Hosts - Dave and Betsy Smith, Guests - Remy The Republican Dogg

Filling In for Kathleen: A Conversation on Politics and Life in Arizona

Dave Smith and Betsy Smith stepped in to host Winn Tucson while Kathleen Winn attended an invitation-only aviation event in the Phoenix area with her husband, Al Winn. Al, a self-effacing engineer, served as the chief engineer behind the Apache helicopter. Joining the hosts was Remy, the Republican dog, whose pictures can be found on Betsy's Facebook and X account, @sgtbetsysmith. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from the recent government reopening to local Tucson issues, crime, and retirement advice.

Government Reopening and the Shutdown's Aftermath

The federal government is back in business after a 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. President Trump signed a clean continuing resolution to fund operations until January. Flight cancellations and delays have decreased significantly, with Chicago experiencing the most issues due to its notoriously problematic airport.

Betsy Smith noted, "We the American people were held hostage for 43 days." She criticized leftist pundits for blaming Republicans, pointing out that six or seven Democrats voted yes on the clean CR. Republicans, she said, wanted to continue funding to keep federal business running. Arizona senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly voted against reopening and earlier against paying the military and federal law enforcement. "They don't give a damn about Arizona and they don't give a damn about the American public," Betsy added.

Dave Smith highlighted the Democrats' persistence: "Regardless of what the law is, regardless of what the constitution says, they want to by golly have it their way." He drew parallels to local Tucson politics, where despite voters rejecting propositions, Mayor Regina Romero pushes for 15-minute cities and road diets, forcing people out of cars in 108-degree heat.

Criticism of Arizona's Political Figures

The hosts expressed disappointment in Arizona's representatives. Betsy described senators Gallego and Kelly as "embarrassing," accusing them of wrapping themselves in the flag while making the public suffer. Dave called the Democrat party a "sociological revolution" and a "sea change," noting Arizona's history with Marxist-leaning leaders in the county and city.

They targeted newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, whom Dave described as failing her way up. "She's ideological. She's not concerned about the welfare of the actual taxpayer. She doesn't even really talk about Arizona. All she talks about is herself," he said. Betsy added that Grijalva's first vote was to keep the government closed and her obsession with the Epstein files is a Democrat distraction. "If Donald Trump or any other high-level Republican was at all compromised in the Epstein files, Joe Biden's people would have released it," she argued.

Governor Katie Hobbs is under investigation for bribery, fraud, conspiracy, and racketeering. Betsy explained that the Arizona Republic detailed how state contractor Sunshine Residential Homes allegedly bribed Hobbs and Arizona Democrats with $400,000 in return for state contracts. The Auditor General is assisting, and this has made national news. Hobbs recently completed a three-day tour of Arizona in a short school bus, which Betsy called "the weirdest thing ever," labeling her incompetent.

Calls for Justice and Reflections on the Biden Era

Dave emphasized the need for justice over retribution. "If you've used the powers of government to oppress others, to silence Catholics using the traditional mass, to go after moms and dads at school boards... I want to see prosecutions. I'm going to see a perp walk," he said. He referenced tactics like the raid on Roger Stone and the search of Trump's home as "Soviet-style" designed to demean.

Reflecting on Joe Biden, Dave called his administration a "clown show" with Biden as a figurehead unaware of signed bills, amnesties, and pardons. "He has no idea what was signed. He has no idea what was passed," Dave noted. Betsy agreed, highlighting Biden's lingering presence in discussions despite his irrelevance.

Positive Developments Under Trump

Amid criticisms, the hosts praised Trump's achievements. The stock market hit records, with the Dow up significantly. Trump brokered peace deals worldwide despite media and Democrat assaults. In law enforcement, Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, involving ICE and federal resources, reduced homicides by 16%, shootings by 35%, robberies by 41%, carjackings by nearly 50%, and transit crime by nearly 20%. This continued without pay during the shutdown, despite threats from gangs like the Latin Kings.

Betsy highlighted Kash Patel's announcement that China agreed to work with the U.S. to stop fentanyl precursors flowing into Mexico. "Thanks to the FBI, we're going to be shutting off that pipeline of fentanyl," she said, noting Tucson's severe problem due to Biden's open border policies.

Over 150 illegal alien sexual predators were arrested in Florida through Operation Dirtbag. Dave explained cultural differences: "They have a different idea of what appropriate behavior is and they come here and they engage in sexual predation." Betsy, spokesperson for the National Police Association (nationalpolice.org), stressed these arrests target the "worst of the worst," not harmless workers.

Crime and Law Enforcement Challenges

Crime in Tucson is rising, with daily shootings turning it into "a little Chicago," blamed on Mayor Romero's free transportation and County Attorney Laura Conover's leniency. Dave cited rational choice theory: "Certainty of punishment diminishes crime. What Laura Conover does is certainty of non-punishment." He referenced repeat offenders, like a burglar clearing 50-70 cases.

Betsy compared to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where a repeat offender with 108 offenses keeps breaking windows at city hall due to no-cash bail. "Police can arrest everybody on the planet. If they are not prosecuted and incarcerated... nothing is going to happen," she said.

The 1994 Crime Bill, sponsored by Biden, reduced crime through mandatory sentencing, leading to the lowest rates by 2010. Dave criticized Biden's later denunciation under pressure from Kamala Harris. The Olympic Committee's acknowledgment of biological differences between men and women drew sarcasm: "I sat there on my couch, literally started drinking at 10 a.m. That can't be possible."

Homelessness in Tucson ties to fentanyl, much of which enters through the Tucson sector. Betsy praised Trump's negotiation skills in curbing this.

Dangers on the Roads and Air Travel

Non-English-speaking truck drivers pose risks, with fraudulent licenses leading to accidents. Dave, a former highway patrolman, called for prosecuting operators and companies: "Nobody wants that multi-ton rig running down the highway with a guy that can't habla English." Betsy recounted observations in Oklahoma, praising state troopers for enforcement.

The shutdown affected air traffic safety, prompting Democrats like Tim Kaine to vote for reopening. "One of the reasons that I finally voted to reopen the government was air travel was getting so dangerous," Kaine admitted, per Betsy.

Economic Improvements and Inflation

Inflation is decreasing, with grocery prices like ground beef at $2.95 per pound with coupons. Dave noted beef prices rising but overall trends down: "Trump didn't initiate this problem. The problem was way before." Gas in Tucson is $2.97 per gallon, compared to over $4 under Biden.

Costs for farmers and ranchers remain high due to feed and fertilizer. Betsy stressed diverse news sources: "AM radio is so important... If you're just watching cable news, you're not getting the whole story."

Seattle's new mayor, Katie Wilson, plans to prevent grocery chains like Walmart from closing, contradicting free markets. Dave called academics and Democrats Marxists in disguise, referencing Gramsci's influence on regulatory control.

Influence of Soros and Democratic Socialists

George Soros's Open Society has funded secretaries of state and prosecutors since 2006-2008, per Dave. Democratic Socialists of America target school boards next, after successes in Tucson districts. Betsy urged checking the Pima GOP Facebook for articles on this.

School board elections should be partisan for transparency: "You run for a school board. You can say, ah, I'm for the kids. Well, who's not for the kids? But what is your philosophy?" Dave said. Civics education's absence contributes to misunderstandings of democracy vs. constitutional republic.

Pardons, Media Deception, and National Figures

Trump pardoned Arizona's alternate electors, including Kelly Ward and Tyler Bowyer, targeted by lawfare. Attorney General Chris Mays may still prosecute. Betsy called it an attempt to "break these people."

The BBC deceptively edited Trump's January 6 speech, leading to two top executives stepping down and a lawsuit. U.S. funding supports the BBC, which Carrie Lake highlighted. Betsy praised Lake's national platform: "Boy did that come back to haunt them."

Support for Lake and Mark Lamb was strong. "All of you Republicans who just thought Carrie Lake just wasn't good enough for you, you now have that idiot Ruben Gallego," Betsy said. Dave urged unity: "Quit fighting each other and unite."

Retirement and Staying Active

Retirement should involve purpose to avoid anomie. Dave cited studies showing officers dying within five years without preparation: "Everyone should have a mission in their life." Betsy suggested fostering rescue dogs or getting involved politically.

Veterans' suicides (22 per day) stem from lack of preparation. Peer support, like post-Korea ship journeys, helps. "Get involved in something other than yourself," Betsy advised. They encouraged PimaGOP.org involvement.

UC Berkeley Violence and Local Scandals

Antifa disrupted Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA event at UC Berkeley, injuring people with flashbangs. Rob Schneider, an Arizona resident, plans a lawsuit. Harmeet Dhillon demanded record preservation.

South Tucson's mayor is in a relationship with married former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, amid a love triangle. Food City closed, leaving no grocery stores. Friends claim she's stalking him; she's posting like a Kardashian for fame.

Laura Conover reduced charges against Louis Artal, who killed three UA students while intoxicated, from second-degree murder to manslaughter.

Final Thoughts on Arizona Politics

Arizona remains conservative but elects leftists due to procedures. "We aren't defending those principles that allow us to be free," Dave said. Unify Republicans: "We need to become Republicans. We need to reevaluate what are our values?"

Betsy concluded: "If it matters, you've got to fight for it." Suggest making Veterans Day a national holiday with school closures for celebration.