Left Face

Adam and Dick break down a chaotic week in American politics, law, and foreign policy through a veteran lens from Colorado Springs.Topics covered:Trump's unprecedented appearance at Supreme Court oral arguments on birthright citizenship — and his Truth Social meltdown afterwardThe SCOTUS conversion therapy ruling out of Colorado Springs: what it actually decided, what it deliberately avoided, and why Justice Jackson's dissent cuts to the heart of itICE arresting a soldier's wife outside Fort Polk while he was in-processing her as a military dependent — and how ICE knew exactly where to beIran, the fake ceasefire, nuclear nonproliferation, and what it means when a nuclear nation threatens a non-nuclear oneThe "Ghost Murmur" technology claim from the downed aviator rescue — real quantum magnetism or a cover story?NATO tensions, Greenland posturing, and Five Eyes intelligence sharing concernsArtemis swings around the moonLeft Face is the Pikes Peak regional podcast for veterans and those interested in political issues affecting the military community.

An honest conversation about military culture, what basic training actually does to your worldview, and why arming troops on base might get people killed. Iran was built for a long war and only has to survive to win. The guys break down why the administration's victory claims don't add up — and what the real endgame looks like.

Adam and Dick open with two local items — No Kings 3 hitting Colorado Springs tomorrow and Syracuse University's veteran candidate training program, now with an ideation track for folks still on the fence about running.From there, they get into Colorado Springs city council banning vehicle camping and why that sale is dead on arrival with the current council, contrasted with the San Jose tiny home model that actually worked by dropping the sobriety-first requirements and just opening the doors.On the federal side: ICE gets deployed to airports with no coherent mission, no shift briefing, and no real plan beyond body count. Democrats pull off a funding maneuver worth something — and then immediately talk about it too much. The Iran situation gets declared over again while 10,000 troops head that way, the Supreme Court press corps ruling sits ignored, and the Strait of Hormuz remains the one real chip on the table.Recorded at Studio 809 in downtown Colorado Springs.

Dick and Adam open with Iran's public execution of protesters — including a 19-year-old wrestler — as a deliberate message of state terror, then pivot to Pete Hegseth's $200 billion war funding request and what the quadrupling of that number actually signals about U.S. military strategy. The conversation shifts to the Time Magazine investigation into César Chávez, the allegations of sexual abuse against him, and how Dolores Huerta and the Chávez family have responded. The guys also touch on Cuba's continued grid failures, the erosion of U.S. soft power through tariff politics, Ukraine's drone knowledge-sharing, and why flooding the news cycle might be the whole point. Closing out with a Chuck Norris send-off.

Iran's decentralized military structure means no single target stops the drone and missile threat. Meanwhile, lone-wolf attacks are ticking up stateside. Adam and Dick connect the dots between foreign escalation, domestic terrorism, eroding civil liberties, and an administration that treats every crisis as an opportunity to grab more power.

Left Face Podcast — Pikes Peak Region Politics Through a Progressive Veterans LensThis week on Left Face, Adam and the team unpack a chaotic week in American politics and global conflict. From cabinet shakeups in Washington to a rapidly escalating war with Iran, the conversation dives into the deeper forces shaping today’s political landscape.The episode begins with the firing (or “lateral move”) of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and what it says about the current administration’s governing style—one driven less by consensus and more by execution of a pre-written political agenda.The hosts discuss how organizations like Progressive Veterans of El Paso County allow veterans to speak freely about political issues without the constraints placed on official party structures.From there, the conversation shifts into the broader political climate surrounding Project 2025, authoritarian governing tactics, and how political leaders are increasingly selected for loyalty and aggression rather than competence.The second half of the episode explores the troubling intersection of religion and governance, including reports of religious messaging within military circles and the growing influence of Christian nationalist movements inside the political sphere.Finally, the hosts analyze the rapidly expanding Iran conflict, now drawing in multiple countries and escalating into a regional war. With unclear objectives, mounting casualties, and increasing global instability, the question becomes: What exactly is the U.S. strategy?The episode closes with a moment of reflection honoring American service members who have recently lost their lives in the conflict.

The episode covers a range of topics including local candidate forums, the Iran situation, the importance of educated voters, and the potential impact of federalizing elections. It also delves into the recent conflict with Iran, the Epstein files, and the absurdity of current political events.TakeawaysLocal candidate forums are an important platform for discussing key issues and evaluating candidates.The conflict with Iran raises concerns about the potential impact on the region and the world.The federalization of elections and its potential implications for democracy is a topic of significant concern.Chapters00:00 Local Candidate Forums and Political Engagement08:47 The Conflict with Iran and its Implications15:22 Federalizing Elections and Concerns for Democracy27:25 The Absurdity of Current Political Events

The Left Face podcast discusses the dramatic week in veterans news, focusing on the interim rule that impacts veterans' benefits. The conversation delves into the responsibility, reaction, and details of the rule, as well as its insulting nature and political affiliations. It also covers the Supreme Court ruling, potential conflict with Iran, and the formation of new alliances. Additionally, it addresses the lack of oversight and accountability in the administration, as well as advocacy efforts at the Capitol and the role of veterans in political advocacy.TakeawaysVeterans' reaction to the interim rule was swift and overwhelmingly unanimous.The lack of accountability in the current administration is a cause for concern.Chapters00:00 Discussion with the Adjutant General and Advocacy Opportunities

The conversation covers community activism and hope, military appreciation day at the Capitol, the Minnesota situation and Second Amendment, response to attack, and government shutdown. It also highlights the importance of veterans' political engagement and the impact of community activism on political change. The conversation covers topics related to government funding and potential shutdowns, the impact of political pressure on funding decisions, the influence of education and qualification standards on government officials, and the long-term impact of social media regulation. These themes are explored in depth, providing insights into the current political and social landscape.TakeawaysCommunity activismVeterans' political engagement Government funding and shutdownsImpact of political pressureEducation and qualification standardsSocial media regulation and its long-term impactChapters00:00 Community Activism and Hope06:55 Minnesota Situation and Second Amendment20:32 Government Funding and Shutdowns26:02 Social Media Regulation and Long-Term Impact

The conversation covers a range of topics, including the military grand jury ruling, the impact of the halftime show, and the role of the DCCC in campaign support. It also delves into the use of ICE administrative warrants and the accountability of political figures. The discussion provides valuable insights into these key themes and their implications.TakeawaysMilitary Grand Jury RulingICE Administrative WarrantsPolitical Outbursts and AccountabilityHalftime Show ImpactDCCC and Campaign SupportChapters00:00 Military Grand Jury Ruling18:41 Halftime Show Impact29:30 DCCC and Campaign Support

The conversation covers a range of topics including the ICE occupation in Minnesota, the concept of perfidy in warfare, and the impact of the pacifist movement. It also delves into discussions about the Davos economic forum, Trump's Greenland agenda, and the resistance in Minnesota. The conversation highlights the potential impact of peaceful resistance and the challenges of international conflict and political tactics.TakeawaysICE Occupation in MinnesotaPerfidy in WarfareResistance and Impact of Pacifist MovementChapters00:00 Positive Impact of Resistance in Minnesota

The conversation covers a range of topics including VA healthcare frustrations, Minneapolis protests, the Trump administration's use of the Insurrection Act, civil rights movements, crowd control, ICE operations, the Epstein files, foreign relations, global power dynamics, Greenland and international relations, and the UN and global governance. The discussion delves into the complexities of these issues and their implications for national and international affairs.TakeawaysVA wait timesMinneapolis protestsGlobal order and power dynamicsUN and global governanceChapters00:00 VA Wait Times and Healthcare Frustrations05:26 Crowd Control and Law Enforcement Behavior13:24 Foreign Relations and Global Power Dynamics19:21 Greenland and International Relations28:23 UN and Global Governance

The Left Face podcast discusses the Colorado Democratic Veterans Council, legislative efforts, and the tragic shooting of Renee Good. It also delves into the response to the incident, authoritarian behavior, misinformation, and the increase in the military budget. The conversation highlights the government's control of private industry and the deployment of authoritarianism.TakeawaysLegislative advocacy and planning are crucial for the Colorado Democratic Veterans CouncilMisinformation and bias in media coverage impact public perceptionThe increase in the military budget raises concerns about government control of private industryChapters00:00 Introduction to Left Face Podcast05:16 Building Relationships and Legislative Impact11:30 Tragic Incident: Shooting of Renee Good17:26 Villainization and Misinformation23:07 Defense Industrial Base and Military Budget28:21 Increase in Military Budget and Justification

The conversation covers a range of topics including veterans issues and politics, the impact of the cannabis industry on veterans, US foreign policy, and international relations. The discussion delves into the outlook for 2026, the cannabis industry's influence on veterans' access to products, CIA operations in Venezuela, and the strategic importance of Greenland and Nigeria's oil. The conversation provides insights into the intersection of these themes and their implications for veterans and global affairs.TakeawaysVeterans issues and politicsCannabis industry and its impact on veteransUS foreign policy and international relationsChapters00:00 2026 Outlook and Forward-Looking Mood17:12 CIA Operations in Venezuela and US Foreign Policy26:07 Strategic Importance of Greenland and Nigeria's Oil

In this episode of Left Face, Adam Gillard and Dick Wilkinson delve into the complexities of recent political maneuvers, including the reclassification of marijuana, the evolving hemp industry, and the geopolitical intrigue surrounding Greenland. Join us as we explore the implications of these changes and what they mean for the future.

In this episode of "Left Face," hosts Adam Gillard and Dick Wilkinson delve into the complex world of international oil trade and sanctions. They explore the mysterious "ghost fleet" of oil tankers that operate under the radar, moving commodities between sanctioned countries. The discussion covers the recent seizure of an oil tanker linked to Venezuela, the legal implications under international law, and the broader geopolitical ramifications. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how these covert operations impact global politics and economies.

Inside the Sausage of Democracy

In this episode of Left Face, hosts Adam Gillard and Dick Wilkinson discuss a range of topics, including the political shifts of Congress members like Marjorie Taylor Greene, the power dynamics within the military, and the media's role in shaping public perception. They delve into the implications of these issues on society and explore the ethical responsibilities of those in power.

A friend is gone and we refuse to speak in euphemisms. We start with the raw reality of veteran suicide—how access turns intent into tragedy within minutes, how survivor guilt lingers, and what it looks like to build “friction” into crisis moments: locked layers between you and a weapon, one more call, and a circle that actually answers.From there we widen the lens to power and consequence. The historically long shutdown didn’t just stall paychecks; it rewarded a politics of brinkmanship. We unpack why senators safe from re-election cave first, why there’s no federal recall to correct bad actors, and how performative policy—like slapping a new name on health care—ignores costs families can’t absorb. The SNAP episode lays the stakes bare: trying to claw back food already on kitchen tables is both unworkable and inhumane, especially while gilded rooms and junk science steal headlines.Accountability makes a rare appearance with a push to release more Epstein files. We trace the surprising Republican defections, the personal pressure applied to peel names off, and the moment a few chose conscience over party. The road ahead is procedural and steep—House, Senate, possible veto—but daylight matters. Survivors deserve more than whispers and sealed boxes, and the public deserves a government that doesn’t default to secrecy when the vulnerable paid the price.We close with action, not just analysis. An “empty chair” town hall gathers stories, names, and community resolve on the eve of the vote. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved, this is it: show up, call someone who needs you, and tell your representatives that compassion and transparency aren’t negotiable. If this resonates, follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a review—your voice helps others find ours.Send us a text https://bsky.app/profile/leftfaceco.bsky.socialhttps://www.facebook.com/epccpvwww.EPCCPV.org or info@epccpv.org

A 37-day shutdown shouldn’t be a theory test—it’s a stress test on real lives. We open the hood on what’s actually breaking: paychecks interrupted, SNAP benefits muddled, and a fragile FAA pushed to reduce flights right before the holidays. As veterans rooted in the Pikes Peak Region, we connect the local to the national, showing how a 15% veteran population feels every policy shock first and hardest—and how organized volunteers can still move legislation where it counts.We don’t stop at the headlines. The filibuster gets a plain-English audit: not a constitutional safeguard, but a Senate rule that too often enables cost-free obstruction. We make the case for forcing real, on-the-floor filibusters so voters can see who’s blocking what and why. Then we track the aviation crunch—controller shortages, safety oversight gaps, and cascading cancellations that turn family plans into price spikes and missed seats. When the system relies on people who aren’t being paid, the margins vanish, and risk fills the gap.Healthcare has been the banner, but it can’t be the only banner. Premium hikes matter, especially for lower-income families who spend every extra dollar twice over in their neighborhoods. Still, voters deserve a scale that fits the moment: missed wages, food security, safety regulation, and the uneasy drift toward deploying troops in American cities. If leaders ask the public to shoulder a shutdown, they must widen the case to match the harm.We wrap with practical help and a push: local restaurants and nonprofits are feeding furloughed workers, veteran groups are organizing, and resources exist if you know where to look. Listen for clear takeaways, tangible support, and a roadmap for better messaging that puts people first. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review—then tell us what priority you want on the scale next.Send us a text https://bsky.app/profile/leftfaceco.bsky.socialhttps://www.facebook.com/epccpvwww.EPCCPV.org or info@epccpv.org