Guests - Nate Foster, Gen. Stephen Mundt, Jenny Beth Martin, Janet Wittenbraker

Tucson’s Transit Troubles and Public Safety Crisis

We’ve finally made it to Friday, and the cool morning air in Arizona feels like a welcome relief. But beneath that lovely weather lies a city grappling with serious issues. Joining the conversation is Nate Foster from the Tucson Police Protection League, shedding light on the escalating problems in Tucson’s transit system and broader public safety concerns.

The satire post about riding Tucson’s buses hit home for many—it was spot-on in highlighting the absurdity of the current situation. Shared by a follower, it underscores how the city’s free bus policy has turned public transit into a danger zone. Bus drivers themselves are voicing fears for their safety, with suggestions like enclosing them in retired aircraft cockpits to protect against violent riders. These aren’t exaggerations; assaults on drivers and passengers are routine.The root cause? The decision to make buses free has invited lawlessness. What were once reliable routes for students, workers, and those heading to appointments have become mobile cooling stations for fentanyl users dodging the heat. Reported assaults with weapons at bus stops or on buses occur almost daily—rarely going more than a few days without incident. Drivers are becoming more vocal, but the city’s response has been nonexistent.Financially, this policy is bleeding the city dry. Subsidizing free rides costs millions from the budget, a stark contrast to when fares generated $11 million annually. That revenue helped offset costs without straining taxpayers. Now, with the city facing a $30 million deficit—as noted in a recent email from the police chief—departments are scrambling. The police budget is 96% personnel costs, and without accounting for inflation, cuts mean reduced overtime and fewer officers on the streets.

Tucson’s patrol divisions are critically understaffed. Divisions that once had 120-130 deployable officers now hover at 40-50. The city keeps growing, but the force shrinks. Recruitment is impossible; new hires leave quickly upon realizing the challenges. Retirements are surging as officers see the writing on the wall after years of economic mismanagement. Bankruptcy looms if these trends continue.

Charging fares could offset $11 million, easing the burden, but the city refuses. Is this punishment for voters rejecting Proposition 414? The police department bears the brunt, despite being the largest budget item alongside fire services. Expect overtime cuts for detectives, delaying cases, and patrol shortages creating safety risks.A viral video of an officer using force on a repeat trespasser highlights the dangers. Solo responses to calls are common due to shortages, and without backup, officers face scrutiny from trolls and a city that won’t defend them. The mayor and council offer no support. Meanwhile, absurd incidents—like DUIs crashing into Grant Road construction trenches—serve as unintended crime traps. If we don’t laugh, we’d cry.

The upcoming city council election offers a chance for change, though skepticism abounds. Reasonable Democrat candidates lost primaries decisively, signaling a shift further left. Endorsements reveal socialist or communist ties, dooming such governments to failure. Voters must wake up, like a toddler learning not to stick a fork in a socket. Supporting candidates like JL and J could shift toward the center, but Tucson’s leftward tilt makes it tough. Proposition 414 united Democrats, Independents, and Republicans against a sales tax—perhaps this election can do the same.Despite the chaos, the Tucson Police Department shows up daily with professionalism. Ignore the trolls; many respect and appreciate their service. Resources should prioritize law enforcement, not enable crime.

National Parallels and Global Peace Efforts with General Steve Mundt

Shifting gears, retired General Steve Mundt joins to draw parallels between Tucson’s woes and national issues, then dives into Russia-Ukraine developments and Trump’s leadership.

Tucson’s problems mirror those in the nation’s capital. Metro systems, like free buses, facilitate crime’s spread. Communities resist new stops due to homelessness influxes. Primary government responsibilities—safety and law enforcement—should top budgets, followed by essentials like road repairs. Giveaway programs, like free rides, are non-mandatory feel-goods.

Conviction rates for arrests are low, exacerbating issues. Minors committing heinous crimes evade adult prosecution, ruining lives without accountability. Holding parents responsible is overdue—denial like “my kid’s good, just bad company” ignores reality. A memorable example: a mother dragging her son from a riot by the ear on national TV. That’s parenting.In DC, the National Guard’s mobilization has led to apprehensions, freeing police for real work. Perhaps Tucson needs similar intervention. Lawsuits against Trump are knee-jerk reactions, more political theater than substance. Midterms highlight stark choices: law and order versus chaos. Democrats seem to fight for crime, an insane stance.

Grant Road’s endless construction traps impaired drivers—absurd but effective. If it catches DUIs, maybe replicate it. Insurers shouldn’t cover such recklessness, though many offenders lack insurance.

City leaders’ salaries haven’t been cut amid deficits; they’ve increased—doubling the mayor’s, quadrupling council members’. Tie pay to performance or positive revenue. Trump takes zero salary despite stellar performance. Measure success by results, not titles.

The opposition lacks a platform, resorting to smears. Labels like racist or Nazi for Republicans are baseless. COVID disrupted Trump’s crushing success—booming economy, record-low unemployment across demographics. Burn bags of evidence and figures like John Brennan fleeing suggest accountability looms.

Newsom’s “fight fire with fire” quip rings hollow after California wildfires. Brain-dead detachment prevails.Trump heads to Anchorage for Putin talks, aiming for ceasefire without territory decisions—that’s Ukraine’s call. Media portrays it as pass-fail, but it’s about dialogue. Putin’s demands—land, government stand-down, no NATO—are non-starters. Trump’s leverage: crashing oil prices to $40/barrel via U.S. and Middle East production, crippling Russia’s economy.

Europeans were briefed; Trump seeks ceasefire first, then negotiations. Sanctions and China’s woes strengthen U.S. position. Trump’s prepared, having done seven such deals recently. Zelensky feels excluded but joined European calls, distrusting Putin. Ceasefire allows regrouping, but violations could restart conflict.As Putin, the war was expected short and popular, yielding resources. Fiction: it’s dragged on, costing lives, requiring North Korean aid. Ukraine holds despite manpower issues. Negotiate for land to save face, delay NATO entry. Economy tanks without deal.

Families of Russia’s dead matter; prolonged war drains allies. Ukraine rallied global support as underdog. Ceasefire like Korea’s could endure. Armenia-Crimea deal shows promise with U.S. investment.Trump’s 75% success hope is realistic. He’s healed the economy via tariffs, benefiting U.S. revenue.

The Save Act Bus Tour with Jenny Beth Martin

Co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, Jenny Beth Martin, discusses the nationwide bus tour advocating for the Save Act to ensure only citizens vote.

Shocked we must fight for proof of citizenship in voter registration, the Save Act closes a Motor Voter loophole. Arizona requires it for state elections but allows federal-only ballots without, enabling non-citizen influence in presidential, senatorial, and congressional races.

Arizona’s Secretary of State registering voters in Mexico raises alarms. Maricopa County’s 250,000 potentially illegitimate federal-only votes could sway tight races—like the Attorney General’s by 287 votes.Launched in June, the tour targets attaching the Save Act to must-pass September funding bills or December’s NDAA. It passed the House twice but stalls in Senate needing 60 votes for filibuster. Republicans (52-53) support it; Democrats must cross over. Leader Schumer prioritizes nominees, avoiding wasted time.

Not budgetary, it couldn’t join the “one big beautiful bill.” Filibuster protects minorities; work within rules. Already illegal for non-citizens to vote federally, some localities allow it locally. States can clean rolls, but the loophole persists. Trump’s executive order requires proof; codify it permanently.Over 80% of Americans agree: citizens decide elections. Tour starts Monday from California to North Carolina (two weeks), then Wisconsin to Maryland, ending September 10 in D.C. with a rally and petition deliveries.Sign at demandonlycitizensvote.com. Tucson stop: August 20 at Bridge Church (8150 N Sandy Desert Trail), doors at 2 p.m. Collect signatures from friends, family.Arizona’s senators oppose; light up their phones. Marines like Gallego and astronauts like Kelly swore oaths—honor them.

Turning Tucson Around with Janet Wittenbraker

City council candidate Janet Wittenbraker addresses Tucson’s mismanagement and path forward.

Leadership is lacking; officials ignore constituents. Primary turnout was dismal at 24%, allowing extremes to prevail. Moderate Democrats lost to far-left mirrors of current council.Voters must mobilize neighbors. People at doors are fed up: unsafe free transit, homelessness, crime. Drivers and riders endangered; revert to fare-based for revenue.

$37 million deficit means overtime cuts, worsening shortages. Police at 40-50 per division versus past 120-130. Growth outpaces force; recruitment fails.Core homeless (beyond down-on-luck or addicted) break laws unchecked. $40k spent per person yearly—more than many earn—yields no results. Focus on help ignores criminality.

Economic failures since Romero: bad roads, crime deter businesses. Capitalize on landscape, hospitality, luxury golf near freeways to boost tourism revenue. Waive home-building permit fees, cut excess regulations to ease housing shortage. Constant low-income demand signals systemic issues; prioritize moderate housing for workers over free homeless units attracting more.Double budget to $2.4 billion, yet deficits. Charter specifies spending; ignored like RTA mandates. Nickel-and-diming via fees wastes resources.Fault lies with voters allowing it. Doors reveal discouragement: unsafe homes, blown-out gas stations. Stop socialism; low turnout enables it.

Elect non-career politicians for Tucson’s best. November: aim for 70-90% turnout rejecting crime, drugs, underfunding police, potholes. Reclaim the city.