VisionRootRichard and Kevin “KC” Christian, primary candidate for West Virginia Governor, discuss the benefits and efficacy of character and abstinence-centered education for youth. They dive into the process for forming an Urban Life Training Chapter in your local community. Kevin shares about the importance of putting base desires in check while looking forward to a successful marriage and future.
Link for forming an Urban Life Training Chapter: https://www.urbanlifetraining.org/index.php/chapters
Joe Earley, primary candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in West Virginia, discussed how the continued upward spiral of outside of wedlock births drives all types of societal problems.
Joe discusses the deleterious effect of unfettered internet access on our children, and much more.
Jack Hefestay and Richard discuss the root cause of societal decline, the breakdown of the family. Richard presents a practical plan to tackle this issue.
Jack and Richard discuss the current dynamic of discussing God in the public square.
Richie Robb and Richard Urban discuss the importance of focusing on the cause of societal problems, which is family breakdown. In West Virginia, about one in two children are born outside of marriage.
How can generational change occur?
Could part of the solution be banning cell phones in schools?
Join this crucial discussion by commenting below.
Guest Michael Marshall discusses how Montgomery County Md. makes LGBTQ indoctrination mandatory. LGBTQ books are included in English lessons for grades as young as pre-school. Since the are not part of the Family Life Education classes, parents are not notified and are not allowed to opt out their children.
This has caused an uproar from a diverse group of parents across the county.
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Summary
Call from God to Run
Nate discussed his background, including serving in the military for approximately 20 years and then working in cyber security. He became an FBI whistle blower regarding Hillary Clinton’s pay to play schemes. His home was raided by the FBI after he came out as a whistle blower. He felt through several experiences, that God has called him to serve through running for the House of Representatives.
Nate’s Journey to Running for Office
Nate discussed his initial hesitation to run for office. However, after seeking guidance from God and experiencing a series of confirmations from God, he felt a strong calling to pursue it. He shared his decision with his stepmother and was encouraged by her support. A particularly impactful encounter with a couple who had been praying for righteous leaders further strengthened his belief that this was his true calling, and that his candidacy was a response to their prayers. This experience deepened his sense of purpose and motivation.
Societal Issues and Single-Parent Households
Richard asked Nate about the decline of society due to children growing up without the benefit of a married father and mother. He asked for opinions on this perspective. Nate agreed that the government should be in the business of promoting stable two-parent families when creating laws or looking at tax policies, for example. Nate also recognizes that a lot of our social ills are really spiritually based problems. He pointed out that private charity historically took care of people through charities, and that their motivation is more altruistic than that of government programs.
Cybersecurity and Onboard Technology in Shipping Industry
Nate discussed the vulnerabilities of the shipping industry’s cybersecurity and onboard technology. Nate shared his experience with cybersecurity, having started a company focused on this area before the Covid-19 pandemic. Nate, a former US Army soldier and cybersecurity expert, highlighted the increasing digitalization of ship controls and the potential for cyber-attacks.
Faith-Driven Campaign Strategy in WV House of Representatives Race
Nate shared his campaign strategy for West Virginia’s House of Representatives race, which has focused on serving people in their communities rather than relying on big donor money. Despite being an underdog against a well-funded opponent, Nate has raised over $100,000 from individual donors in 40 states, and his grassroots campaign has earned him favor. In the conversation, Nate also emphasized his commitment to representing the people and their needs if elected, rather than just voting conservative. Richard inquired about the biggest issue facing the country, to which Nate responded.
Abuse of Power and Cyber Threats
Nate addressed the main issue as being the abuse of power by the government, specifically the Justice Department’s focus on spying on American citizens. Nate also expressed concern over the extension of FISA and the huge amount of money being allocated to the FBI’s new building, suggesting that many members of Congress and the intelligence community are compromised. Nate claimed that this abuse of power poses a greater threat to the nation’s constitution and survival than foreign aggressors. Nate also highlighted the expansion of executive orders and judges legislating from the bench as contributing to the Republic’s peril. Secondly, Nate cited the cyber threat from China as a significant concern.
Nate’s Policies, Spirituality, and Election Fraud
Nate believes children benefit most from a traditional two-parent household and suggests the government should enact policies to promote this family structure. He argues social issues stem from a spiritual disconnect, proposing community organizations like churches take over responsibilities from the government. Nate believes that there was election fraud in 2020. He witnessed criticized the rushed certification process and pointed out that, for example, in Pennsylvania, there were ballots counted when a judge had stated that government officals had no right to change existing law. He expresses concerns over the treatment of January 6th protesters, arguing their rights were violated and calling for their pardons, as he does not believe any received a fair trial.
Reducing Government Spending
Richard and Nate discussed the sustainability of government spending. Nate argued that the current policies were unsustainable and compared it to stealing from future generations due to borrowing to give foreign aid, for example. Nate also cited corruption and lack of accountability as concerns and suggested limiting aid to selling arms instead. Furthermore, Nate proposed a strategy to reduce federal spending by shrinking the government through attrition, which would not disrupt the political culture and gradually downsize agencies.
Medical Freedom and Vaccination Choice Discussion
Richard and Nate discussed the issue of medical freedom and vaccination choice, focusing on the federal and state government’s role in vaccine mandates. Nate expressed his strong support for medical freedom and his belief that the government has no right to dictate what individuals can put into their bodies. Nate also believes the government’s vaccine mandate violates the Fourth and First Amendments. Nate shared his experience of being forced to leave his job because he refused to get vaccinated. He clarified that while they believe the government should not interfere with adults’ vaccine choices, the government should not not allow for the medical mutilation of children. He also pointed out that every vaccine has risks and that the decision to vaccinate should be left to the parents.
Nate’s Candidacy and Faith-Based Approach
Richard and Nate discussed the latter’s candidacy in the upcoming election. Nate emphasized his unique qualifications, which include being a former FBI whistleblower and a strong faith. He expressed his belief in the importance of honesty, integrity, and sacrifice in public service, and he urged people to pray for God’s help for our nation.
Summary
Improving West Virginia’s Education System
Richard and Michael discussed the key issues facing West Virginia, with Michael highlighting the importance of education in addressing these problems. Michael, an educator and conservative commentator, expressed his commitment to overhauling the state’s education system, particularly in Jefferson County. He criticized the current curriculum, which he said was often based on far-left agendas, and called for an end to the use of the Common Core curriculum. Michael also emphasized the need to attract and retain talented teachers by paying them fairly.
Improving Society Through Family Culture in West Virginia
Richard and Michael discussed the potential of West Virginia leading the way in improving society by establishing a culture of family and life. They highlighted the importance of incentivizing marriage and parenthood, investing in childcare, and providing support to young mothers. Richard agreed, suggesting the adoption of clear standards for abstinence education in schools.
Solar Farms and Alternative Energy Sources
Richard and Michael discussed the issue of solar farms in their county. Michael expressed his concerns about the environmental impact of solar farms, stating that they not only ruin the landscape but also cease to function effectively after a few years. He suggested investing in other forms of energy, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. He also pointed out that the incumbent had been promoting this initiative for a long time.
Discussing Vaccine Exemptions and Monitoring
Richard and Michael discussed the recent veto of a bill by Governor Jim Justice that would have granted partial vaccination exemptions for private schools and some virtual schools. Michael expressed his support for a nuanced approach to vaccination, emphasizing the importance of respecting medical freedom while also acknowledging the risks posed by unvaccinated individuals, particularly in the context of COVID-19. He also endorsed the need for religious exemptions but argued that proven vaccines like polio, mumps, and measles should not be removed. He further suggested that students claiming religious exemptions should be closely monitored, especially if they are coming from areas with high disease prevalence.
Endless Mandates and Constitutional Amendments
Richard and Michael discussed the issue of endless mandates, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Richard explained that Governor Justice had put in place numerous mandates during the pandemic, which were not limited in time by the West Virginia Constitution. Michael agreed that this situation should be revised, stating that no mandate should be endless and that emergency mandates should have a clear end. They both agreed on the need to amend the constitution to include such limits.
Hope Scholarship Program and Amendments
Richard and Michael discussed the Hope Scholarship program in West Virginia. Michael expressed his concerns about the program’s lack of options in certain areas and its impact on the state’s finances. He proposed an amendment to examine the spending of public schools and redirect funds towards teachers, as well as the idea of electing the school superintendent publicly to provide a check on the Board of Education. He also suggested revisiting the failed Amendment 4, which aimed to prevent leftist agendas in schools. Richard supported these ideas and mentioned they had been discussed with Board of Education candidates.
Improving Election Integrity and Voter Registration
Richard and Michael discussed election integrity and potential improvements to the voting system. Michael proposed that voters should be able to seal their vote with a thumbprint to prevent voter fraud, a measure he believed would be particularly effective when combined with voter ID checks. They also discussed the issue of automatic voter registration at the DMV, with Michael suggesting that non-citizens should not be registered to vote. However, Richard pointed out that many jurisdictions do not verify citizenship, even with a box on the registration form, and that the Biden Administration has been directing non-citizens to vote.
Discussing Tax Reform in West Virginia
Michael and Richard discussed the issue of high property and personal property taxes in West Virginia, particularly in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. Michael suggested that alleviating the tax burden could have a significant positive impact on the state’s economy, and proposed the complete repeal of the income tax, following the example of New Hampshire. Richard, while acknowledging the high tax burden, showed interest in a different approach, hinting at the need to reassess the distribution of the property tax.
Michael’s Legislative Platform and Strategy
Michael differentiated himself from his opponents by emphasizing his commitment to effective legislature, prioritizing education, and his approach of thinking boldly to create jobs in the district. He criticized the incumbent’s strategy of co-signing bills as a mere endorsement of other’s ideas, and instead advocated for a more active and independent legislator. Richard thanked Michael for his time and assured him that their discussion would be shared on various platforms. Michael then urged the voters to support him in the upcoming election on May 14th.
| Summary |
| Central Office Staff Salaries and Education Issues |
| Richard and James discussed the issue of Central Office staff and their salaries. James, a candidate for the Jefferson County Board of Education, expressed concerns about the high cost of salaries at the Central Office, which he believes is a common issue in school systems. He mentioned that many of these positions are making more money than the average teacher, with some costing up to $20,000. Richard agreed to start recording their conversation, which would then be part of a series discussing issues related to education in the area. James also clarified his background, including his 13 years as a teacher and his current job as a cyber security contractor for the Department of the Interior. |
| Budget Allocation for Public Schools |
| Richard and James discussed the budget, specifically the allocation for public schools. They highlighted that a significant portion of property tax goes to schools, with 40% of that being the ‘excess levy’. They also addressed the increasing threat of ransomware attacks on school systems and identified teacher recruitment and retention as the most critical challenge facing their county. The conversation revolved around the need for more transparency in the distribution of the excess levy, with James explaining that the levy funds not only teacher salaries but also local libraries and other non-core classroom positions. However, he pointed out that the levy’s passage is often blocked due to concerns over inequality between counties. Both agreed on the need to educate taxpayers on what the levy funds to help them make informed decisions. |
| Educational Bonuses and Levy Funds |
| Richard and James discussed the recent voting of bonuses, referred to as stipends, for educational employees. They clarified that these bonuses could reach up to $20,000, and they were paid from the excess levy funds, which also cover athletic coaching positions. James committed to researching the specific allocation of levy funds, and Richard raised concerns about the ambiguity of state codes and regulations regarding these bonuses. They also touched on the topic of increasing the pay of athletic directors and the absence of schools from the state checkbook. |
| Addressing School Discipline and Classroom Management |
| Richard and James discussed the issue of school discipline and classroom management. Richard expressed concerns about schools’ reluctance to take disciplinary action due to fear of negative repercussions. James agreed, highlighting that support from administration is crucial for teachers to enforce discipline policies effectively. He further pointed out that most discipline issues arise from classroom management problems and suggested providing training and mentorship for teachers, especially younger ones, to improve their classroom management skills. Richard proposed that addressing this issue requires a philosophical shift within the school system. |
| Family Breakdown, Education, and Abstinence Programs |
| Richard and James discussed the impact of family breakdown on society and its implications for education. James expressed concerns about children’s educational outcomes when parents are unable to read to them or engage in their education due to other commitments, highlighting the importance of parental involvement. Richard agreed and added that federal standards and grants for abstinence education have shown benefits in this regard. James showed interest in learning more about this topic, and Richard agreed to send him more information. |
| Transparency and Community Involvement in Schools |
| James agreed that transparency is key, and that parents should be aware of what their children are being taught. They also discussed the importance of community involvement in schools, with James suggesting that schools should advertise their activities more to engage with the community. |
| School Board Election and Reforms |
| James and Richard discussed the upcoming school board election, with James stressing the need for increased community engagement and better publicity. James shared his campaign strategy, emphasizing his unique experience in teaching, parenting, and cybersecurity, and his commitment to enhancing the school system’s cybersecurity. The two compared their school district with Canal County, discussing staff numbers, student enrollment, and potential reforms, including the Hope Scholarship and the potential of charter schools. Both agreed on the necessity for a third-party audit of administrative staffing and a focus on recruiting more teachers. |
| Summary | |
| Secretary of State Candidate Doug Skaff Addresses Voting Issues and Solutions | |
| Doug, a lifelong West Virginian and candidate for Secretary of State, discussed the recent issues with mail-in voting in some states and the potential for fraud. He shared his experience as a legislator and small business owner, and his enthusiasm for the role of Secretary of State. Richard raised concerns about the use of electronic voting machines and tabulators, including a question about whether ballots in West Virginia are ever adjudicated. Doug confirmed that he is running for the position to strengthen the office’s role as the chief elections officer and to prevent any potential issues. | |
| Improving Election Security and Transparency | |
| Doug and Richard discussed the challenges and potential improvements for election security, with Doug emphasizing the importance of partnership and surrounding oneself with experts in cyber security. They discussed issues with the current electronic voting system in West Virginia, including concerns about the security of the machines and the need for transparency in their operation. Doug proposed partnering with Marshall University’s Cyber Security School to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices. Richard agreed on the need for more education about the voting process and how it’s tabulated. | |
| Improving Business Verification and Voter Registration | |
| Doug voiced his concerns about the need for a more up to date and fast business verification system as well as a similar system for voters to use to check their registration. The proposed system would ensure the legitimacy of registered businesses, as well as provide confidence in up to date voter registration information. He advocated for a more user-friendly system, including apps for mobile devices. Richard and Doug also discussed the need to improve West Virginia’s voter registration process, with Doug emphasizing the importance of making it more user-friendly and accessible, and Richard highlighting the need for cross-referencing with property records to ensure the integrity of the voter database. Doug indicated that voter rolls should be cleaned up every two years. | |
| Voter Database Management and Integrity | |
| Richard and Doug discussed the shortcomings of the current voter database management system, with Doug emphasizing the need for regular review and cleanup to ensure accuracy and prevent manipulation. They also expressed concerns about the increasing demand for absentee ballots during the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance of verifying their use to maintain the integrity of the election process. Lastly, they discussed the need for greater transparency and simplicity in business registration and the potential use of measures such as signature tracking and photo ID match to prevent fraudulent voting. Richard mentioned that some jurisdictions use thumbprints to verify voter identity and prevent fraud. | |
| Improving West Virginia’s Economy and Workforce | |
| Doug and Richard discussed ways to improve West Virginia’s economy and workforce. Doug proposed creating a fund for people who lose their jobs or get displaced, to help them acquire the tools and training they need to stay employed in the state. He suggested that the state’s surplus money, not previously given back to taxpayers, should instead be used to help small businesses, which are seen as the backbone of the state. Doug’s emphasized the need to focus on West Virginia’s citizens, particularly its small business owners. They agreed on the importance of being proactive in securing the state’s voting process and preventing fraud. | |
Summary
Discussing Danny’s Candidacy and Background
Richard and Danny had an introductory discussion about Danny’s candidacy for a third term as a nonpartisan Conservation District Supervisor in Jefferson County and for the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District. They discussed the importance of informing the public about Danny’s background and values, despite his unopposed status in the race. Danny was set to answer questions regarding his stance and purposes.
West Virginia Conservation Agency’s Role in Preserving Resources
Danny stressed the importance of the West Virginia Conservation Agency in preserving the state’s natural resources, particularly its water and soil. He discussed the agency’s role in mitigating soil erosion. Unfortunately, the agencies offer to help in the evaluation and review of the impact of solar compounds on farmland has not been heeded by Jefferson County officials. He also highlighted the issue of sediment pollution in the Shenandoah River, caused especially by Virginia and affecting the Chesapeake Bay due to high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Danny noted that only West Virginia and the District of Columbia have met the 2025 macro contaminant reduction guidelines, while Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania have not. He suggested that solar farm installations, which are obligated to prevent soil runoff, are a significant contributor to this issue and that it would be the responsibility of county agencies and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to address any erosion.
Environmental Issues and Local Delegates
Danny and Richard discussed environmental issues concerning the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection. Two complaints filed last year regarding soil conservation issues had not been mitigated, and there seemed to be no action against the perpetrators. They also discussed the Blake Solar Farm’s exemption from the local storm water ordinance, which should not be the case, as Danny pointed out. The situation is complicated by a proposal in the House of Delegates to allow the state to override all local zoning ordinances, which Richard and Danny both criticized. They identified two local delegates, Wayne Clark and Paul Espino, as the sponsors of this problematic bill.
Farmland Conservation Challenges in Jefferson County
Richard and Danny discussed the challenges of conserving farmland in Jefferson County. Danny explained that farming is almost extinct in the region, with the number of operating dairies dropping from 212 in 1978 to just one currently. The primary reason for this is the high value of land for commercial and residential development, which is often more profitable than agriculture. Danny further highlighted the high cost of equipment and the low margin involved in farming, making it difficult for young people to enter the industry.
Modern Farming Challenges and Opportunities
Richard and Danny discussed the challenges and opportunities in modern farming. Danny shared his experience of passing his farmland to a younger relative, highlighting the importance of mentorship and cooperation. They also discussed the struggles of new farmers entering the field due to high costs and a lack of support. Richard raised questions about the role of the Conservation District supervisor in county planning processes, especially regarding issues like runoff.
Solar Farm Proposal and Site Suitability
Richard and Danny discussed the suitability of the Blake Solar Farm site, given its hilly terrain and potential need for extensive grading, which has lead to erosion and has contributed to making the land unsuitable for farming in the future. Danny explained that the solar farm would likely only be useful for about 20 years before needing to be replaced or abandoned, and the land would not be suitable for farming afterwards due to the depletion of nutrients and the need for significant reconstruction.
County Supervisor Roles and Farm Bill
Richard and Danny discussed the roles of the County Conservation District Supervisor in the planning process, with Danny expressing frustration about being ignored by the Board of Planning. They also talked about the work of youth groups like FFA and 4H, which Danny confirmed are still active and relevant despite some outdated links on their website. Lastly, they discussed the pending farm bill and its potential impact on funding and policies, with Danny emphasizing the importance of clean water and reducing pollution.
Carbon Credit Program Proposal in WV
Danny proposed a carbon credit program in West Virginia where each resident would receive a certain number of credits each year which they could buy from others to discharge anything into the soil, air, or water. The program would fund an exchange and conservation, with the remaining income going to the sellers. Richard acknowledged the need to care for the soil and water, suggesting a potential revision of Jefferson County’s zoning plan.
Danny’s Personal Experience and Conservation Discussion
Danny shared his personal experience of living through the “silent spring” described by Rachel Carson, highlighting the eventual return of birds to the area after a period of extinction. He also mentioned his recent re-reading of “Night Comes to the Cumberlands,” a book he was required to read in high school.