Caught My Eye…

Posted on by

Who in your life would have to die from gun violence before you would support gun control? – Unknown

Welcome to the big column to end the week, “Caught My Eye” (CME)!

If you are a first-time visitor, welcome! CME is the once a week column that is posted here every Friday morning. This is when I take a look at some of the stories I did not have time to write about during the week. There may be some sarcasm and pointed independent commentary so be warned!

Here are the topics that “Caught My Eye” this week:

  • Hearsay & Bribery
  • Favorite Sitcom Theme Song
  • One More Thing

HEARSAY & BRIBERY:

The two keywords that came out of the first day of the public U.S. House impeachment hearings were “hearsay” from the right and “bribery” from the left.

I’m not sure the testimony of George P. Kent, a senior State Department official in charge of Ukraine policy, and William B. Taylor Jr., the top United States diplomat in Ukraine, changed anyone’s mind.

By the way, both Kent and Taylor appeared because they were subpoenaed.

Many reports contend that the main thing that came out of the testimony was this (from the New York Times):

Mr. Taylor testified that a member of his staff overheard a telephone conversation in which Mr. Trump pressed Gordon D. Sondland, the United States ambassador to the European Union, on “the investigations.” Afterward, when the aide asked Mr. Sondland about the president’s thoughts on Ukraine, Mr. Sondland said Mr. Trump cared more about “investigations of Biden.”

If the staffer has first-hand knowledge of what was said during the call, then that kind of hurts the cry of hearsay from the Republicans. The AP is now reporting on an additional source that overheard the call. That’s a double whammy on the Republicans.

It appears that the Trump Administration is trying to keep people with first-hand knowledge from testifying.

The first day of the hearings was watched by 13.8 million people according to a story from the AP that cited The Nielsen Company. Today (Friday) has more open testimony that begins around 7:00 a.m. Montana time.

A few other observations:

  • I was amazed that Kent and Taylor could go that long without peeing. I am amazed easily. I think they took one break in five and a half hours.
  • I have a blue Nalgene water bottle just like George Kent.
  • Republican Devin Nunes, who is the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, seemed in over his head most of the day.
  • The Republicans brought on Jim Jordan to take the place of another Republican on the House Intelligence Committee. I guess they thought he could make some waves, but in my opinion, he basically came across as an asshole most of the day.

At the end of all this, the Democrats who have the majority in the House will vote to impeach President Trump. It will be along party lines. The Senate, which is controlled by the Republicans, will not convict Trump.

The big question is will these hearings do enough damage to keep Trump from getting a second term. I think that is the overall goal.

When history is written, Trump will join Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton with impeachment by his name forever and ever.

FAVORITE SITCOM THEME SONG:

Last week and this week I asked readers to vote for their favorite sitcom theme song. We started with 12 songs in the semifinals and cut it down to six for the finals.

The voting is over and here are the results:

  • CHEERS: 47%
  • FRIENDS: 21%
  • M*A*S*H: 16%
  • BRADY BUNCH: 6%
  • THE OFFICE: 5%
  • PARTRIDGE FAMILY: 5%

Thanks to all who voted. Check back for more polls from The Western Word very soon!

ONE MORE THING:

Montana Governor and Presidential candidate Steve Bullock has posted his first 30-second campaign commercial for Iowa. The ad is called “Responsibility” and features Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller.

Check it out:

Have a great weekend!

##END##