The Electric Vehicle Fantasy and Free Market Healthcare Solutions

On this June 15, 2022 broadcast, Kim Monson tackled Republican primary politics, the realities of electric vehicle travel, and free market healthcare reform with U.S. Senate candidate Ron Hanks, automotive expert Lauren Fix, mortgage specialist Lorne Levy, and Pacific Research Institute president Sally Pipes.

Border Security and the Republican Primary

Start listening at 15:31 – Hour 1

Ron Hanks, a Colorado state representative running for U.S. Senate, outlined his military background and campaign priorities during a contentious primary season. The 32-year Air Force veteran, who served as a linguist fluent in four languages including Arabic and German, emphasized border security as a critical national security issue. Hanks described how his campaign has assembled a remarkable volunteer network, calling the 2022 election absolutely essential for reclaiming conservative principles.

The candidate recounted a bizarre incident at CBS4 studios where a scheduled debate with his primary opponent was derailed over vaccination requirements. Hanks refused to show a vaccination card or wear a mask, noting he had maintained that position throughout two years in the state legislature. The incident cost him six hours and approximately $80 in travel expenses during a crucial campaign period.

“The volunteer network that has coalesced around this campaign is remarkable. And many people out there who have been in politics longer than me have said it’s the most amazing volunteer group they’ve ever seen.”

Ron Hanks, Colorado State Representative and U.S. Senate Candidate

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Falls Short

Start listening at 30:48 – Hour 1

Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, dissected the electric vehicle fantasy through the lens of a Wall Street Journal reporter’s nightmare road trip from New Orleans to Chicago. The reporter spent 18 hours charging her EV while sleeping only 16 hours, stopping 14 times to recharge over 2,013 miles at a cost of $175 in charging fees alone. Fix emphasized that Level 2 chargers cost approximately $1 million each, making gas station installation economically impractical.

The automotive expert warned that America’s electrical grid cannot handle widespread EV adoption. She cited the Northern Electric Reliability Corporation’s unprecedented warning about summer blackouts and referenced Texas’s February 2021 winter storm disaster, where over-reliance on wind and solar left millions without power for weeks. Fix noted that California’s grid operator has already warned of potential blackouts throughout the summer, putting 42 million people at risk.

“If you can’t afford $6 a gallon gas, you will definitely not be able to afford a new electric car, even with the tax credits. Even if they gave it to you, you’re still now going to have an insurance price as well as an electric charge.”

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Navigating Rising Interest Rates

Start listening at 62:06 – Hour 2

Lorne Levy of Polygon Financial Group addressed the Federal Reserve’s expected rate decision and its impact on homebuyers and homeowners. With rates climbing to the lower to mid 6% range, Levy explained that affordability will decrease, eventually slowing the housing market and increasing inventory. He recommended Lock and Shop programs that allow buyers to secure current rates while house hunting, with refinancing options if rates later decline.

Levy cautioned homeowners against refinancing their entire mortgage just to access equity, particularly those with sub-3% rates locked in during the pandemic. Instead, he suggested second mortgages that preserve favorable first mortgage rates while providing cash for remodeling or repairs.

“There are lenders that will just do a second mortgage for you without forcing you to give up the whole beautiful rate you have on your primary mortgage.”

Lorne Levy, Mortgage Specialist, Polygon Financial Group

Health Savings Accounts and Patient Choice

Start listening at 69:03 – Hour 2

Sally Pipes, president and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute, urged Republicans to seize control of the healthcare narrative from advocates of government-run medicine. She lambasted Bernie Sanders’ latest $40 trillion Medicare for All proposal, noting that public support for single-payer healthcare drops from 68% to just 36% when voters learn about tax increases, rationed care, and loss of private insurance options.

Drawing from her Canadian heritage, Pipes painted a sobering picture of socialized medicine, where average wait times from primary care to specialist treatment stretch to 25.6 weeks. Over 200,000 Canadians cross the border annually to pay out of pocket for timely MRIs, surgeries, and cancer treatment rather than endure government-imposed rationing. She championed Health Savings Accounts as a cornerstone of patient-centered reform, allowing individuals to save tax-free for medical expenses while taking personal responsibility for healthcare decisions.

“As Milton Friedman used to say, when people think something is free, they demand and use a lot more of it. Well, HSAs bring about personal responsibility.”

Sally Pipes, President and CEO, Pacific Research Institute