BS and address the elephant in the room, “our election system is in serious need of a reality check.” The recent incidents in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are not isolated anomalies, they are symptoms of a larger issue that's eroding public trust in our democratic process. All with the purpose of installing politicians not electing them.

I argue that the solution isn't rocket science. We need to revert to a single day of voting using paper ballots. Why? Because simplicity is key. In our pursuit of convenience and technological advancement, we've neglected the fundamental principle of election integrity, transparency. Paper ballots offer that. They are tangible, straightforward, and less prone to manipulation than their electronic counterparts.

Making Election Day a national holiday is another stroke of common sense. It's absurd that in the world's leading democracy, voting is not facilitated as a national priority. People shouldn't have to choose between earning a paycheck and exercising their most fundamental civic duty. Yes, exceptions will need to be made for those business that cannot close.

The suppression of dialogue surrounding election integrity is equally troubling. It’s the kind of narrative control that makes us furious. The efforts of the Election Integrity Partnership and similar organizations to label concerns about election fraud as misinformation are not just anti-democratic, they are truly Orwellian. If the foundation of our democracy is as solid as they claim, why the fear of scrutiny?

What about the blatant hypocrisy in the media’s portrayal of election fraud as a “fantasy.” When half the country is concerned about election integrity, dismissing these concerns as mere conspiracy theories, “there just a bunch of QAnon,” is not just irresponsible journalism, it's deliberate blindness to a this crisis.

Enough with the bureaucratic gymnastics and political correctness. It's time for a practical, transparent, and straightforward approach to voting. We don’t need more technology, more convoluted systems, or more partisan bickering. We need a voting process that’s as clear and reliable as the principles upon which this country was founded. Our elected officials owe us this!

Restoring faith in our elections is about common sense. A single voting day with paper ballots and making Election Day a national holiday are not radical ideas, they are sensible solutions to a problem that threatens the very core of our republic. It's time for the leaders and the media to stop the patronizing dismissal of legitimate concerns and start reinforcing the bedrock of our democracy, a transparent, trustworthy, and accessible voting system.

"Remember in the depth and even the agony of despondency that very shortly you are to feel well again."

Abe Lincoln

Working Against Trump is a Losing Strategy

In the swirling tides of American politics, where finding truth is like walking through a field of grass littered with dog poop, a careful, discerning step is crucial to avoid the mess. We, the conservative base, find ourselves at a crossroads, a juncture that demands unflinching resolve and clear-eyed vision. Enter Donald Trump, the paragon of this unyielding spirit, who stands poised to reclaim his rightful place in the Oval Office come 2024. Trump's candidacy is not merely a political campaign, it's a call to restore the bedrock principles of American greatness, principles that have been eroded by the insidious influence of Washington insiders, RINOs, and the absurd theatrics of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

The landscape is cluttered with these so-called Republicans, exemplified by the likes of Mitt Romney, who masquerade as conservatives while peddling a diluted, neoconservative agenda that's as inspiring as stepping on that pile left by the dog. These are the essence of the political establishment, relics of a bygone era who are disconnected from the grassroots momentum that Trump has galvanized. Their attempts to undermine Trump's rightful ascension to the 2024 Republican nomination is not just political suicide, it's a betrayal of the fundamental tenets of conservatism.

Let's talk about Trump's presidency. Here's a man whose tenure was defined by an unapologetic commitment to American prosperity, a relentless focus on border security, and a no-nonsense approach to foreign policy. The left, in their typical histrionic fashion, have tried every trick in the book to tarnish his legacy, from the farcical Jan. 6 Committee to the incessant media witch hunts and the never-ending lawsuits. Yet, these efforts have only served to bolster his appeal among the people, who recognize a leader when they see one.

The narrative peddled by some within the GOP, suggesting a decline in Trump's support, is laughable at best. These are the same voices that were left dumbfounded in 2016 when Trump, the supposed underdog, delivered a masterclass in political acumen, steamrolling the establishment candidates and clinching a historic victory. The so-called competition within the GOP doesn't hold a candle to Trump's charisma and track record. The likes of Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and the others are nothing more than symbols of a stale, uninspired conservatism that the American electorate has resoundingly rejected.

Trump's refusal to bow to the whims of the political elite and his steadfast commitment to his principles are not indicators of recklessness, they're the marks of a leader who isn't afraid to ruffle feathers in pursuit of what's right. The MAGA movement, a potent and unyielding force in American politics, stands ready to repel the baseless attacks from the RINOs and the mainstream media, recognizing these for what they are, the last, desperate gasps of a dying establishment.

As we approach the 2024 presidential race, it's crucial that we, the staunch conservatives, rally behind President Trump with unwavering support. The MAGA movement transcends individual personalities, it's a testament to our collective aspiration for an America that upholds freedom, respects its constitutional foundations, and strides boldly into the future. Donald Trump is more than a candidate, he's the embodiment of the American spirit, a spirit that we will champion fervently in our quest to reclaim the greatness of our nation. TRUMP 2024!!!

"Progressivism is the cancer in America"

Glenn Beck

A note on Deep Space

Are you planning a conservative event and in search of the perfect venue? Deep Space in Parker could be an excellent fit for you if you expect at least 80 attendees and plan on ordering food and beverages. While there is a minimum spend requirement, this should easily be met with a guest list of 80-100 people. If you're interested, please contact me, and I'll connect you with the owners of Deep Space to discuss further details.

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.