Guests – Congressman Paul Gosar, Don Critchlow, Dave Smith
Government Oversight and Reform: A Conversation with Congressman Paul Gosar
As Arizona celebrates its 113th year of statehood, Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ9) outlined major legislative initiatives aimed at increasing government transparency and strengthening Social Security. Key among these is the LASO Act, which would direct 10% of public lands proceeds into the Social Security Trust Fund – an estimated contribution of billions annually.
"Bill Clinton promised, Barack Obama promised, and yet we have this President, Donald Trump finally fulfilling his mission," Gosar stated, highlighting the administration's focus on stopping government abuse. The congressman noted that the Department of Interior has identified over $54 trillion worth of untapped wealth in Western United States public lands that could help secure Social Security's future.
NGO Reform and Transparency
Gosar also discussed new legislation requiring greater oversight of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving federal funding. The bill mandates that any NGO accepting federal money, either directly or through pass-through funding, must disclose all funding sources. This increased transparency aims to expose potential foreign influence through eco-terrorism and illegal immigration activities.
"If you're an NGO and you take one penny from the federal government either directly or through a pass-through, then you must show us where you get all your money," Gosar explained. He specifically cited concerns about Catholic services at the border and potential Chinese and Russian support of eco-terrorism activities.
Department of Defense Reform
Addressing military spending, Gosar emphasized the need to modernize defense procurement and eliminate outdated programs. He pointed to lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting how relatively inexpensive drones have proven more effective than traditional tanks: "If you're in a tank, you're in a casket... they'll fly over, they'll drop a bomb on top of you, and they spend $25,000 on a drone."
The congressman also questioned the strategic value of maintaining 50,000 troops in Germany while facing challenges at the U.S. border, suggesting a reevaluation of military deployments in line with the Monroe Doctrine.
Higher Education Reform: Insights from Dr. Donald Critchlow
Addressing Institutional Challenges
Dr. Donald Critchlow, Director of the Center for American Institutions at Arizona State University, outlined three major proposals for reforming higher education in Arizona:
An Educational Transparency Act requiring academic units to publicly display:
Student enrollment numbers
Course syllabi
Graduate outcomes
Faculty meeting records (excluding personnel matters)
Dissolving the current Board of Regents structure in favor of individual boards for each university, allowing better oversight of Arizona's three major institutions.
Creating interdisciplinary schools that combine classical education with practical skills, bringing in instructors from government, law, and science backgrounds alongside traditional academics.
Cultural Shifts and Educational Quality
Critchlow highlighted concerning trends in student preparedness, particularly post-COVID: "Students coming in after COVID don't have social skills. They really are lacking in verbal skills." He advocated for debate-centered teaching methods to develop articulation abilities alongside analytical skills.
The professor also addressed the challenge of political homogeneity in academia, noting that only 3.1% of faculty in examined departments at ASU are registered Republicans. This lack of ideological diversity impacts the educational environment and student development.
Arizona at 113: A Historical Perspective
On its 113th statehood day, Arizona's rich history reflects its diverse foundations in mining, agriculture, and multicultural communities. Dave Smith, a long-time Arizona resident, shared insights about growing up in Flagstaff during a time of natural multiculturalism, where Mormon, Catholic, Native American, and Hispanic communities coexisted and celebrated their heritage without today's political overlay.
Economic Evolution
Arizona's economic development was historically driven by the "four C's" - cattle, citrus, cotton, and copper - with climate later added as a fifth pillar. The state's copper industry once led world production until economic shifts in the 1980s, while tourism emerged as a major economic force, capitalizing on natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Sonoran Desert.
Political Legacy
The state's political history includes groundbreaking figures like Sandra Day O'Connor, who served as Arizona Senate Majority Leader before becoming the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Rose Mofford, a Democrat who served as Secretary of State and Governor, exemplified Arizona's tradition of putting state interests above partisan politics.
Cultural Heritage
Arizona's development has been marked by its multicultural foundations, from Native American territories (comprising a quarter of the state's land) to Hispanic influences and Mormon settlements. This diversity has contributed to a unique state identity that continues to evolve with each generation.