Oh…oh…it’s another Monday, but we’re getting closer to the big holiday: CHRISTMAS!!

Almost every Monday I take a look at the political news that hit the newspapers and internet over the weekend and put it in one neat little package for all to see – with some commentary!

Today I look at Post Offices, the bet, a new poll, airport name, the new judge, winter tourism, spending money, and much more – so read on…

Everyone is Going Postal:

Several Montana newspapers published stories or editorials about the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) wanting to close rural post offices and mail processing facilities.  They also tell us what the Montana Congressional Delegation plans to do to save Montana’s post offices and processing facilities.

You can get a sampling of the coverage HERE, HERE and HERE.

Of course, if the USPS wants to close facilities in Wyoming or in Colorado that is fine with the Montana delegation…

The Bet:

Mitt Romney sickens me most of the time.  While we regular folks might bet a friend a dollar or so, the multi-millionaire Mitt Romney bet Rick Perry $10,000 at a debate Saturday night (I think this was about the 700th debate the GOP has held).  The bet was about Romney supporting “individual mandates” for health care.  He has, period.

Romney is way out of touch with people.  I suggest he donate the $10,000 to a local food bank or rescue mission – it would also be nice if he would just go away. 

Here’s a website to check out more of Romney’s antics.

Honest and ethical? Not so much…

According to a new poll from Gallup, “Sixty-four percent of Americans rate the honesty and ethical standards of members of Congress as “low” or “very low,” tying the record “low”/”very low” rating Gallup has measured for any profession historically.”

Members of Congress are ranked even lower than car salespeople.  My apologies to the car salespeople…

BYIAGF:

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the airport there has a new name: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at Gallatin Field.  Previously, it was called “Gallatin Field Airport.”

Locally, it’s called “The Airport.”

I heard a rumor that they thought about renaming it “The International Airport Near Bozeman Montana in the United States close to Yellowstone National Park in a Field in Gallatin County” (TIANBMUSYNPFGC).

Nonetheless, I can’t wait to see the new name on mugs, hats, and t-shirts.

Here Comes the Judge:

The Missoulian published a story about Montana’s newest Federal Judge, Dana Christensen.  They briefly mentioned his campaign donations to Democrats.  I reviewed his donations and he’s given to Max Baucus over the years, Barack Obama, Jon Tester, and Bill Clinton, etc.  They were not outrageous amounts, – just enough to show his love for Democrats – and not enough to say he bought the recommendation.

By the way, that happens on both sides – each side wants their person on the Court – it just depends who the President is at the time.

Fortunately for Christensen, Max Baucus’ girlfriend did not want the judgeship…

Winter Tourism:

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has launched a “Winter Tourism” campaign! According to a press release, “Montana provides a truly unique winter travel experience and we needed a winter campaign as compelling and memorable as a Montana winter vacation,” said Governor Schweitzer.

I thought maybe they would use the new logo, “Get Lost” and say “Get Lost…in a Snowdrift.”

Spend It/Save It:

Lee Newspapers published a story about State Government telling us that the state of Montana is projected to have a surplus by mid-2013 of $426.7 million and that an interim committee was split on what to do with it.

Some Democrats want to spend it on pay for state employees and facility care. Some Republicans do not.

IMHO -If you want qualified people to work in our state government, then the state must provide the pay that retains and entices these people to work for state government – not to get rich but to provide a decent living.  You must also provide upkeep for state facilities.

A great idea to save even more money would be to not have interim committees…

Jean Baucus:

Being one who has lost both parents, I know the void in my life is tremendous, so my condolences go out to U.S. Senator Max Baucus and his family on the passing of Jean Baucus, Sen. Baucus’ mother.  May she rest in peace.

Follow Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord.