Category: Smaller Government

15-44 How to Win (and NOT to Win) Oregon

15-44 How to Win (and NOT to Win) Oregon

Show 15-44 Summary: .When it comes to Republicans’ chances in Oregon for statewide races, they don’t need Democrats to defeat them. Because Republicans can, and all too often are, their own worst enemies. After Christine Drazan’s announcement this week that she is officially running once again for governor, there is already a slew of social media posts by Republicans saying they will never vote for her. Which is a great way not to win. So how do Republicans win? We talk with a long-time Republican consultant and a a recent “outsider” Oregon political activist to get their thoughts.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: November 1st & 2nd, 2025 | Guests: Greg Leo & Chuck Wiese

This Week – Can Oregon Republicans Not Kill Their Chances?

Republicans can save Oregon but they have to save each other first. And that means stop savaging each other in the primaries.

Primaries are different than general elections. In general elections, you are voting for who wins. In primaries, you are voting for who competes. You are selecting your team while the other parties select their team.

But all too often, Republicans—more so than the sheep-like Democrats who will vote for anyone (or anything) with a “D” in front of their name—savage and tear down the other Republican candidates in favor of their choice. They announce they will never vote for “the other guy” that their Republican teammates chose.  And proceed to savage the other candidates, tearing them down. And inadvertently planting seeds why no one should vote for them in the general.

Is it more important to win the election? Or that your candidate wins?

Don’t discourage. Encourage.

Republican “Insider” and “Outsider” Views

Christine Drazan officially entered the race for Oregon’s governor this week. (Which as no surprise. No serious person thought she wouldn’t.) Up until then, Danielle Bethell, a Marion County Commissioner, was the only legitimate candidate. But what immediately obvious was the hateful comments — not by Democrats. But by Republicans.

Danielle  Bethell’s campaign website – daniellebethellforgovernor.com
Christine Drazan’s campaign website – christinefororegon.com

We talk first to Greg Leo, a long-time political communications expert who got his start in the Reagan White House. He also spent a lot of time working within and for in the Oregon Republican Party as their communications director. Now, he’s a political consultant. We get his take on Christine Drazan entering the race, how to stop Republicans from spoiling their fellow Republicans’ chances, and what Republicans can do to actual win. That means wooing Democrats and non-affiliated voters. Could an actual conservative Republican do that?

Then we talk with Chuck Wiese, a conservative Republican. But someone who is not involved in Republican party politics. But Chuck is becoming more and more of a political activists, having supported and been part of multiple lawsuits against Oregon, focusing especially on election integrity.

We know Chuck is no fan of Drazan, base don how she ran last time. To get his vote, what does she have to do different this time? How can she prove herself to him—one of her biggest doubters? And can Republicans put aside their differences and preferences to focus on winning the general election?

Because Oregon really and literally cannot afford another Democrat governor.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Greg will be speaking at the Capital City Republican Women’s luncheon on Nov. 13th. Meeting runs from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Lunch is optional but is $14.00 if you’d like to eat. To attend, please RSVP by sending an email to ccrwsalem@reagon.com.
  • Learn more about America’s 250th! Head to America250.org for events, state pages, and how you can get involved!
  • Danielle  Bethell’s campaign website – daniellebethellforgovernor.com
  • Christine Drazan’s campaign website – christinefororegon.com

 

15-40 What Now, Cash Cow? | Democrat Spending and Grift Hits a Pothole

15-40 What Now, Cash Cow? | Democrat Spending and Grift Hits a Pothole

Show 15-40 Summary: This week we look at Democrat spending  and grift. Some of Democrats’ taxpayer-funded spending spree is being cut off. Trump made it clear at his U.N. speech, the climate change hysteria money spigot from the U.S. is being turned off. So what will Democrats do now? And Oregon Democrats who are determined to spend at all costs, voters be damned, shoved through the ODOT spending spree. So what can voters do now?

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: October 4th & 5th, 2025 | Guests: Craig Rucker & Rep. Ed Diehl

This Week – Democrat Spending and Grift

Since our very first year on air, 2011, we have said if you want to stop the far-left, then take away the money they get from taxpayers.

Yes, it is that simple.

Thankfully, someone got the idea of that to President Trump. Because he is pulling the plug on green energy and Climate Change* funding. This is billions upon billions flowing from taxpayers to democrat-affiliated “environmental” organizations, studies at far-left universities to publish papers “proving” climate change and to find better ways to spread Global Warming* propaganda fear to keep the funding going. And that money comes back to democrats who vote for more Climate Change money. That does nothing for the environment. But does keep far-left activism funded.

* We capitalize Climate Change and Global Warming because they are a religion, not science

We welcome back Craig Rucker, the president of CFACT, to talk about Trump’s UN speech, and what the far-left and democrats will do now that taxpayer money is being cut off. And there is nothing a far-leftist hates more than to be forced to spend their own money. Or do something to earn it.

Plus, there’s a new danger from “green” energy that many people may not have heard yet: PFAS. These are the “forever chemicals” we’re discovering in so many of the things we buy. And it’s leeching into our food and water supplies.

PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, including cancer, developmental issues, liver disease, low fertility, and hormone problems among others.

It turns out, not too surprisingly, that PFAS are in some solar panels and may be leeching into the ground when it rains. And where is the new craze to slap up solar panels? On farm land.

ODOT Spending Spree Becomes Law – Now What?

Despite overwhelming public outcry against the ODOT tax increase, Oregon Democrats spending continues unabated. And unnecessarily so. The Republicans’ plan would have not raised any taxes and instead forced ODOT to live within its means and reprioritize its existing spending.

But why do that when Democrats are hungry for money. Unions need money. And Democrats need unions. That’s why. And while they say they are all for “democracy,” even that’s a lie. Republicans put forward an amendment to simply ask the voters to decide whether to pass the ODOT tax. But Democrats rejected it.

We talk with Rep. Ed Diehl (R-17) about the Democrats’ unquenchable thirst for more money and the timeline of the ODOT bill roll out. There is already a referendum being put together but there are a lot of games Democrats can play to derail it. Tune in to find out what — and what you can do to help. (Hint: visit NoTaxOR.com to find out more.)

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Craig Rucker’s organization is CFACT
  • Visit NoTaxOR.com, to help stop the ODOT $4.5 billion spending spree bill from going into effect. We need to hit the ground running!
  • Regulators weigh billion-dollar utility takeovers as bills rise for consumers (Fox17, Sep 27, 2025)
    • “Private equity giants like BlackRock and Blackstone are buying local utilities to power AI-driven data centers, sparking ratepayer and regulator concerns”
  • Ford CEO expects EV sales to be cut in half after end of tax credits (CNBC, Sep 30, 2025)
    • “…the industry learned that ‘partial electrification,’ such as hybrids, are easier for customers to accept for the time being.”
  • Trump administration to expand coal leasing, fund coal plant upgrades (CNBC, Sep 29, 2025)
  • Trump’s fiery UN speech targets immigration, climate change and global conflicts (National Security News, Sept 25, 2025)

 

15-34 Showdown: HB2025 Special Session, ODOT Tax Increase

15-34 Showdown: HB2025 Special Session, ODOT Tax Increase

Show 15-34 Summary: Oregon Democrats are at it again. This week, it’s about prepping for the big special session coming up Friday, August 29th, to stop the Democrats from trying to ram through a massive tax increase disguised as ODOT funding in HB 2025. But is the ODOT tax increase really necessary? We talk with representative Alek Skarlatos about what’s happening and things he has seen as a freshman representative. Including some mismanagement at ODOT he personally knows about.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: August 23 & 24, 2025 | Guest: Alek Skarlatos

This Week – ODOT Tax Increase Special Session

Okay. Let’s start off with the most important thing about this week’s show: take action. Don’t be silent.

Submit your testimony to the legislative committing hearing HB 2025. And don’t forget to contact your legislators personally. Contact info for representatives is here and for senators is here.
Not sure who your legislators are? We’ve got you covered: use this map (search by address is in the top left).
And it wouldn’t hurt to let squishy Republican representatives Cyrus Javadi and Kevin Mannix know you want them to vote no.

Massive Oregon Tax Increase: ODOT Will Penalize Everyone

Some taxes you can avoid. Like sales taxes (and, yes, Oregon has sales taxes, just not on everything). But the ODOT tax increase will impact everyone. If you buy anything, it arrives on a truck. And often, it involves multiple trucks. At each stage, each of those trucks will be paying more. So you will be paying more. If you go to the store in a car, you get personally hit.

And it’s unnecessary. Oregon Republicans came up with a plan to make sure ODOT was fully funded — without raising taxes. Just force ODOT to prioritize its current spending. And stop ODOT”s wasteful spending.

Shouldn’t all wasteful spending in government come to a screeching halt?

ODOT Mismanagement

We welcome back Alek Skarlatos, a freshman representative from Oregon’s HD-4 in Oregon’s southwest. Alek is seeing the session through fresh eyes and it’s not always pretty. We talk about the upcoming special session. And we talk about reforming ODOT. There’s no question it wastes money. And there is even evidence of fraud. (See “fraud” in the show notes below.)

But perhaps the answer to Oregon’s Department of Transportation isn’t in Oregon. It’s across the ocean.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Don’t be silent. And don’t wait! Get your comments in before Friday’s special session!
  • As of our interview with Alek Thursday afternoon, the latest version of HB 2025 hadn’t even been released yet. But it is now. Read the latest draft of HB2025 (PDF).
  • Looks like fraud: ODOT retroactively changes bids to hide its overspending. “Unaccountable: ODOT covers up cost overruns” (City Observatory, May 22, 2025)
    • “ODOT also has a practice of “re-baselining” a project—retroactively altering the initial cost estimate to conceal cost increases. …ODOT permits itself to change the baseline construction budget—”re-baselining”— after a project has started construction. This practice allows ODOT staff to retroactively change the base budget for the project, allowing it to claim that the cost of the project hasn’t increased, and hiding cost overruns.”
    • How is that even legal? If a private business cooked their books like that, it’s hard to imagine how everyone involved not ending up in jail. Pretty sure an accountant would lose their license if they changed budgets after the fact to hide overruns.

More Reasons ODOT Needs a Full Audit

 

 

15-30 Russia Collusion Hoax Declassification Reality Check | What Now?

15-30 Russia Collusion Hoax Declassification Reality Check | What Now?

Show 15-30 Summary: Finally, the real truth comes out about the Russia Collusion Hoax. Newly declassified documents from Director of Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, confirm what we have been saying. The evidence finally and truly reveals Obama’s deep involvement in the Russia hoax. But what do the documents actually say? Did he actually direct it? Or just some minions under him? We ask Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project, about things to get a reality check. And what now? The word treason is being thrown around. What would it take to get there? And if not treason, what can Obama and his co-conspirators be charged with? Or will democrats once again attack democracy and get away with it?

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Original Air Dates: July 26th & 27th, 2025 | Guest: Mike Howell

This Week – Russia Collusion Hoax Exposed

The Russia collusion hoax evidence was declassified. On one level, it’s not new news. We knew the Obama administration, working with the Hillary Clinton campaign, created and entirely false disinformation campaign to smear candidate Donald Trump with “Russia collusion” to steal the 2016 presidential election.That’s been known since Congressman Devin Nunes went to the White House with the evidence he had seen.And that broke the scandal wide open.

Rather than “Russia collusion” it was quite the opposite. At a White House meeting in July 2016, CIA chief, John Brennan shared what the CIA had learned from Russian sources. Hillary Clinton, in an attempt to distract from her email scandal, planned to smear Trump with “Russia collusion.” Obama, Biden, Susan Rice, and the heads of the intelligence committees leaped into action to give credibility to the smear. Despite knowing that it was a political smear and a lie, James Comey launched the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation into Trump three days after that meeting. And the Russia collusion hoax was born.

If you heard our previous shows on disinformation you know this is how disinformation works. There must be a a grain of truth — meaning a grounding in reality. By opening the investigation. Obama, Comey, and their minions in the intelligence community gave that grain of truth to Hillary’s smear. Without which it never would have worked. Think about it. Who in their right mind would trust anything Hillary had to say.

Learn more about disinformation. Democrats and their Desperate Disinformation Ploy (Disinformation, Part 1) and Disinformation in Action: Recognize it, Fight it (Part II)

But an FBI investigation into Trump-Russia collusion? And judges issuing FISA warrants? And multiple intelligence agencies all working hard to stop the Russians from interfering in our elections? Suddenly, the dynamics change. Maybe Hillary is on to something. Maybe she’s telling the truth. And maybe she’s a hero, trying to save democracy.All that rather than what it really was. A complete lie. And an attack on democratic elections. Led by democrats.

But what does the declassification and release of all this evidence for conspiracy mean in reality? What now? Trump and Gabbard are both throwing around the word “treason.” Does this rise to treason? If so, what then? If not, what does this conspiracy rise to?

Tune in to find out!

Oversight Project – Russia Hoax Reality Check

We talk with Mike Howell, the president of the Oversight Project. Check out the great work they do to expose corruption at www.itsyourgov.org.

What do the declassified emails and documents actually say? (You can read them yourself; see the links in the show notes section, below.) There is talk of treason.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Mike Howell is the president of the Oversight Project. They were the ones who exposed Biden’s autopen scandal, a phone associated with Butler shooter tracking to a building with an FBI office, and more. Check out Oversight’s other great investigations at ItsYourGov.org
  • THIS: We have been saying this for years. John Brennan’s hand written notes revealed everything you need to know about the Russia collusion hoax. It was a lie. And everything that followed from that WH Meeting was a lie.
  • DNI Release: “Americans will finally learn the truth about how in 2016, intelligence was politicized and weaponized by [Obama]” (Tulsi Gabbard X Post, via Thread Reader, July 18. 2025)
    • “For months preceding the 2016 election, the Intelligence Community shared a consensus view: Russia lacked the intent and capability to hack U.S. elections. But weeks after President Trump’s historic 2016 victory defeating Hillary Clinton, everything changed.
    • Read the declassified info and reports:
      • Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, declassified Evidence from 2016 Russia collusion hoax showing Obama’s direct involvement: DNI, July 18 2025 (PDF)
      • Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, declassified House Intelligence Report: DNI, July 22, 2025 (PDF)
      • Timeline of the Russia Hoax based on newly declassified evidence from DNI Tulsi Gabbard: DNI, July 18, 2025 (PDF)
  • Read Hans von Spakovsky’s article mentioned during the show: Could Obama Be Prosecuted Over the Russian Hoax? A Look at the Law (The Daily Signal, July 23, 2025)

Other Voices Discussing the Russia Collusion Hoax

15-28 The Big Beautiful Bill is the Beginning Not the End

15-28 The Big Beautiful Bill is the Beginning Not the End

Show 15-28 Summary: Not to sound too much like Nancy Pelosi but now that the One Big Beautiful Bill passed, we know what’s in it. It was making a lot of people lose their minds perhaps because they didn’t understand the bill and what could or could not be in it. It’s clear they didn’t read it and listened to the wrong analysts. Which is why it will make people like Elon Musk and his very public temper tantrum look very foolish.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: July 12th & 13th, 2025 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – The Big Beautiful Bill Passed — Now What?

Nancy Pelosi famously said about Obamacare that “We have to pass it to find out what’s in it.” And now that we have the final version of the Big Beautiful Bill, we do know what’s in it.

But leading up to its final passage, it made a lot of people lose their minds. Legislators should know better but a lot of grassroots did not understand what a reconciliation bill was and how limited they are — just to budget items that affect federal spending or revenue. Which is why it could never be “the one bill” to accomplish everything America First that everyone wanted. So why didn’t the people who ought to have known better say that? Rather than try to sabotage it?

Perhaps they had their own agenda. And, as typical, they wanted something other than what they were saying.

Elon Musk — The Spoiled Kid in the Grocery Store

Spoiled brat Elon Musk throws temper tantrum over the One Big Beautiful Bill
click for full size

By definition, a reconciliation is limited. Not only in terms of what can or can’t be in it but also what budgetary items it can cut. It doesn’t take much to understand that. So someone as smart as Elon had to know that. Which implies then that he wanted something else. And his public shrieking tantrum was calculated. He had to know they couldn’t make the massive cuts he said he wanted. So it’s clear he either didn’t read the bill or listened to the wrong analysts. Or made the calculated move to get attention, blame people, and offer the solution. A third party with the goal to selectively to pick off vulnerable Republicans to be the key swing votes in Congress.

But Elon Musk’s temper tantrum gambit will look pretty foolish when the Big  Beautiful Bill succeeds. He’ll not only look like the spoiler but what he is. Spoiled.

How do we know? Hint: everyone was predicting the end of the economic world after Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Now they’re admitting they were wrong.

The Big Beautiful Bill Reality

Now that the bill was passed and signed, the fury has died down—mostly—we welcome back Jonathan Williams, the president and chief economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to get some truth and reality about what was in it. No. It wasn’t perfect. Yes we would have liked more spending cuts.

But while the shrieking and tantruming was happening the detractors missed a key part of the bill. It codified 28 of Trump’s exectutive orders. They’re no longer executive orders, easily undone by the next president with a pen. Now they are law. And, even better, for those demanding more cuts, once the bill was passed and signed, President Trump used his executive power to rescind (cut) spending on key points. Like stopping the green energy credits and Global Warming spending. 

But. And here’s the biggest and most overlooked aspect of the Big Beautiful Bill. It doesn’t end here. It’s the beginning.

Did you feel the political ground under you shift? Because unlike so many other big gigantic bills, this was about cutting spending, cutting taxes, and cutting the size and scope of government. And some actual entitlement reforms. When is the last time that happened? Maybe in the 1990s with Newt Gingrich?

And this isn’t some deep red state doing it. This is Washington DC. And it’s just the beginning. There are already plans in the works for two more bills like it to make further cuts and to push more of the America First agenda.

And that’s why, with the Trump Train rolling, people like Elon Musk standing on the platform shrieking about what is not on the train  will look pretty foolish as the train pulls away without them.

Rich States, Poor States. Poor Oregon.

We  also talk with Jonathan about Oregon’s latest ranking in the 18th edition of Rich States, Poor States. Jonathan is one of its co-authors. For anyone who lives in Oregon, it will come as no surprise that we dropped one point from last year.

But Oregon made some recent economic bungles that have come to light? How bad would it have been for Oregon’s ranking if these had come to light before the latest edition had been released?

Related:
Show 15-23 with Jennifer Hamaker
  – Oregon’s Climate Protection Plan’s planned devastation to Oregon’s economy — conveniently phased in after the 2026 election
Show 15-25 with Ed Diehl  Oregon’s HB2025, the ODOT tax bill, which would have been the biggest tax increase in Oregon’s history

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Jonathan is the president and chief economist organization at American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
    • Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them. Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
    • And you too can join as a private-sector member!
    • Follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
  • Head to Rich States, Poor States to see how your state is doing.
  • See the list: Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill codifies 28 executive orders and actions
  • Steve Moore: Trump just scored the biggest conservative victory in three decades (Fox News, July 10, 2025)
    • “What isn’t well known is that this new law doesn’t just change tax policy. It includes dozens of other long-sought policy goals – what I call ‘hidden gems’.”
  • Conservatives say Trump won their megabill votes by promising crackdown on renewable energy credits (Politico, July 3, 2025)
    • “Hard-line House conservatives said President Donald Trump assured them his administration would take action to constrict wind or solar projects that qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits — a pledge that ultimately persuaded them to back the party’s megabill.” → A promise kept with Trump’s rescission package.
  • Johnson says megabill will be ‘jet fuel’ for economy; teases 2 future bills within next year (Fox News, July 6, 2025)
    • Johnson said the BBB is just the first step in a three-tier strategy. Johnson expects a second reconciliation bill by fall and a third by spring before the end of the current Congress. “You’ll see more of us advancing these common-sense principles to deliver that American First agenda”
  • Trump says U.S. struck trade deal with Vietnam that imposes 20% tariff on its imports (CNBC, July 2, 2025)
  • U.S. Supreme Court Greenlights Trump’s Federal Government Purge (GWP, July 8, 2025)
  • Supreme Court allows Trump to implement plans (Scotusblog, June 8, 2025)
    • In an 8 to 1 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Clinton-appointed judge’s ruling that temporarily stopped Trump to do mass layoffs. Now his administration can immediately move forward

Sorry Democrats. The BBB Does NOT End Social Security

  • Social Security letter on taxes sends confusing message, some experts say (Washington Post, July 4, 2025)
  • Megabill does not eliminate taxes on Social Security — But it does increase the standard deduction for seniors.
    • Tax exemption for Social Security goes from 64 percent to 88 percent.
  • Does the “big, beautiful bill” eliminate taxes on Social Security? (CBS News, July 8, 2025)

The One Big Beautiful Bill is the Start, Not the End

Green Energy isn’t So Green Anymore

Funny how Global Warming believers suddenly change their beliefs when they aren’t paid to believe them any more.

Oregon’s Economic Outlook Not Looking Good

15-26 Unpacking 1775: Lexington and Concord, Spies, and How Americans Became Patriots

15-26 Unpacking 1775: Lexington and Concord, Spies, and How Americans Became Patriots

Show 15-26 Summary: Unpacking 1775 reveals why July 4th, 1776, had to happen. Battles of Lexington & Concord—plus the “other” Concord. And the spy who may have leaked details of Gage’s Concord Expedition. In our 15th Annual Fourth of July Show, we zero in on the main villain, General Thomas Gage, the famous Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, spies, and who might have leaked details of Gage’s “Concord Expedition.” There was another “Concord” before those first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord that taught the patriots the lessons they needed to win. Plus, why and how the colonists’ mindset changed from British subjects to American patriots.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: June 28th & 29th, 2025 | Guest: Greg Leo

This Week – Lexington and Concord, Spies, and How Americans Became Patriots

This week it is our Annual 4th of July Show as we are once again joined by Son of the American Revolution and amateur historian, Greg Leo. Next year is the big 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — but this year has already seen a whole bunch of 250th’s. The year 1775 was incredibly momentous and unpacking what happened during 1775 reveals why July 4th, 1776, had to happen.

Portrait of General Those Gage, the arch villain of 1775
Gen. Thomas Gage (see his lovely wife’s portrait below)

On this year’s show, we focus the “arch villain,” General Thomas Gage, Revere’s famous ride, the official start of the Revolution at the battles of Lexington and Concord — and who might have leaked the details of “The Concord Expedition” to the patriots? The lessons the Colonists learned at another “Concord” before Lexington and Concord ever happened taught the patriots what they needed to know to win.

And we look at the mental shift away from British subject to American patriot.

1775’s American Revolution 250th’s are Why 1776 Happened

The battles on April 19, 1775, of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. But there were many critical events in 1775 that shaped shaping the America’s, leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Here is a good list of what happened in 1775 that led directly to America demanding independence: The Path to Revolution – Major Events of 1775.

Be sure to check out the many resources in the Show Notes, below! Maps (including a terrific interactive map of Paul Revere’s ride), notes, Paul Revere’s ride in his own words and so much more!

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Need help dealing battle with Oregon’s legislature? Greg Leo is your man. theleocompany.com

1775’s Arch Villain: General Thomas Gage

  • Thomas Gage was appointed Royal Governor of Massachusetts in 1774 and tasked by the British Parliament with stamping out rising unrest caused by restrictive British policies.
    • Gage inflamed tensions between the colonies and the mother country and practiced harsh enforcement of British law. He drafted the Coercive Acts, a series of laws intended to punish colonists for deeds of defiance against the King, such as the Boston Tea Party.
  • Terrific write-up on General Thomas Gage (RevolutionaryWar.net, March 4, 2020)

Leading Up to the Battles of Lexington and Concord

  • The “other” Concord before Lexington and Concord.
  • What arms were hidden at Concord that the British tried to seize? And did they successfully destroy or capture any of them? Answer via Grok (X’s AI bot)

Margaret Kemble – Was Gage’s Wife an American Spy?

  • Portrait of General Thomas Gage’s wife, Margaret Kemble
    Margaret Kemble (click for full size)

    Was a woman the informant who helped launch the American Revolution? (Washington Post, Apr 19, 2025) [Note: not all browsers can open this link to get you past WaPo’s paywall; the Brave browser usually does.]

  • Probably the best article on the speculation about Margaret Kemble: “Inside one of the biggest conspiracy theories of the American Revolution: That a woman may have kick-started the whole thing” (New York Post, April 19, 2025)
  • Was Margaret Kemble Gage her Husband’s Worst Enemy at Lexington and Concord? (via Mr Nussbaum)
  • The General’s Lady…Was She a Spy? – Heroes, Heroines, and History: The General’s Lady…Was She a Spy? (Heroes, Heroines, and History, Jan 20, 20217)
  • Forgotten Connections and Divided Loyalties: The Story of General Thomas Gage and Margaret Kemble (Fellowship & Fairydust Magazine, June 17, 2015)

The Midnight Ride  – Paul Revere, William Dawes (and later, Samuel Prescott)

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battle of Bunker Hill

 

15-24 Scams and Fraud: Superpowers of the Left

15-24 Scams and Fraud: Superpowers of the Left

Show 15-24 Summary: The Left lives off scams and fraud. You don’t have 1,500 staged Defy Democracy protests “spring up” organically. It costs money. Lots of it. Craig Rucker from CFACT discusses the continuing, multi-billion-dollar scams of climate change and green energy that fund the Far Left. So why do people inside the Trump administration want to keep the green spigot open? What you haven’t heard about windmills. And what Biden tried to keep hidden. And then Eric Lee, a senior attorney with Judicial Watch, discusses their upcoming hearing as the state of Oregon seeks to dismiss. Judicial Watch’s case would pry open Oregon’s voter rolls and force them to clean them up. As required by law. Because fraud is how Democrats get elected.

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The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: June 14th & 15th, 2025 | Guests: Craig Rucker & Eric Lee

This Week – Scams and Fraud

Scams and fraud are how the Left funds itself—and get elected. They are the Left’s true superpowers. Staging 1,000+ protests to Defy Democracy don’t happen in less than a week. With no planning. And no money. Quite the opposite. Do you ever see these massive, widespread protests from the Rigth? No. Because the Right doesn’t get 100s of billions of taxpayer dollars to fund their ideology. But the Left sure does.

It’s time for that to end. And the the Trump administration is working hard to correct these scams and fraud. But is he once again being undermined by people in his own administration?

Craig Rucker: Climate Change and “Green” Energy Scams

First up, we talk with Craig Rucker, President of Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow or CFACT, about some recent revelations that the Biden administration quietly gave waivers to wind farms special waivers, passing along disposal costs to taxpayers. They also removed comments they didn’t like to force an expensive and useless rule change onto natural gas and coal power plants.

And there are more instances of changing data, including outright fraud. Which probably explains why the defendant in a current RICO case in California fled the state. Wait until you hear what else he did besides jimmy the numbers. Craig also discusses the Department of Interior and how Trump’s team may not be in alignment with Trump when it comes to global warming.

Did you catch last week’s show with Jen Hamaker exposing Oregon’s Climate Protection Plan and the latest, it’s carbon cap and trade scheme? It’s Oregon’s democrat-assisted suicide. And with three republicans’ help.

Eric Lee: Dirty Voter Rolls — the Pathway to Election Fraud

Next up is first-time guest, Eric Lee, a senior attorney on Judicial Watch’s election integrity team and a specialist on the National Voting Registration Act. In a much-anticipated lawsuit against Oregon and Oregon’s Secretary of State, oral arguments start Wednesday, June 18th in Eugene’s federal district court as Oregon hopes to get the case dismissed on procedural grounds.

But has Oregon accidentally undermined the credibility of their own case with some public statements? Including admitting just how messy Oregon’s voter database truly is? You’ll hear what Judicial Watch alleges that Oregon’s done and not done, in direct violation of the National Voting Registration Act.  And Judicial Watch’s surprise that Oregon hasn’t entered any filings against the merit of the case.  You’ll hear why they’re here in Oregon fighting the good fight for election integrity — and the reasons why Oregon must clean up its voter rolls.

Sorry Oregon, “trust us” and not letting anyone look isn’t going to fly any longer.

If you want to better understand the Far Left’s operational methods, don’t miss this show!

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Craig Rucker: Climate Change & Green Energy Scams

  • Craig’s organization is the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow. Visit them at CFACT.org
  • Check out some of these terrific articles from CFACT
  • A simple exercise in the social cost of climate extremism (CFACT May 30, 2025)
  • Department of Interior emails reveal Biden’s offshore wind waivers (Just the News, May 28, 2025)
  • Offshore wind opponents file lawsuit to stop Empire Wind, arguing feds’ greenlighting violated law (Just the News, June 11, 2025)
  • Biden’s EPA hid comments from Dept. of Energy (Just the News, June 8, 2025)
    • “Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed in March, that when a study on liquefied natural gas was completed, the Biden administration didn’t like what the study said, so they set out to produce one that would support the climate policies they wanted.”
    • “Politico reports that Trump plans to sign a trio of resolutions Thursday, June 12th to revoke California’s nation-leading vehicle emissions standards and also impacts a dozen other blue states, including Oregon, who’ve adopted the rules.”
  • RICO defendant flees the state. Press release from Suisun News (via Facebook, June 9, 2025)
  • Fury as Republicans go ‘nuclear’ in fight over California car emissions (Guardian,. May 22, 2025)
  • Senate nullifies California’s electric vehicle mandate, using fast-track authority to bypass filibuster (CNN, May 22, 2025)
  • Trump is about to kill California’s EV rules (Politico, June 10, 2025)

Eric Lee: Judicial Watch Lawsuit against Oregon

  • The Beginning of the End for KNOWiNK? Oregon Dumps KNOWiNK TotalVote System Four Years Into Contract (Gateway Pundit, June 3, 2025)
  • Can Any States Using KNOWink Software Applications Be Confident in Safe and Secure Elections?  (Gateway Pundit, Jan 17, 2024)
  • Justice Department Backs Judicial Watch (Gateway Pundit, June 7, 2025)
  • Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Oregon Elections Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act (DOJ, June 6, 2025)
  • Wow! In Washington DC? Democrats voted against illegals voting in U.S. elections? “House Passes Bill to Repeal D.C. Law Allowing Non-Citizens to Vote” (Gateway Pundit, June 11, 2025)
    • “Washington DC Local Resident Voting Rights of 2022” allowed non‑U.S. citizens, including potentially illegal immigrants and foreign agents, to cast ballots in local elections.
15-21 Bigger than the Big Beautiful Bill

15-21 Bigger than the Big Beautiful Bill

Show 15-21 Summary: Trump knows what he’s doing long-term with America’s economy and has a strategy to get there. The Big Beautiful Bill is one step toward it. He has other strategies outside of Congress. We discuss the “BBB” and the bigger picture of how Trump is reshaping the whole of America’s economy.  Moody’s downgrade, the not-serious-enough spending cuts, and whether DOGE’s work has all been for nothing. We’ll help fill in the gaps of what you’re not hearing in the left-stream media — and help you better understand what you’re hearing in more reliable media.  Like, why did so many on the right completely miss what Trump was doing with tariffs? Plus some truly worrisome responses to a recent survey of Oregon’s businesses. Hint: everything Oregon’s Democrats are doing will make it worse.

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The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: May 24th & 25th, 2025 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – Bigger than the Big Beautiful Bill 

What’s bigger than the Big Beautiful Bill? Fixing America’s economy itself.

But there are a lot of hurdles to get there. Not least of which is dealing with Republicans in the House and Senate. Not to mention Democrats (and a few Republicans) who would and will do anything to sabotage Trump’s attempts to fix America’s problems.

At the top of the list is America’s massive spending problem. Both parties got us here. And Moody’s recently downgraded America’s credit rating because of the exploding debt. In 2019, In 2019 we spent $4.5 trillion—the last year we had some fiscal common sense. That blew up in 2020 with covid. By 2024 that exploded even more to $6.9 trillion. An increase of over 50%.  In just five years. Worse, we borrowed $2 trillion to spend that $6.9 trillion.

Right now, we borrow every dollar that we use to pay just the interest on our $36.8 trillion national debt. Interest payments alone eat up 20% of all federal income and by 2030 that will rise to 30% of all revenue. Thirty percent. Right off the top of our income. Just to pay interest.

Washington, DC? We have a problem.

And you’re not serious about fixing it.

Fixing the Bigger Problem

While it is true that the Big Beautiful Bill does not go nearly far enough to cut (slash) spending, it is just one step of many to get us to the Big Win. We’re getting there.

We have to remember that this will take time. There are no magic silver bullets. Four years of Biden left the US economy on the brink until Trump was elected, and his approach is backing us away from the economic cliff we were about to go over.

I mean, can you imagine if Kamala and the Democrats would be doing to us right now?

We’ll fill in the gaps of what you’re not hearing in the left-stream media and help you better understand what you’re probably hearing in more reliable media. Trump knows what he’s doing long-term with America’s economy and has a strategy to get there. The BBB is one step toward Trump reshaping the whole of America’s economy.

We welcome back Jonathan Williams, the president and chief economist of the American Legislative Exchange Council. We discuss Moody’s downgrade, the not-serious-enough spending cuts, and whether DOGE’s work has all been for nothing. We’ll fill in the gaps of what you’re not hearing in the left-stream media — and help you better understand what you’re hearing in more reliable media.  Like, why did so many on the right completely miss what Trump was doing with tariffs?

And we can’t have Jonathan on without at least one segment about Oregon. The business image Oregon is projecting to the nation is not good. Plus, you’ll hear some truly worrisome responses to a recent survey of Oregon’s businesses. Hint: everything Oregon’s Democrats are doing will make it worse. Far worse with Far Left policies.

Democrats never learn. Perhaps that’s why Oregon ranks so low in education outcomes.

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Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Note: Articles/videos/sites/etc. specifically mentioned during the show are marked with a red flag ????

  • ???? Jonathan’s organization is the American Legislative Exchange Council, Visit them at ALEC.org. He is also the co-author of ALEC’s , Rich States, Poor States, an annual report on the 50 states’ economic competitiveness and outlook.
  • ???? A great website to find the brutal truth on our nation’s spending, yearly deficit, and total debt is: USA Debt. Look, if you dare.

Our Ballooning Debt and Moody’s Downgrade of America’s Credit Rating

  • ???? Moody’s downgrades United States credit rating, citing growth in government debt (CNBC, May 17, 2025). See paragraph 9. Yikes!
  • ???? Watch this: 4 stunning (and painful) charts from Dave Brat. Interest on the U.S. national debt is now 20% of total federal revenue and rising. We borrow every dollar just to pay interest. (Citizen Free Press, May 17, 2025)
  • Explaining the national debt and deficit: “What is the national debt?” (Fiscal Data, No Date)

DOGE and Spending

  • Vought taking over DOGE from Elon (Daily Mail, May 12, 2025)
  • Why Musk flopped (Globe Opinion, May 18, 2025)*Despite all the hoopla surrounding DOGE, federal spending is actually going up not down. 
  • The Recession is off! Trump economy defies ‘gloom and doom’ expectations (Just the News, May 13, 2025).
  • House Republican plan would force states to pay for a portion of SNAP (Capital Chronicle, May 13, 2025) *This will hit Oregon and California hard.* Entitlement Reform: The first rule of entitlement reform is not mention entitlement reform

The Fight for Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill

Oregon

Related Stories

 

15-17 Deep State Just Got Deeper – Recorded Evidence of the Real Insurrection

15-17 Deep State Just Got Deeper – Recorded Evidence of the Real Insurrection

Show 15-17 Summary: This is one of those shows that took unexpected, fascinating turns. And it is not one to miss. We’d invited attorney Peter Ticktin, a life-long friend of President Trump, back on to discuss his lawsuit challenging the results of Florida Congressional District 14, where they found evidence of election fraud. Thousands of mail-in ballots may have been cast by modified duplicates buried in the voter rolls. Enough to overturn the results. Except that discussion turned into a deeper discussion about the Deep State and what really happened on January 6. Tune in to hear the actual, recorded evidence Ticktin has from an informant who was there discussing the actual insurrection.

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The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: April 26 & 27th, 2025 | Guest: Peter Ticktin

This Week – The Actual Insurrection

When President Trump first decided to run for president, the uphill battle wasn’t just securing votes, it was fighting off the Deep State. But now in his second term actions he’s made it his mission to root out the Deep State. Like DOGE investigating and exposing the fiscal abuses has proven the existence and depth of the Deep State. But as Trump continues to look, there is even deeper, hidden depths, including this week’s show topic: voter fraud.

But it’s even deeper than that. And there’s evidence. Recorded evidence from an informant. Recorded evidence from an informant

This week, we welcome back Peter Ticktin of the Ticktin Law Group. Mr. Ticktin, a life-long friend to President Trump (they went to high school together), has led many of the lawsuits that fought back against the Deep State attacks on President Trump.

We talked previously with him about his election integrity lawsuit which uncovered thousands of ballots cast by modified duplicates through mail-in voting in FL-14 in the 2024 election. But Mark’s conversation with Ticktin led to a very surprising discussion on Ticktin’s work on the J6 insurrection. And the proof that Ticktin has on just who actually did plan the insurrection wasn’t those who the government arrested.

Tune in to find out the shocking results and just how deep the Deep State is buried. And what they actually did.

There are a large number of J6 Defendants who were pardoned but who no longer receive their VA benefits, including medical care. They are still on No Fly Lists, Terrorist Watch Lists, and other forms of harassment and targeting. If you or someone you know are subjected to any of this or other harassment, contact Peter Ticktin. Email him at pt@legalbrains.com.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Peter Ticktin’s website is www.legalbrains.com.
  • Gen. Flynn and Jerome Corsi: Trump’s National Security Emergency Investigation Into Election Fraud Is Ongoing (American Thinker, Apr 16, 2025)
  • Attorney Peter Ticktin Says Substantial Evidence of Fraud Warrants Nullifying Congressional District 14 Congressional Election (PR Newswire, Dec 2, 2024)
  • Electronic voting systems vulnerable to hackers: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard advocates for paper ballots (The Economic Times, April X, 2025)
  • Examining Claims of Election Fraud: Insights from Tulsi Gabbard and the Vulnerabilities of Voting Machines (Galaxy AI, April 10, 2025)
  • Only 4 democrats vote for election integrity: Brave AI reports on the SAVE Act

Related

15-14 “Irregularities” in Wisconsin — And How They Vote

15-14 “Irregularities” in Wisconsin — And How They Vote

Show 15-14 Summary: We return to the murky waters of election interference and talk with Dr. Jerome Corsi about a prime example just this week: the special election in Wisconsin. There were some strange “irregularities” that had some election experts questioning the results. Meaning the ones who actually bother to ask questions. And this within less than 10 days after president trump issued an executive order to secure American elections. Plus, Dr. Corsi gave us an exclusive announcement about their upcoming actions to expose what happened.

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Air Dates: March, 2025 | Guest: Dr. Jerome Corsi

This Week – Wisconsin Election Irregularities: A Deep Dive

We return to the murky waters of election interference and voter fraud with a prime example just this week — the special election in Wisconsin. There were some strange “irregularities” that had some election experts questioning what happened. And this less than 10 days after president trump issued an executive order to secure American elections.

Democrats Push Back with a Lawsuit

But just say the words “election integrity” and 18 Democrat state attorneys generals have filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the US and President Trump, claiming his election integrity executive order is “unconstitutional.”  Voter ID?  Heaven forbid.

Dr. Jerome Corsi Exposes Clone Voters

We welcome back Dr. Jerome Corsi who, along with attorney Peter Ticktin, have been exposing elections with “modified duplicates,” also known as “clone voters.”

Dr. Corsi warns, Wisconsin’s voter rolls are a ticking time bomb for democracy

This week we take a deep dive into Wisconsin’s election and why a state that just elected President Trump a few months ago would overwhelming elect a far-left, state Supreme Court Judge. But also passed mandatory voter ID. And both by huge margins.

Dirty Voter Rolls and Suspicious Activity

Tune in to hear the astounding numbers of just how dirty Wisconsin’s voter rolls are. (They just might be trying to challenge Oregon for the title of “dirtiest in the nation.”) But it’s not even just the dirty voter rolls. It’s the other irregularities that point to something suspicious was at work. And don’t miss an exclusive announcement what they plan to do about it.

Trump’s EO and the Future of Elections

If they can pull off their plan, it will set the legal and narrative stage for why President Trump’s executive order is so necessary. And we take a look at that EO, how it will impact voting and make them trustworthy again.  And why states will need to follow through and what happens if they don’t.

The 2026 elections may have some interesting results. If we don’t give up. Listen to find out how you can help secure America’s elections!

Visit GodsFiveStones.com to see how you can help be part of securing America’s elections and make them trustworthy again.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

>> Dr. Corsi’s funding proposal (PDF): GOD’S FIVE STONES funding proposal (version 6.0, March 11 2025) <<