Weekly Email 1/12/26

Do You Believe in the Rule of Law?

What is Extremism?

"Extremism" is a highly subjective and pejorative term that we generally prefer to avoid when referring to political behavior. As it has been said by people of goodwill: "The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the good". But in some cases, there are examples of extreme behavior that we believe need to be addressed because they have a direct impact on our lives in Western Colorado. One such example is from Donald Trump, President of the United States, in a statement he posted on social media on the final day of 2025:

"God Bless Tina Peters, who is now, for two years out of nine, sitting in a Colorado Maximum Security Prison, at the age of 73, and sick, for the "crime" of trying to stop the massive voter fraud that goes on in her State (where people are leaving in record numbers!). Hard to wish her a Happy New Year, but to the Scumbag Governor, and the disgusting "Republican" (RINO!) DA, who did this to her (nothing happens to the Dems and their phony Mail-In Ballot System that makes it impossible for a Republican to win an otherwise very winnable State!). I wish them only the worst. May they rot in Hell. FREE TINA PETTERS! [sic]"

At Restore the Balance, we fully support District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, District Judge Matthew Barrett, Mesa County Commissioners, and other officials who testified in the prosecution of Tina Peters. We believe in the United States Constitution, the Rule of Law (including when we disagree with laws that have been enacted), and decisions that are based on EVIDENCE. We encourage collaboration, respect for differing opinions, and the restoration of civility in our politics. It is clear from this post, as well as many others, that Donald Trump does not share these values, and we reject such extreme political behavior.

• Understanding the Supremacy Clause - A helpful legal resource explaining how federal law takes priority over state law under the Constitution.

• Supremacy Clause defined - This legal resource explains a fundamental principle of our Constitution: when federal and state laws conflict, federal law prevails. Understanding this concept is essential to evaluating claims about state versus federal authority.

• Peters' Appeal filing citing Supremacy Clause - Read the actual legal document where Tina Peters' defense is attempting to invoke the Supremacy Clause in her appeal. This provides insight into how constitutional principles are invoked—and sometimes misapplied—in legal arguments.

News and Upcoming Events!

• Roundtable with Community Leaders - January 20

  
  

  There are still a few spots left for our next roundtable with community leaders on January 20 at the Redlands Community Center. Join us for a meaningful conversation about the issues that matter to our community. 

  • Find more information and save your spot here

• Social Hour - January 21

  
  

  Relax and unwind at the RTB social hour at Cruise Control Kitchen and Bar in Grand Junction. Connect with fellow members in a casual, friendly atmosphere. 

  • RSVP HERE

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• On the Radar, Local Meetings: 

  • Board of County Commissioners: Tuesdays @ 9 am

  • Grand Junction City Council: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm

  • Palisade City Council: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6 pm

  • Fruita City Council: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 7 pm

  • D51 School Board: 3rd Tuesdays @ 5 pm

  • Mesa County Library Board: Last Thursdays @ 5:30 pm

  • Public Health Board: Monthly Tuesdays @ 3 pm 

RTB Member Insights.

Here are some recommendations from our members:

• Read:

  • Book: Heartland by Sarah Smarsh

• Listen: 

  • Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History - Two thought-provoking episodes:

    • The RFK Problem - Listen here

    • The Joe Rogan Intervention - Listen here

• For a smile:

  
  

  Music that will make you smile:

  • Listen here

• Watch:

  • The Opening Scene from "The Newsroom" (HBO 2012)

    • Watch here. In case you never saw this, it's worth watching. And then think about why you may agree or disagree with Will's (Jeff Daniels) answer. What makes America the greatest, or not?