Guest Hosts: Dave and Betsy Smith

Border Patrol Agent Murdered, Law Enforcement Deaths Rise

A Border Patrol agent was murdered on January 20th in Vermont. Christopher Mellonde, 44, was killed during a traffic stop near the Canadian border by an alleged German citizen who was in the country illegally. Mellonde had served with Border Patrol for nine years.

This marks one of four law enforcement deaths already in 2025. Two officers were killed by gunfire, including one in Brasoria County, Texas on January 15th. Another officer was killed by vehicular assault in Texas, and one was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic. Additionally, a fire chief was shot and killed while assisting a motorist who had hit a deer.

**Federal Pardons and Justice System Concerns**

The Biden administration issued over 8,000 pardons and commutations before leaving office, including preemptive pardons for individuals not yet charged with crimes. These pardons notably excluded special counsel Jack Smith.

The presidential pardon power, established in Article 2, Section 2 of the Constitution, has significant scope. Key aspects include:

- Pardoned individuals don't have to admit guilt

- Convictions remain on record despite pardons

- Civil processes and seizures remain in effect

- Individuals can refuse pardons to maintain Fifth Amendment protections

**School Security and Mass Shooting Response**

Law enforcement approaches to school shootings have evolved significantly since Columbine in 1999. Current best practices include:

- Immediate small team response rather than establishing command centers

- Hardened security measures for school buildings

- School resource officers in full uniform with proper equipment

- Regular practice drills and facility assessments

A recent incident in Antioch, Tennessee highlighted ongoing security challenges when a substitute teacher allegedly left a door unlocked. Similar security lapses enabled the Uvaldi shooting.

**Local Politics: Tucson Proposition 414**

Proposition 414, a proposed sales tax increase in Tucson, has drawn criticism despite police chief advocacy. Key concerns:

- No guarantee funds will support police department

- Affects both city residents and outside shoppers

- Questions about city financial management

- Politicization of law enforcement leadership

The mail-in only election will occur in March 2025.

**Conservative Movement and Trump's Return**

Trump's inauguration marked significant policy shifts, including:

- Executive order ending affirmative action requirements for federal contractors

- Reversal of DEI mandates

- Focus on border security and immigration enforcement

- ICE detention of nearly 1,000 individuals since January 20th

The Republican Party has embraced the MAGA movement as its guiding philosophy, similar to how Goldwater's conservative principles eventually shaped Reagan's presidency.

The Pima County Republican Party announced their Lincoln Day Dinner for February 28th at Desert Diamond Casino, featuring a western theme and upcoming speaker announcement.