The Rise of Communism? What It Means to the American Dream

The Rise of Communism? What It Means to the American Dream

In this episode, Ben examines that differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism through the lens of history, economics and America’s founding principles. Drawing on historical examples and political philosophy, Ben discusses Karl Marx’s vision of communism, the role of socialism as a transitional system, and how communist governments have operated throughout modern history.  He also explores the constitutional protections Americans enjoy, such as free speech, private property, religious liberty, and limited government, and argues why these freedoms are essential to preserving the American Dream. From free markets and enterprises to individual liberty and constitutional government, this episode takes a broad look at the ideological debate surrounding communism, capitalism, and the future of the United States. Whether you’re interested in political philosophy, American history, constitutional rights, or today’s political environment, this episode offers Ben’s perspective on one of the defining ideological debates of our time.  LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

The Ben Broghammer Show - Trailer

From city halls to state capitals and all the way to Washington, DC. The decisions being made today shape the communities we live in tomorrow. Welcome to the Ben Broghammer Show, where we take a closer look at the issues impacting you. From taxes and spending to elections, government accountability, and the policies that affect everyday life. Every episode breaks down the details, examines the facts, and provides fact-based reporting to help you better understand the issues shaping our communities. Because government decisions have consequences, and staying informed starts with knowing the facts, asking the right questions, and understanding what is happening around us. This is the Ben Broghammer Show. Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

The $2.6 Million Question

In this episode, Ben breaks down the proposed Webster Groves Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026, and examines what it means for residents, business owners, and taxpayers. With nearly 250 pages of financial data, capital projects, revenue forecasts, and spending plans, the budget can feel overwhelming.  This episode walks through the key numbers, including a projected $2.6 million deficit, planned use of reserves funds, major capital improvement projects, employee compensation increases, grant-funded initiatives with hidden costs, and the city’s long-term financial outlook. You’ll hear where city revenue comes from, where taxpayer dollars are being spent, and why questions surrounding economic growth, infrastructure investments, and future funding deserve public attention. Whether you support the budget, oppose it, pr simply want to better understand how local government operates, this episode provides a detailed look at the facts behind one of the most important decisions facing Webster Groves this year. Resources discussed in this episode, including the full budget document and supporting materials, are linked below. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms. “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/100/Budget [https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/100/Budget] https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027 [https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027]

Economic Attraction & Government Accountability

Missouri is facing a major debate over eliminating the state income tax, and voters will soon decide the future of taxes, government spending, and economic growth in the state. In this episode, Ben breaks down proposed tax changes, compares Missouri to no-income-tax states like Tennessee, Texas, and Florida, and examines the political divide over affordability, immigration, healthcare, and the economy heading into the midterms.  Ben discusses Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District race, local controversies on the municipal level involving a major road project, and local school district education policy and tax payer accountability. From our nation’s capital, to Jefferson City, to local city halls, this episode covers the decisions shaping our future. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms. “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://missouriindependent.com/2026/04/21/plan-to-replace-missouri-income-tax-with-expanded-sales-tax-heads-to-voters/ [https://missouriindependent.com/2026/04/21/plan-to-replace-missouri-income-tax-with-expanded-sales-tax-heads-to-voters/] https://taxfoundation.org/location/missouri/ [https://taxfoundation.org/location/missouri/] https://bea.gov https://www.facebook.com/GovKehoe/videos/all-missourians-benefit-from-having-more-of-their-hard-earned-money-back-in-thei/1255681886694411/ [https://www.facebook.com/GovKehoe/videos/all-missourians-benefit-from-having-more-of-their-hard-earned-money-back-in-thei/1255681886694411/] https://apnews.com/article/income-tax-repeal-missouri-sales-ballot-9d0e1d42d8b8bdea2703ce363eee0926 [https://apnews.com/article/income-tax-repeal-missouri-sales-ballot-9d0e1d42d8b8bdea2703ce363eee0926] https://annwagner.com/ [https://annwagner.com/] https://wagner.house.gov/ [https://wagner.house.gov/] https://www.stlmag.com/news/nick-vivio-congress-medical-debt/ [https://www.stlmag.com/news/nick-vivio-congress-medical-debt/] https://www.vondrasforcongress.us/issues [https://www.vondrasforcongress.us/issues] https://www.crevecoeurmo.gov/255/Election-Sign-Regulations https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190 [https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190] https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm#position [https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm#position] https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/01/29/president-trump-signs-laken-riley-act-law [https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/01/29/president-trump-signs-laken-riley-act-law] https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/

Local Involvement Matters!

Local matters.  Local is vital.  Ben focuses on the municipal happenings within St. Louis County, starting with election results from April 7, and widens the lens to themes of what we are seeing in communities across the county, and the impact of local involvement. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/board-of-elections/ https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece240c271ac4adba33eb43d9a317dc6 https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/audit-shows-1-9-million-surplus-for-fiscal-year-2025/article_5ba1c814-1597-43bd-896b-5a19fa415ae7.html https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13582/Comprehensive-Plan https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/mayor-council-members-sworn-into-office/article_ac3d6eb2-f843-42d0-a455-1e3149eb426e.html https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/mayor-unopposed-two-new-council-members-to-serve/article_eeedeedc-8399-4761-b99e-7eb1554c6407.html https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-manager-awarded-138-123-in-severance-pay/article_8190d2c8-12e8-4acf-ad04-379f66718825.html https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/news/data-center-permit-approved.cfm https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2026-04-08/6b-data-center-festus-voters-oust-every-incumbent-council-member https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/data-center-dispute-and-treasurer-ballot-error-shadow-festus-city-council/63-33a107da-7321-4264-80aa-0a6c7bc3fbf7