Service, Representation, and Accountability: Questions Voters Should Consider

In every election cycle, candidates present themselves to voters through a combination of personal history, professional accomplishments, and carefully crafted messaging. One such element that often resonates strongly with the public is military service. When a candidate highlights their status as a veteran—especially using official-looking symbols and language—it carries weight, signaling discipline, experience, and commitment to country.

Recently, a candidate for public office has used a graphic featuring the U.S. Air Force symbol alongside the words “U.S. Air Force Veteran” in campaign materials. The candidate served nine years in the Air Force. However, as voters, it is reasonable to look beyond labels and examine the full context of that service—particularly when it is being used as a central part of a political identity.

From more than three decades of experience in the Armed Forces, it has been my observation that service members generally fall into three broad categories based on time served:

1. Initial Obligation Service (4–6 years):

This is the largest group. These individuals complete their initial enlistment or commission and then transition to civilian life, often pursuing higher education or private-sector careers.

2. Career Service (20+ years):

These individuals commit to a full military career, typically retiring with a pension. Under the legacy retirement system, this equates to 50% of base pay at 20 years, increasing up to 75% at 30 years of service.

3. Mid-Term Separation (7–19 years):

This is the least common and often the most complex category. While there are many possible reasons for leaving during this window, it is also a range where administrative separations, high-year tenure limits due to lack of advancement, or disciplinary issues can occur.

The candidate in question falls into this third category, having served nine years on active duty. That fact alone does not provide a complete picture. However, when military service is prominently featured as a credential for public office, it is fair—and important—for voters to understand the circumstances surrounding it.

Why did this individual separate from service at nine years? Was it purely a personal decision, or were there other contributing factors? These are reasonable questions and part of evaluating someone seeking public trust and authority.

This becomes even more relevant when considered alongside other concerns that have been raised about the candidate’s record. Questions regarding adherence to rules, decision-making that may benefit a limited group, or differing approaches to enforcement in serious matters such as DUI-related incidents deserve careful consideration. Public office demands consistency, accountability, and equal application of the law.

The issue here is not simply whether someone served—it is how that service is presented and whether it aligns with a broader pattern of conduct. Voters deserve transparency. They deserve clarity. And most importantly, they deserve confidence that those seeking to represent them will uphold the same standards expected of everyone else.

As the voters of Sevier County head toward the next election, these are the kinds of questions that should be asked—not out of cynicism, but out of responsibility. A well-informed electorate is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. Voters should be able to examine the candidate’s DD-214 before any decision of support or non-support is made.

Before casting a vote, it is worth taking a closer look—not just at what is being said, but at what may be left unsaid.

Betrayal in the Tennessee House: Establishment Trans-publicans Launch Direct Assault on Tennesseans’ Rights with HB 1971

In a brazen act of treachery during the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026), Establishment Trans-publicans in the Tennessee House of Representatives have introduced and are aggressively pushing House Bill 1971 – a direct attack on the fundamental rights of every Tennessean to hold their government accountable.

Sponsored by Andrew Farmer and carrying co-prime sponsors Sexton, Lamberth, Faison, Atchley, Cochran, Capley, Hicks G, Garrett, Crawford, and Travis, this bill is no accident. It is calculated legislation designed to strip citizens of their ability to challenge unconstitutional state actions in court.

Here’s the breakdown of how HB 1971 represents a direct assault on our rights:

  • It removes the existing cause of action that allows any affected Tennessean to seek declaratory or injunctive relief against the legality or constitutionality of state governmental actions.
  • It shields the state itself from lawsuits questioning unconstitutional laws, while only permitting such challenges against local political subdivisions.
  • In plain English: Establishment Trans-publicans are trying to build a fortress around state government so citizens can no longer drag unconstitutional overreach into court and stop it.

Andrew Farmer and Fred Atchley deserve special condemnation as leaders of this assault. Farmer, as the prime sponsor, is driving the bill forward. Atchley, proudly listed among the co-prime sponsors, is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him in this effort to disarm Tennesseans of one of our most powerful tools for defending liberty – the courthouse door.

This isn’t “governing.” This is Establishment Trans-publicans actively working to limit the rights of the very citizens they swore an oath to serve and protect.

We have dodged a bullet – for now. The companion bill in the Senate, SB 1958 by Stevens, failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 17, 2026. Because the Senate version is dead, HB 1971 cannot become law this session.

But let’s be crystal clear: That failure does NOT absolve the House members for their treachery. Andrew Farmer, Fred Atchley, and every single co-prime sponsor who backed this bill still voted with their names and their reputations to gut our rights. They still tried to slam the courthouse door in the face of the people they represent. Their names are now permanently attached to this attack on liberty, and Tennesseans should never forget it.

The fight for our rights didn’t end yesterday – it continues. These Establishment Trans-publicans have shown their true colors. It’s time to hold them accountable at the ballot box and make sure no more bills like HB 1971 ever see the light of day in Tennessee.

Liberty first. Always.

Lament and Redirected Momentum

I want to talk for a minute about something we don’t usually talk about, either at home or in church—lament.

Most of us weren’t taught what to do with pain except to push through it. Pray harder. Keep smiling. Don’t slow down. But there are moments in life—especially when you’re facing a serious disease—when everything stops. The words dry up. The plans you had don’t seem to fit anymore.

I used to think lament was a sign that something had gone wrong. I’ve learned it’s often a sign that something honest is happening. Lament is what comes out when you don’t have polished prayers left—just a heart reaching toward God saying, “This hurts, and I don’t know what to do with it.”

One of the hardest parts of receiving a serious medical diagnosis isn’t just the physical reality—it’s what it does to your momentum. Most of us live with a sense of forward motion. We have plans, routines, goals, timelines. We measure life by what’s next. And when a serious disease enters the picture, it feels like that momentum gets derailed. Like everything you were building toward suddenly comes to a screeching halt.

Through lament, I’ve learned something unexpected. My momentum wasn’t derailed or destroyed. It was redirected.

It felt like a derailment at first, but what really happened was a divine interruption. My Creator stopped me—not to punish me, not to sideline me—but to reposition me. He redirected my momentum away from my plans and toward His plan. And that redirection brought me to a place I hadn’t been before: complete surrender.

Surrender is not a word we like. It sounds like loss. But I’ve learned surrender is where clarity begins. It’s where I finally loosened my grip on what I thought my life was supposed to look like and placed it in God’s hands. Lament was the doorway that led me there.

And here’s what surprised me—God wasn’t offended by that honesty. He didn’t step back. He drew closer to me. 

When you’re walking through something serious, hope can feel buried. Pain fills the whole room. Your body is tired. Your mind won’t slow down. Even promises you’ve believed for years can feel far away. But lament is never wasted. God works in places we can’t see, and sometimes the deepest pressure is where the most important shaping happens.

We’re really good at hiding how we feel. We say we’re fine when we’re not. We keep moving because stopping feels dangerous, or you don’t want to share how you’re really feeling with those closest to you because you feel they depend on you. But Scripture shows us people who cried out to God—confused, frustrated, and broken—and God met them every time. When we stop pretending, something opens up between us and God.

One of the moments that means the most to me is when Jesus stands at the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus knew how the story would end. He had the power to fix everything instantly. But He didn’t rush past the pain. He stopped. He wept. He entered into the grief of the people He loved.

That tells me God doesn’t rush past our pain either. And He doesn’t rush past our surrender.

So if you’re facing a serious disease, or if life has come to a sudden stop, hear this: your tears don’t mean you lack faith. Sometimes they mean you trust God enough to tell Him the truth. Lament isn’t weakness. It’s honesty. And honesty is often the first step toward healing.

I don’t have all the answers. But I do know this—God is present. He’s not waiting on the other side of your pain. He’s with you in it. And even when it feels like your momentum has been lost, God may be doing something far better.

He may be redirecting it.

And through lament, surrender, and trust, hope begins to rise—not because everything is fixed, but because you realize your life is still firmly in the hands of a good and loving God.

Tennessee Deserves a True Grassroots Conservative — Why Monty Fritts Is the Real Choice

As the 2026 Tennessee Republican primary for governor heats up, a stark contrast is emerging between two very different visions for our state’s future.

On one side is U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a national figure with deep Washington ties — and now facing serious allegations of campaign finance shenanigans. A Knoxville Republican activist recently filed a sworn complaint alleging Blackburn’s campaign has “deliberately flaunted” federal and state fundraising rules in her gubernatorial bid by using federal campaign money for her state campaign. The complaint paints a picture of sprawling federal campaign expenditures funneled into a state race, including huge travel bills and staff expansion, that beg tough questions about allegiance and accountability.  

On the other side stands State Representative Monty Fritts, a grassroots conservative voice rooted in Tennessee values — not out-of-state DC money and PAC influence. Fritts has run his campaign with a focus on individual Tennessean donors and a pledge to resist the kind of outside special-interest cash that fuels establishment politics. According to recent reporting, Fritts’ campaign has relied on local support and small-dollar contributors rather than the deep pockets of national PACs and Washington elites.  

Campaign Finance: Local Roots vs. DC Money

Blackburn’s campaign has shattered fundraising records in the governor’s race, reporting over $5.5 million raised in just five months — a haul so large it overwhelmed the state’s reporting system. This haul came from more than 33,000 contributors, a testament to her national network of supporters.  

Yet financial volume alone isn’t the whole story. A deeper look at contribution breakdowns shows a striking disparity in where that money originates. In one recent filing, just 22% of Blackburn’s contributions came from Tennesseans, with the rest from outside the Volunteer State.   That kind of out-of-state financial influence — whether through PACs, national donors, or federal campaign war chests — raises valid concerns about whose interests truly come first.

By contrast, Fritts’ campaign emphasizes grassroots fundraising and constitutional fidelity, not reliance on Washington’s monied interests. Reports from local conservative outlets note Fritts rejecting PAC money and instead building his campaign through small donors and community engagement — a clear sign that accountability to everyday Tennesseans, not Beltway power brokers, is his guiding principle.  

Voting Records & Conservative Credentials

But campaign finance is only part of the picture. Tennesseans also deserve clarity on how these candidates have acted when given the power to vote and lead.

Marsha Blackburn’s record spans decades in Tennessee government and Congress, with high conservative ratings on many scores. She has led on national issues like agriculture, opposing Biden administration policies that she argues burden Tennessee farmers.   But her tenure in Washington also reflects a career embedded within the national political system — a system deeply entwined with PAC influence, lobbying networks, and big-money cycles that often drown out grassroots voices.

By contrast, Monty Fritts’ legislative record in the Tennessee House of Representatives reflects bold, uncompromising stands for constitutional conservatism:

• Fiscal restraint and limited government — Fritts opposed a state budget that ballooned by nearly 60%, arguing for strict constitutional limits on government size and scope.  

• Defending the Second Amendment — He has championed protections for firearms manufacturers and resisted state actions seen as undermining gun rights.  

• Parental rights and personal liberties — Fritts emphasizes that Tennesseans — not bureaucrats — should make medical, educational, and family decisions.  

• Grassroots conservatism — Throughout his political career and gubernatorial campaign launch, he has consistently challenged the “Nashville establishment,” urging a return to constitutional principles and local accountability.  

Tennessee Needs a Governor Who Owes No Allegiance but to the People

At this critical moment, Tennessee faces a choice between two very different kinds of Republican leadership:

• The establishment figure, well-heeled and well-funded from beyond our borders, with decades of Washington experience — and now campaign controversies that call into question her regard for state campaign law and grassroots accountability; and

• The grassroots conservative, whose candidacy is built from the ground up on local support, constitutional fidelity, and an unwavering commitment to the principles that made Tennessee strong.

If conservatives truly want a governor who will serve the people first, defend the Constitution without compromise, and stand up to special interests, then Monty Fritts offers a compelling, principled alternative. Tennessee doesn’t need more DC swap creatures — it needs a governor accountable to Tennesseans, loyal to constitutional conservative principles, and unshackled from out-of-state monied influence.

It’s time to rally behind a candidate who reflects the real Tennessee spirit — not the Beltway machine.

Elect Chad Ogle

Sevier County deserves better than the status quo under Sheriff Michael Hodges Jr. — a leader entangled in controversy, from refusing to cooperate with ICE on removing illegal immigrants (claiming our economy would collapse without them) to ongoing concerns about transparency, jail conditions, and the “good old boys” network in local politics.

Chad Ogle, a lifelong Sevier County native, former corrections officer, patrol sergeant, SWAT team operator, and current County Commissioner, is stepping up to bring real change. His T.A.C.T.I.C.A.L. platform — Transparency, Accountability, Compassion, Tenacity, Integrity, Courage, Approachability, and Leadership — focuses on rebuilding public trust, protecting citizens and deputies, and putting service above self.

Voters: If you’re tired of the same old issues, vote Chad Ogle for Sevier County Sheriff in the May 2026 Republican primary.

Also, contact the Sevier County Republican Party today and ask: Will the Chairman (Sheriff Hodges) violate the party by-laws once again by refusing to step down while running in this contested primary? The by-laws state a County party chairman running in a contested primary must step aside until after the election.

Demand answers — reach out via their Facebook page (Sevier County Republican Party) or official channels. Integrity starts at the top.

Let’s restore trust and leadership in Sevier County. Support Chad Ogle! 🇺🇸

Primary Season Is Upon Us (And Needed)!

Fellow residents of TN House District 12 in Sevier County, look at this scorecard from the John Birch Society’s Freedom Index—Rep. Fred Atchley scores a dismal 67% on upholding the U.S. Constitution. He claims to be a conservative, but his voting record tells a different story. We deserve better than someone who silences and censors voters in his own district, hides behind the Nashville establishment and Sevier County’s good old boy network, and even has his spouse stalking social media of those he’s blocked. It’s time to primary him out!

If you’re ready to step up and run in the August 6, 2026 GOP Primary, here’s how to get on the ballot:

1. Ensure you qualify: Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, a Tennessee resident for 3 years before the election, a resident of Sevier County for 1 year before the election, and a qualified voter in District 12 by Election Day.

2. You must be a bona fide Republican per TN GOP bylaws: Actively involved in the Republican Party (state, county, or recognized auxiliary), registered to vote in Sevier County, and have voted in at least 3 of the 4 most recent statewide Republican primaries.

3. Pick up a nominating petition ASAP from the Sevier County Election Commission.

4. Collect at least 25 signatures from registered voters in District 12.

5. By noon on March 10, 2026: File the original petition with the State Coordinator of Elections in Nashville, a certified duplicate with the Sevier County Election Commission, and another certified duplicate with the Tennessee Republican Party (95 White Bridge Rd, Suite 414, Nashville, TN 37205).

Sevier County deserves a representative who votes constitutionally, engages openly with all voters, and isn’t beholden to special interests, establishment cronies in Nashville, and especially the good old boy network of Sevier County. Let’s make it happen!

#PrimaryAtchley

#TN12

#SevierCounty

#FreedomIndex

Sevier County Can’t Wait — Investigate Them, Remove Them, Replace Them

Public office is a sacred trust. It is not a personal fiefdom for insulated officials to hide behind press releases and social media filters. Leadership that actively avoids accountability is leadership that does not deserve a title — let alone enforcement and legislative power.

In Sevier County and Nashville, two men have made a habit of evading the very people they claim to serve: Sheriff Michael Hodges and State Representative Fred Atchley.

Their records are not just disappointing — they are an indictment of what happens when public officials believe they only answer to the establishment and not to the voters.

Why Fred Atchley Should Resign — And Be Investigated

Representative Fred Atchley has repeatedly refused to face the people who elected him. He refuses to hold meaningful public meetings, routinely dodges hard questions, and blocks constituents on social media platforms he uses to communicate about legislation — behavior that summons constitutional concerns under Lindke v. Freed. Blocking voters in an official forum isn’t leadership — it’s censorship.

And if that weren’t enough, Atchley is rumored to be in support of House Bill 0809 — a proposal that will extend liability immunity to chemical companies in Tennessee, shielding them from lawsuits if their products cause injury. This bill is widely criticized by Tennesseans and viewed as contrary to public safety and accountability. It is deeply unpopular among grassroots voices, especially here in Sevier County, where citizens expect their representatives to uphold community safety, not protect corporate interests at the expense of injured residents.  

A representative who:

• refuses to meet voters,

• blocks those he represents from his communications,

• and backs legislation that prioritizes corporate liability protection over accountability

should not just be criticized — he should be investigated and asked to resign.

Why Sheriff Michael Hodges Should Resign — And Be Investigated

When citizens lose faith in law enforcement, the entire justice system collapses. The concerns surrounding Sheriff Michael Hodges are not casual online posts — they are consistent reports of preferential treatment, avoidance of accountability, and failure to enforce the law equally.

Among the most troubling allegations raised by community reporting and independent investigations are:

• Reports that off-duty officers involved in a DUI crash were shielded from full accountability

• A failure to arrest a violent sexual offender despite clear documentation and vulnerability of the victim

• A broader pattern of covering for insiders in a way that calls into question whether “one law for some, another for others” has taken hold in Sevier County

No sheriff who protects insiders or appears to withhold justice from the vulnerable should remain in office. That is not leadership — that is the very definition of dysfunction.

A Call for Independent Investigation and Resignation

Sevier County deserves transparency. Tennessee deserves accountability.

We demand:

✔ Independent investigations into the conduct of both Fred Atchley and Sheriff Michael Hodges

✔ Public hearings where elected officials answer directly to citizens

✔ Resignations from anyone who cannot — or will not — operate with full transparency and integrity

✔ Leadership that puts the people first — not the “good old boy” establishment in Sevier County or the Trans-Republican establishment in Nashville

Public officers work for the voters — not the other way around.

Contact Them — And Demand Answers

Voters should not be silent just because these officials have perfected the art of nonresponse. Call, email, show up, ask the tough questions. Even if they don’t answer — even if they ignore you — your voice becomes part of the public record.

Contact Representative Fred Atchley:

📞 (615) 741-5981 (Nashville office)  

📧 rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov

Office of the Tennessee House of Representatives

This needs to be done quickly before the committee he sits on passes the bill on Wednesday. 

Contact Sheriff Michael Hodges:

📞 (865) 453-4668 — Sevier County Sheriff’s Office main line  

📧mhodges@seviercountytn.gov

Ask them:

• Why they will not hold public meetings

• Why they refuse to engage with voters face-to-face

• Why legislation like HB 0809 is receiving Atchley’s (and Andrew Farmer’s) support

• Why justice seems selective

• Why they believe they represent everyone in Sevier County

Be firm. Be persistent. And be prepared for the real reality: they may duck your questions, delete your messages, or simply refuse to respond.

But that silence — that avoidance — says more than they ever will.

Sevier County Deserves Leaders Who Listen

Not leaders who hide.

Not leaders who block the public.

Not leaders who protect insiders over victims.

Leaders who listen.

Leaders who respond.

Leaders who respect the public trust.

If Michael Hodges and Fred Atchley cannot meet that basic standard, then they should resign — and be replaced with people who will.

Urgent Call to Action: Tennesseans, Tell Your Legislators to Vote NO on HB0809 and Protect Our Rights!

Fellow Tennesseans, especially those in Sevier County – the time to act is now. HB0809, a bill that’s been lurking in the shadows since last year, is set for a critical committee vote this Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation isn’t about safeguarding our farmers or everyday citizens; it’s a blatant handout to massive agricultural corporations, shielding them from accountability while leaving individual Tennesseans exposed to harm. Tomorrow, January 20, is the deadline to make your voice heard – don’t wait, contact your representatives today!

What HB0809 Really Does: Immunity for Big Ag, Not Protection for You

At its core, HB0809 amends Tennessee law to grant broad legal immunity to pesticide manufacturers and sellers. If a pesticide is registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the EPA under federal law, and it bears an EPA-approved label at the time of sale, these companies can’t be held liable in civil lawsuits for issues related to labeling – including failure-to-warn claims. That means if a product like Roundup or other herbicides causes health problems, such as cancer, the makers are off the hook as long as they followed federal labeling rules.

This isn’t hypothetical. Companies like Bayer (owner of Monsanto) have faced billions in lawsuits over products that allegedly cause serious illnesses, yet this bill would slam the door on Tennesseans seeking justice in our state courts. Critics, including trial lawyers and consumer advocates, argue it erodes public safety and prioritizes corporate profits over people. And let’s be clear: this bill does nothing to protect individual farmers, workers, or consumers who might suffer from exposure. Instead, it creates a shield for giants in the industry, many of which have troubling foreign ties.

The CCP Connection: Foreign Ownership in Big Ag

A significant concern with HB0809 is how it benefits Big Ag companies with deep links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). While Bayer is German-owned, other major players in agriculture and pesticides are under CCP influence. For instance, Syngenta, a leading global pesticide and seed company, is owned by ChemChina, a state-controlled entity directly tied to the CCP. Similarly, Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer in the U.S., is owned by WH Group, a Chinese conglomerate with obligations to report back to the CCP. These firms aren’t just operating in Tennessee – they’re embedded in our food supply chain, and bills like this could further insulate them from accountability for potential harms.

Why should Tennessee law provide a safe harbor for entities that may prioritize foreign interests over American health and safety? We’ve seen how CCP-linked companies scoop up U.S. farmland and agribusiness, controlling everything from pork processing to chemical production. HB0809 exacerbates this by limiting our ability to hold them responsible in court, potentially putting our local economy, environment, and public health at greater risk.

This Bill Serves Nashville’s Corporate Lobby, Not Sevier County’s People

Remember, our legislators were elected to represent us – the hardworking folks of Sevier County and beyond – not the deep-pocketed lobbyists in Nashville. Farm Bureau and Bayer representatives pushed for this bill, not because it helps small farmers, but because it protects their bottom line. Tennesseans deserve better. We need laws that ensure accountability, not ones that strip away our rights to seek justice when harmed.

Sevier County Residents: Contact Reps. Atchley and Farmer NOW!

If you live in Sevier County, your voice matters most. Representatives Fred Atchley (District 12) and Andrew Farmer (District 17) are key players here. Call or email them today and urge them to vote NO on HB0809 in Wednesday’s committee vote. Remind them: You were elected to stand for the people of Sevier County, not corporate interests in Nashville. Kill this bill before it harms our communities!

  • Rep. Fred Atchley
    Phone: (615) 741-5981
    Email: rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov
  • Rep. Andrew Farmer
    Phone: (615) 741-4419
    Email: rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov

Tomorrow is the deadline – pick up the phone or send that email right away. Share this post with friends, family, and neighbors. Together, we can stop HB0809 and ensure Tennessee remains a state that puts its people first. Act now!

Why TN State Rep. Fred Atchley and Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges Should Not Be Reelected in 2026

As a lifelong advocate for constitutional principles and transparent governance, I’ve spent years dissecting the failures of entrenched political figures through my podcast, *Liberty, Leadership and Lies*. In recent episodes, we’ve shone a light on the troubling actions of Tennessee State Representative Fred Atchley (District 12) and Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges, who also serves as Chairman of the County GOP. These men exemplify the “Good Old Boy” network that has gripped Sevier County for nearly 50 years, prioritizing self-preservation over public service. Based on the evidence discussed in Episodes 217, 219, and others, it’s clear they represent failed and dishonest leadership. Voters in 2026 must reject them to reclaim accountability and liberty in Tennessee politics.

## The Good Old Boy Network: A Stranglehold on Sevier County

Sevier County has long been dubbed the capital of Tennessee’s Good Old Boy network—a clique of insiders who protect their power through cronyism and exclusion. Atchley and Hodges are central figures in this system, where loyalty to the club trumps loyalty to constituents. As highlighted in Episode 219 (“Leadership – Birds of a Feather”), this network silences dissent to maintain control, creating an environment where criticism is met with censorship rather than dialogue. This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s a pattern of behavior that undermines democratic principles and erodes public trust.

Hodges, in his dual roles as Sheriff and GOP Chairman, wields outsized influence, often blurring the lines between law enforcement and partisan politics. Atchley, as a state representative, amplifies this dynamic at the legislative level. Together, they’ve fostered a culture where accountability is optional, and the status quo benefits the few at the expense of the many. After half a century of this dominance, Sevier County deserves fresh leadership untainted by these entrenched alliances.

## Censorship and Viewpoint Discrimination: Violating Oaths and the Constitution

One of the most egregious examples of their dishonesty comes from their handling of free speech. In Episode 219, we detailed how elected officials in Sevier County, including Atchley and Hodges, censor opposing viewpoints on their social media platforms—actions that directly violate Supreme Court rulings on viewpoint discrimination. Atchley, specifically, has been called out for silencing critics on his official pages, blocking or deleting comments that challenge his record. Hodges has followed suit, using his authority to suppress dissent rather than engage with it.

These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re symptomatic of leaders who fear scrutiny. As public servants, they swore oaths to uphold the Constitution, yet their actions suggest otherwise. Censorship isn’t the tool of principled leaders—it’s the hallmark of authoritarians. Historical parallels discussed in the episode, from ancient Rome to modern regimes in Russia and China, show that such tactics always precede greater abuses of power. Tennessee voters shouldn’t tolerate officials who treat the First Amendment as optional. As of right now Atchley is unopposed in his bid for the GOP nomination. Will anyone else in District 12 step up, and step into the arena to challenge him for that seat? We can only hope. 

## Failed Leadership in Law Enforcement: The Welfare Check Debacle

Sheriff Hodges’ tenure has been marred by specific failures that endanger public safety and justice. Episode 217 (“Leadership – An Interview with the Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Tennessee”) delved into a disturbing case: a family’s ongoing quest for justice after a botched welfare check involving a knife assault. Under Hodges’ watch, this incident went unaddressed, leaving victims without resolution and highlighting a profound lack of accountability in the Sheriff’s Office. Now there is the issue of treatment of the two SPD officers being given special treatment after crashing their vehicle in what appears to be an alcohol related incident. 

This isn’t just bureaucratic oversight—it’s a betrayal of the core duties of law enforcement. As Chairman of the County GOP, Hodges’ political entanglements likely compound these issues, prioritizing party loyalty over impartial justice. Sevier County residents deserve a sheriff who enforces the law without favoritism, not one whose leadership failures allow such injustices to fester.

## Dishonesty and the Erosion of Trust

At the heart of these issues is a pattern of lies and obfuscation. Episode titles like “Principled Leaders Don’t Need Lies” (220) underscore the contrast: true leaders operate with transparency, while Atchley and Hodges rely on deception to maintain their positions. From evading questions about their network’s influence to misrepresenting their commitment to conservative values, they’ve earned tags like #AlwaysTheBadGuys and #SevierCountySwamp for a reason.

Their actions align with “Transpublicans”—politicians who claim Republican ideals but govern like big-government insiders. This dishonesty not only fails constituents but also threatens broader Tennessee liberties, as seen in discussions of state-level scams like the “Education Freedom Scholarship” program, which funnels resources to elites under the guise of reform.

## A Call to Action: Vote for Change in 2026

Reelecting Atchley and Hodges in 2026 would perpetuate a system of cronyism, censorship, and incompetence that has held Sevier County back for decades. Instead, support candidates who embody true conservative principles: less government, more liberty, and unwavering accountability. Figures like Chad Ogle for Sheriff and Monty Fritts for Governor represent the antidote—leaders committed to dismantling the Good Old Boy network and restoring trust.

Tennesseans, it’s time to stand in the arena. Listen to the episodes, research the facts, and vote accordingly. Our republic depends on rejecting failed leadership like theirs.

For more insights, subscribe to Liberty, Leadership and Lies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Visit libertyleadershipandlies.com for updates.

Episode 223: Season 6 Premier – Interview with TN State Rep Todd Warner

 

On this Season 6 premier we kick off the year with a true grassroots conservative, Tennessee State Representative Tod Warner. Find out more about him at his website – https://toddfortn.com.  I’m also taking an unplanned break from producing episodes to focus on a serious medical condition that popped up over the Christmas holiday. I do not know my return date but you can keep up with some blog posts on the website – https://libertyleadershipandlies.com

 

You can subscribe to or follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform – Rumble | YouTube | Overcast | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Pocket Casts | RadioPublic

Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc34dju8

Also available on – 

Rumble: https://tinyurl.com/57txj7a9

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mtppd99n

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/44mh98th