Monthly Archives: March 2010

This Smells

Here at The Western Word, we champion the underdog.  We like to take up the cause for the people who are crapped on by those so-called “powerful” people in authority.

As you know by reading my commentary over the past five years, in the world of politics, just about anything goes.  We’ve seen it here in Montana over the last few elections and it appears nasty politics is here to stay – and that’s what turns a lot of people off these days.  Sadly, there’s not a lot of referees in the political game and sometimes the calls are made after the election is long over and decided for those who cheated to win – much too late.

So this week it was not hard for The Western Word to write about this issue that hit the newspapers:

The latest shenanigans in Montana politics is the charges filed against Congressman Denny Rehberg’s State Director, Randy Vogel, for illegally killing an elk.  Vogel claims his innocence and I believe him. Continue reading →

The Circus: Act V

We’ve watched the Circus at the Great Falls International Airport reach fever pitch this last week.  If you’re an outsider, like me, it has been interesting to watch.  Of course, here are my personal comments and observations.

First of all, I normally get up very early, so on Saturday morning I read all the documents posted on the local newspaper and television station websites since nobody sent them to me.  Although nobody is feeding me info, from my e-mails I have found many folks in the community are sick and tired of this current Airport Board.  I think if there was a vote to keep them or fire them, they would be gone in a heartbeat.  Continue reading →

The 24/7 Sobriety Program

Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock released the details of a new program being launched in Lewis and Clark County to reduce the number of drunk drivers in Montana and hopefully reduce the deaths on Montana highways due to drunk driving.

A press release from the Montana AG’s office said that:

Under the 24/7 Sobriety Program, anyone who is arrested for a second or subsequent DUI is required to submit to a breath test twice a day, every day.  If an offender fails a breath test or does not show up for a test, the offender’s bond is immediately revoked and he or she is taken directly to jail and waits to see a judge.

I applaud Bullock and the law enforcement officials in Lewis and Clark County for starting this program, which if the results in South Dakota are any indication the program should be expanded state-wide here in Montana as soon as possible.

In reading about South Dakota’s program, I learned that it started in 2005.  It’s too bad that Montana has not been in the forefront of combating DUIs.  Since the Democrats have controlled the AG’s office for many many years in Montana, the ball is in their court.

One final comment.  There are rumors that AG Bullock has his eyes set on being the next Governor in Montana.  If that is true, Montanans will need to see more than a carefully crafted press conference about DUIs before they will forgive him for abandoning the AG’s post to campaign for Governor – although if we see a drop in DUIs and deaths on Montana’s highways due to his leadership, he may be forgiven.

Special Commentary

Faithful Readers: Here at The Western Word, which has been in existence since January 2005, I have never allowed anyone to guest post on this blog.  Comments are always welcome as long as they abide by my rules.  I usually say “get your own blog” and I have even told a few elected officials who wanted to “guest post” no thanks.

Until today.

A fellow veteran (veterans always take priority in my book) whom I have known for years asked me to post his comments.  Since it was too long for a letter to the editor in the local newspaper, I decided to allow it ( I doubt they would have printed it if it had been within the 250 word limit, anyway).

So sit back and enjoy this commentary from my friend and fellow veteran, the Rocket Rancher. Continue reading →

Trying to be a Good Citizen

Recently I had the honor of being summoned for jury duty.  It’s called, “SUMMONS TO REPORT FOR JURY SERVICE” right there in big bold print on their letter, or summons.

I have served on several juries and showed up for several more in which I was not selected.  On a couple of the ones that I was chosen, I served as Foreman (I like to run the discussion).

It’s fun.  Since I watch Law and Order once in a while and have a college education, I feel I have the upper hand with most of those in the courtroom.  Some of the judges are really not that smart and some of the attorneys are even less than that.  A few though are pretty good at their jobs – I guess it’s the same with most occupations.

Some attorneys have sent me questionnaires afterwards – kind of like a grade for them.  I was brutally honest.  On one, I said the attorney should probably look for employment in another occupation.  I think this one worked for the County.  Maybe that one should watch a little more Law and Order.   Continue reading →

Bunning is right

It’s refreshing to see an elected official stand their ground against their own party and against the other party.  We don’t see that much these days – probably because elected officials are so worried about the next election, they bend over not to tick off their own party – so they can raise money and get reelected.  That’s partly what is wrong with Washington, D.C. these days.

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning is retiring at the end of his term.  He was basically pushed out by his fellow senator in Kentucky, Mitch McConnell.  The weak leader of the Republicans in the senate, Mr. McConnell, did not think Bunning could win, so he encouraged the political machines he controls to withhold donations from Bunning. Continue reading →