Left Face

The profound impact of policy decisions on veteran lives takes center stage in this urgent discussion about the challenges facing the military community. What began as an Empty Seat Town Hall event has revealed the depth and breadth of concerns affecting veterans across Colorado Springs and beyond. When over 100 people stand up to share their stories, and each one brings a different concern to the...

Veterans in Colorado Springs are taking matters into their own hands as federal budget cuts threaten their community. With approximately 15% of the local population being veterans and 30% of the federal workforce comprised of former military personnel, proposed government cuts could devastate the region on multiple fronts – affecting both vital support services and livelihoods. Progressive veteran...

Dramatic VA staffing cuts announced by the Trump administration will eliminate 88,000 jobs, returning to 2019 staffing levels before PACT Act implementation and primarily targeting "non-mission critical" positions. • 15% workforce reduction at VA represents largest cuts to any federal agency in modern history • Approximately 30% of affected VA employees are veterans themselves • Republic...

Engaging with the importance of local politics, Maryah Lauer shares her journey and insights as a candidate for city council in Colorado Springs. She addresses the lack of representation and the need for meaningful democratic engagement within civic life. Through her firsthand experiences, we uncover how local decisions affect our daily lives. • Introduction of Maryah Lauer and her background  • M...

This episode addresses the far-reaching effects of budget cuts on veterans and military personnel, focusing on legal updates, community activism, and the implications for national security. Navigating misinformation while advocating for veterans’ rights, hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining robust support systems for those who have served.  • Discussion on the impact of government budget...

The episode explores the complexities of local politics, focusing on a cannabis court case that intertwines electoral rights and community protests. The discussion emphasizes how civic engagement can drive political change while addressing the challenges and effectiveness of protests as a means to influence public discourse.  • Review of a cannabis court case in Colorado  • Impact of legal rulings...

This episode delves into the ongoing lawsuit regarding cannabis legislation in the local government, exploring the implications of Amendment 64 and the community's vital role in civic engagement. We discuss the economic benefits of cannabis, the necessity of voter participation, and the political landscape's broader challenges.  • Update on the lawsuit Adam is involved in  • Examination...

This episode highlights the crucial intersection of cannabis regulation and community welfare in Colorado Springs, focusing on the perspective of veterans. The conversation touches upon local policies, the potential economic contributions of cannabis revenue, mental health concerns, and the evolving language surrounding immigration issues, urging listeners to engage in local politics.  • Veterans...

Our latest episode delves into the connection between young men and their political identities, sparked by an encounter with a MAGA supporter in an airport. We explore themes of masculinity, emotional appeal, and the current political landscape while emphasizing the ongoing conversation around representation and identity in today’s society.  Send us a text https://bsky.app/profile/leftfaceco.bsky....

The episode delves into the confusion surrounding Colorado Springs' cannabis legalization, revealing the challenges voters face when local officials attempt to manipulate political outcomes.  Who gets credit for the Israeli-Hamas Peace Deal? • Update on the cannabis initiative results  • City council's confusing response to voters' choices  • Community sentiments and frustrations ab...

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This episode explores the recent violent attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans, analyzing their potential connections to extremist behavior among veterans and the pressures facing today's society. We also reflect on Jimmy Carter’s impactful legacy and how it can inspire positive political engagement, urging listeners to get involved in their local communities.  • Dissecting the recent violence...

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The nomination for Secretary of Defense is under fire—are the allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol misuse setting up a leader for failure, or do they reveal deeper issues in the system? On this episode of Left Face, we return from our hiatus to tackle these pressing questions. We reflect on the pressures of leadership roles in the military, the impact of public scrutiny, and the delicate b...

What happens when Ukraine strikes deeper into Russian territory? Discover the escalating tensions and potential nuclear threats that have the world on edge. Join us on Left Face as we navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, analyzing Ukraine’s bold moves and the strategic responses from the U.S. Explore the volatile clash over the Space Command headquarters between Colorado Springs and Huntsv...

Could your city council be sabotaging economic progress? We tackle this bold question by examining the political maneuvering surrounding the cannabis industry in Colorado Springs. With the passage of Ballot Measure 300, recreational cannabis taxation is set to boost the local economy, yet restrictive zoning laws pose a significant hurdle. This episode sheds light on the ongoing tug-of-war between...

What if the shockwaves of an election could be felt across the globe? Join us as we dissect the monumental impact of Donald Trump's presidential victory on both domestic and international fronts. Discover why a diverse array of Americans, including immigrants, rallied behind Trump despite his controversies. We'll challenge the dismissal of experienced figures like General Kelly and Gener...

Want to stay ahead in the Pikes Peak region's dynamic landscape? Tune in as we uncover the pivotal events shaping our community, from the election buzz to Veterans Day tributes. Join me, Adam Gillard, as I navigate through the next week's events. Starting with Rep Jason Crow's stopping by to GOTV! Tune in for more events! Send us a text https://bsky.app/profile/leftfaceco.bsky.socia...

CO Veterans and Military Families for Harris Walz Get Out the Vote https://www.mobilize.us/2024covictory/event/732517/ Join Adam Gillard and Dick Wilkinson for their first ever Veterans' Voices segment. Dick posed the question, what do you hope to see with a Harris/Walz administration? Tune in to hear the insights of local vets. Also, Simon Tafoya stopped by to talk about a Veteran Based Harr...

Is the American political landscape teetering on the edge of unprecedented transformation? Join us for an insightful episode of Left Face as we dissect recent events that have left the nation on tenterhooks. We kick off with a curious incident from a Donald Trump rally where a dance session led by the former president bewildered many. However, beneath the entertainment lies a chilling narrative: T...

Are political leaders truly serving their communities, or are they prioritizing personal agendas? Join us as we navigate the murky waters of partisanship and disaster response with a provocative question in mind. We dissect the complexities of the upcoming election season, the political maneuvering during hurricanes like Milton and Helene, and the challenges of emergency management amid shifting w...

Liz Rosenbaum, a dynamic force in political activism and a candidate for House District 21, joins us to share her journey from history teacher to community organizer. Through her insightful narratives, Liz illustrates how she has harnessed the power of civic engagement to connect individuals and confront injustices. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked challenges veterans face when ent...

Discover how Syracuse University is making a difference for veterans as Adam and  Dick share their journeys through the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement. With insights from a non-partisan curriculum and a diverse lineup of guest speakers, Adam brings to light the unique benefits and accessibility of these programs. This episode also uncovers the contrasting fundraising strategies...

What does it take to challenge the status quo in local politics? Today, we sit down with Kat Gayle, a candidate for the Colorado House in District 14, who has been making waves in Colorado Springs. Growing up in Loveland with a strong conservation ethic, Kat's career has spanned law and human rights work across various countries. Her journey back to Colorado Springs, spurred by a contentious...

What happens when formal debate techniques meet the fiery realm of political discourse? Join us on Left Face as we navigate the nuanced landscape of competitive public speaking and political debate. We begin by dissecting the recent Presidential debate, where we spotlight Vice President Harris's compelling performance and the subtle yet powerful influence of media bias. Dick draws from his ex...