A long two weeks

The two weeks between the NFL Conference Championship games and the Superbowl is, to say the least, very tough on us sports fans. What’s a person to do?

You can only clean the screen on your TV so much. My remote is ready to go and my chair is in the correct location. It’s too early to buy the food for the party. It truly is a long two weeks.

This weekend would be a great time to have the major college football championship game. I know, I know, in college football, it’s all about the student athlete and not the money.

Politics

Maybe politics will help pass the time before the Superbowl. The field of candidates is narrowing. The Democrats have a primary in South Carolina this Saturday, but it looks like Obama is running away with this state. Then we have Florida on January 29. I think there’s a couple of debates coming up as well.

In Montana, the Republicans are having a Winter Kickoff in Billings this Friday and Saturday. A few family members of the Presidential candidates are stopping by to say a few words. A son of Mitt Romney will be there serving his country.

Since Fred Thompson dropped out, many think he would be a good Vice Presidential candidate. Others think he may throw his support behind John McCain. Still others don’t care.

I think a great running mate for John McCain, if he makes it to the big show, would be Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT).

Veterans

Note: Thanks to a faithful reader, it was pointed out to me that I spelled Secretary Peake’s last name incorrectly (Peak). I have corrected the error. The Western Word regrets all errors and will strive to correct them as soon as possible. As for my opinions, well…they are mine.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake will be coming to Montana to take a look at the VA system here. Peake is a highly decorated retired Lieutenant General from the Army. I read that he served as a platoon leader in Vietnam and was wounded twice. Of course, a politician is taking credit for Peake coming to Montana.

The VA Mileage reimbursement for veterans has still not been raised. It was pushed by Senator Jon Tester, but he could not get it completely done. Now, Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming is taking up the cause, again. Enzi and former Senator Conrad Burns pushed for the increase at least a couple times I remember, but it was blocked by the other party from getting done. It should be raised to the same rate as all federal employees get.