By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Church and State.

What would you do if your city’s council declared itself a haven for the Second Amendment on the same day the nation voted for its leaders?

In a lively, sometimes chaotic discussion, Councilman Caleb Collier announced a proposal for Spokane Valley to issue a proclamation naming the city a Second Amendment sanctuary. The move, framed as a defense of constitutional rights, unfolded alongside a broader dialogue about the 2024 election, the Dan Bongino block party phenomenon, and the symbolism of the Gadsden flag.

Sanctuary Proposal Takes Center Stage

Caleb Collier, a sitting council member in Spokane Valley, Washington, used the platform to advocate for a municipal proclamation that would label the city a Second Amendment sanctuary. He explained the intent plainly: “I’m proposing that the city of Spokane Valley issue a proclamation stating that our city is a Second Amendment sanctuary city.” The proposal reflects a growing trend among local jurisdictions seeking to assert their support for gun‑ownership rights amid ongoing state and federal debates over firearm regulations.

Collier’s call to action extended beyond the council chamber. He urged listeners to visit the show’s website, fill out a form to join the newsletter, and engage directly with him, noting that he has begun making personal connections with supporters across the country, including a listener named Steve from Illinois. This grassroots outreach underscores the councilman’s belief that local activism can influence broader policy conversations.

Flag Symbolism and the “Don’t Tread on Me” Debate

The conversation shifted to the iconic Gadsden flag, a symbol that has resurfaced in recent years as a rallying point for liberty‑focused groups. Collier described the flag’s rattlesnake as a warning: “When you hear that rattle, you stop moving… It’s a warning. Don’t come over here. Don’t step on me. I bite.” He suggested a redesign, imagining the snake with its belly exposed, inviting a different kind of interaction: “Come on over here. Put the boot right on me, please. I like it.”

This metaphor sparked a broader critique of how the symbol is used by both supporters of gun rights and those who align with law‑enforcement, highlighting a tension within the liberty movement. Collier noted the coexistence of the Gadsden flag and the thin‑blue‑line flag on trucks, pointing out that many display both without necessarily opposing police.

Election‑Day Reflections and GOP Outlook

Recorded on November 3rd, the day of the national election, the discussion captured the uncertainty many conservatives feel about the results. Collier referenced a betting market, noting that odds favored Democrats and predicting a likely GOP loss: “You’re going to lose. You’re going to lose because the voters are angry. Because the economy is messed up.” He also mentioned the Dan Bongino block party, where admission required proof of being blocked by the commentator, illustrating the polarized online culture surrounding the election.

Amid the political analysis, Collier warned against complacency, urging listeners who value liberty to stay vigilant regardless of party affiliation. “I love liberty too much to sacrifice any of it for a party,” he said, emphasizing a principle‑first approach rather than partisan loyalty.

Foreign Policy Tangents and the Iran Narrative

The conversation briefly touched on foreign policy, specifically the narrative surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Collier dismissed recent claims that Iran was “30 days away from a nuclear weapon” as a recurring “boogeyman” used to justify endless wars. He argued that similar rhetoric has been applied to Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Libya, questioning the motives behind continual military engagements.

While Collier’s remarks on Iran were speculative, they reflected a broader frustration among some conservatives who feel that foreign policy debates are often driven by fearmongering rather than concrete evidence.

Community Engagement and Personal Touches

Beyond policy, Collier shared personal anecdotes that humanized the discussion. He spoke about a friend expecting a new baby and humorously prayed for a daughter, illustrating the everyday concerns that coexist with national politics. He also mentioned his own family, adding a relatable dimension to the otherwise political dialogue.

These personal interludes served to remind listeners that local leaders like Collier juggle public duties with family life, reinforcing the connection between community members and their elected officials.

Overall, the conversation painted a vivid picture of a city council member leveraging local symbolism, personal outreach, and national political anxieties to champion a Second Amendment sanctuary stance. Whether the proclamation will pass remains uncertain, but the discussion highlights how local governance can become a microcosm of larger cultural and political battles.

As the nation grapples with election outcomes, foreign policy debates, and the meaning of liberty symbols, Spokane Valley’s sanctuary proposal illustrates the ongoing dialogue between local action and national ideology.

The full episode of Church and State is available on OBBM Network TV.