Hey – you’ve made it through another week and we made it through January! Congratulations! February will be much better and it’s one of my favorite months because it was the month in which I was born.
In this week’s “Caught My Eye” I take a look at an idiot, the Montana Legislature, I salute a former President, I check some of the e-mail from my political inbox, and I make my Super Bowl prediction! There’s more, so read on…The Idiot of the Week:
President Barack Obama’s Senior Advisor, Valerie Jarrett, is a Stanford University graduate and she has a law degree from the University of Michigan.
Jarrett thought a four-star general (a vice Chief of Staff for the Army no less) was a waiter and asked him to get her another glass of wine during a dinner party. He was in his dress uniform with these pretty little things (called medals) displayed. There were also four stars on each of his shoulders. Of course, the General was a gentleman throughout the whole ordeal, but Jarrett gets the idiot of the week tag from me.
The Montana Legislature: The Birther Bill:
Most readers who visit this website understand that my impressions of the Montana Legislature are not that high. Of course there are some members whom I respect and admire for their work and for serving in the three-ring circus in Helena.
But not someone who wastes our time and money discussing a bill that requires federal candidates (for President and Congress) to show proof of citizenship.
Barack Obama is the President of the United States. He was born in Hawaii. Hawaii is a state. It was verified several times. It’s time to get over it. This bill is not for the future; it’s sour grapes.
The Montana Legislature: Voting
I am in favor of having all our elections be done by mail and disappointed the bill did not pass in the Montana Legislature. I agree with Secretary of State Linda McCulloch’s view of putting the idea to the voters as a ballot initiative.
I am also in favor of shutting off voter registration at 5 p.m. the Friday before an election. Now voters can register and vote until 8 p.m. on Election Day and, in my view, it can lead to some shenanigans.
Happy Birthday:
President Ronald Reagan would have turned 100 years old on Sunday, February 6, 2011. To me, Reagan brought spirit and patriotism back in the United States. He made us proud to be Americans again. Reagan was part of the reason I joined the military – he made me proud to serve to my country – something I am still proud about today.
Ever wonder?
Did you ever wonder if parrots are “right or left handed?” Me neither, but someone did a study.
Political Inbox:
With all the talk about 2012, there were a few e-mails from politicians that caught my attention this week:
-Michelle Obama sent me an e-mail with the subject “Thrilled.” She writes, “I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news. Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012.”
I was hoping she had visited The Western Word and was thrilled about the content…
-U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent me an e-mail with the subject “Thank You.” He says “We did it” by getting 1000 people to send him $10.
One would think with all the technology today, candidates could send “Thank You” e-mails to people who actually donated…
-Former Presidential candidate Mitt Romney sent me an e-mail with the subject, “No Apology: Believe in America” which just happens to be the title of his book.
Romney also wanted me to donate to his Political Action Committee (PAC). No thanks, Mitt. No thanks…
-The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) sent one of their boring notes about the Republicans being in turmoil and wanting money to add to the turmoil.
At least they did not call me like their counterparts; the National Republican Senatorial Committee did recently…asking for money to take back the senate…
-Senator Harry Reid sent me an e-mail with the subject “The clock” saying the Republicans want to turn back the clock with a backward agenda.
2008, 2007, 2006 are not looking too bad these days, Harry…and as for “The clock” I suggest Harry and the Democrats take a look at THIS CLOCK.
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My Super Bowl Pick:
After consulting (and viewing) the celebrity picks on the Sports Illustrated website and doing other research here is my pick to win the Super Bowl:
Steelers 34, Packers 27
Somebody is going to get hurt by Steelers LB James Harrison. Look for it…
Don’t forget to stretch…
The Western Word 
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Re: the Bowl– Uncanny…35-21 (for Packers. tho). A bit of an upset.
Re: The citizenship requirement bill. I must ask, considering the flood of illegals from all countries of late, what other solution would you propose to ensure candidates, per the Consitituion, are citizens?
Re: Reagan. Read his Inaguagural Address this weekend; http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ronaldreagandfirstinaugural.html
a great reminder of how he inspired by appealing to the best in us and reminding us of the principles our country was founded on.
Stark contrast to the Dufus-In-Chief.
Re: Citizenship – I think what the Montana Legislature doing in regards to this is a waste of time. States do have laws or regualtions in place for the secretary of state to verify citizenship of state office holders, but the U.S. Constitution addresses the issue of President. U.S. Senators, and U.S. Representatives so the federal courts would be the best place to take an issue or concern with one of those office holders, especially the President. U.S. Senators and Representatives do file for office in their respective states so I don’t have a problem with that part as much as I do for Presidents. Federal courts would be in much better position to make that decision since it would deal with all the states.
“Federal courts would be in much better position to make that decision since it would deal with all the states.”
Hmmm…so who would initiate a court action when a non-qualified citizen decided to run for president?
Why should a state be required to include on the ballot a citizen unwilling to provide proof of eligibility for office?
Don’t mean to be contrary, but seems that states deserve proper documentation–if nothing else, to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Just sayin’…
🙂
SallyT – I see your points, but I guess my point is that for Presidential candidates there needs to be the ultimate decider and that’s the Federal Court, like Bush v. Gore was the ultimate decision. You asked, “Why should a state be required to include on the ballot a citizen unwilling to provide proof of eligibility for office?” My answer is they should not, but I’d bet that most states don’t verify any Presidential candidate’s citizenship. So if there’s a problem or concern, the Federal court is the best referee. -Jack
PACKERS 21 the other team 7
*streeeeeeeetching*
Good man…I wouldn’t want you to pull something!