ASHE IN AMERICA — OPINION
The end of the legislative session is always a sigh of relief, but the end of the 74th General Assembly feels like we just negotiated a ceasefire.
Basic liberty has been under direct assault since Speaker McCluskie gaveled in this national punchline on January 10, 2024, and several Colorado activists, legislators, and independent media deserve our recognition and gratitude for preventing worse outcomes.
First, let’s talk about the children.
This session saw unprecedented attacks on child safety, such as eroding parental authority and legalizing grooming across education and foster care. Erin Lee and protectkidscolo rado.org, “a broad coalition of parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens,” have been working nonstop this session to advocate “for policies that promote children’s well-being.” Lee and team are currently petitioning for ballot initiatives to combat the rainbow communists’ legislative “wins” — all of which make kids more vulnerable to predatory adults.
If you think predatory adults in our state are a myth, check out The Colorado Show where we’ve detailed the alarming volume of recent arrests for crimes against children. Representatives Brandi Bradley (R-HD39), Stephanie Luck (R-HD60), and Scott Bottoms (R-HD15) are also recognized for officially opposing this sinister agenda.
Next, let’s talk about guns.
Disarmament was a high priority for the radicals under the dome, and they succeeded in passing many of their most aggressive infringements upon our inalienable right to self-defense. In just 120 days, McCluskie and pals passed seven unconstitutional “laws” which, according to the decision in Marbury vs. Madison (1803), are immediately null and void.
These include new powers and funding for CBI to infringe upon Colorado gun owners (SB-003) and a new registry via credit card companies (SB-066), as well as campus vulnerability (SB-131), new taxes (HB-1348), and permits (HB-1353), and more.
But it could have been much worse.
It’s not worse due the incredible advocacy of Taylor Rhodes, Ian Escalante, and Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, who whipped public opposition to the anti-gun, anti-American agenda. As a direct result of their advocacy, the commies failed to mandate private insurance (HB-1270), expand restrictions on gun ownership (SB-107), and make kids more vulnerable at school (HB-1310).
Critically, RMGO led the effort to kill the “Assault Weapons Ban” (HB-1292), a broad and brazenly unconstitutional attack on gun ownership and our right to individual self-defense.
As Escalante said on X, “We got some big wins. But we MUST kick these people out of office so we can IMMEDIATELY start running bills to repeal the laws they’ve passed…” Indeed.
In addition to the activists and legislators, the line was held by unowned journalists which, in Colorado, requires courage and a strong stomach. Shout outs to the crew here at GCCC, Free State Colorado, The Chuck & Julie Show, Colorado Free Press, RinoWatch, and all the rest who have refused to back down and be silenced.
Finally, let’s talk about the 74th General Assembly’s Undeniable MVP.
One of the features of Colorado’s Rainbow Communism is banning words and phrases to limit, and even silence, debate. The Speaker took this tactic to the next level this session, and no one challenged her more than Representative Ken DeGraaf (R-HD22).
My Highlights tab on X is dedicated to Colorado, mostly clips of the legislature, and DeGraaf is featured in many of the videos, often as he is gaveled down for debunking commie arguments or otherwise embarrassing them. He’s fact- and science-based. He’s masterful and entertaining. We don’t deserve him. We need more of him.
In November, we can make that happen, but you must get informed NOW and vote for freedom and sanity in June.
What’s next?
Enjoy the ceasefire, but don’t get complacent. Relax, take a breath, even take a whole break. Be sure to give thanks to everyone who fought to protect you and your kids this session and rejoice that the ruling class is finally leaving the dome.
Then refocus. And if you haven’t been involved to this point, get focused.
As we head in earnest into riot, I mean, election season, remember that freedom is only possible by constantly struggling for it. Self-governing is an action verb.
See you at the special session.
Ashe in America is a writer and activist. Find all her work at linktree.com/asheinamerica.
