By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Church and State.

Imagine a map of Washington reshaped to outline the profile of a former president, its capital named “Don” and its flag a bright orange hue. The notion, floated in a recent conversation on Church and State, blends satire with a genuine yearning for political expression, illustrating how local activism can ripple into broader national imagination.

Spokane Valley’s Second Amendment Sanctuary Proposal

Councilman Caleb Collier introduced a concrete initiative: urging Spokane Valley to issue a proclamation designating the city as a Second Amendment sanctuary. While the idea is still in its early stages, Collier emphasized the symbolic power of such a declaration, noting that it would signal the community’s commitment to protecting gun rights amid ongoing federal debates.

He also encouraged listeners to subscribe to the show’s newsletter to bypass what he describes as “censorship,” promising personal follow‑up calls to supporters. This outreach underscores the grassroots nature of the effort, aiming to mobilize local citizens around a shared constitutional cause.

The ‘State of Trump’ Concept: From Liberty State to a New Political Identity

Building on the sanctuary discussion, Collier and his co‑host Chris explored the “Liberty State” movement, which proposes splitting Washington into two entities. The conversation pivoted to a more flamboyant proposal: renaming the prospective new state after President Trump, even shaping its borders to resemble his side profile.

Collier admitted personal reservations—”I hate this idea, I would probably move out of the state anyway”—yet he acknowledged the appeal for some listeners, noting, “This could work. This really could work.” The dialogue highlighted how symbolic naming can serve as a rallying point for those feeling disconnected from existing state governance.

Historical Echoes: Reagan, the Bushes, and the Shadow of Assassination Attempts

Transitioning to a more solemn tone, Collier reflected on Ronald Reagan’s policy shift after surviving an assassination attempt, suggesting that “the real power is shadowy” and that presidents may be constrained by unseen forces. He then recounted a lesser‑known episode involving George H.W. Bush, who in 1991 threatened to block $10 billion in loan guarantees to Israel unless settlement activity halted. A month later, Bush fell ill at a state dinner in Tokyo, an incident Collier described as “the public fight over cutting aid to Israel went quiet.”

These historical anecdotes served to contextualize current debates about governmental authority and the influence of external pressures on policy decisions.

Human Stories Amid the Politics: Names, Humor, and Personal Touches

The show also offered lighter moments, such as the story of NFL player “Kool‑Aid” McKinstry, whose nickname originated from a grandmother’s comment about his smile. Collier used the anecdote to caution parents about unconventional naming, noting, “When you name your child something weird, you’re like, oh, this is cool. You know what? I’ll throw myself under the bus.” He also referenced his own daughter’s playful nickname, “Saucy,” and mused about naming her “Dagny” after the heroine of *Atlas Shrugged*.

Interspersed with humor were nods to past guests like John B. Wells, praised for his interview style of asking questions and listening, illustrating the program’s blend of serious discourse and personable storytelling.

Implications for Civic Engagement and Future Policy

Collier’s discussion underscores a growing trend: citizens seeking creative, sometimes provocative, avenues to voice political preferences. Whether through sanctuary proclamations, speculative state formations, or revisiting historical presidential actions, the conversation reflects a desire for more localized control and symbolic representation.

By framing these ideas within both current and historical contexts, the dialogue invites listeners to consider how grassroots initiatives can influence broader policy debates, and how humor can coexist with earnest civic activism.

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