Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments. – Alexander Hamilton

Today’s independent commentary deals with these people/issues:

• Discharging of Fireworks
• Kimberly Guilfoyle
• Trump’s Weekend
• One More Thing

DISCHARGING OF FIREWORKS:

I remember a saying that went something like, “One person can ruin it for everyone else.”

If officials in Great Falls decide to ban fireworks, it would be because “several people” ruined it. The City Ordinance says:

The selling and discharging of fireworks within the incorporated limits of Great Falls shall be July 2, through July 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

Every night (July 2-4) there were hundreds of fireworks going off after midnight. On the Fourth of July night, people were still shooting fireworks well past 2:00 a.m., which if my calendar is correct, is July 5.

I enjoy the fireworks and sit in my yard and watch the sky being lit up. After three days I’m tired of hearing them, as are some veterans, pets, and people who have to work.

If people cannot obey the ordinance, then maybe the city should take a look at banning the private use of fireworks altogether.

KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE:

Kimberly Guilfoyle is the girlfriend of Donald J. Trump, Jr., and it was announced that she tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

The interesting angle to this is that Junior and Guilfoyle had been in Montana for a fundraiser that was attended by several prominent Republicans a few days before she tested positive.

The Great Falls Tribune has the story HERE.

Some of the Montana Republicans identified as being under self-quarantine awaiting test results include Greg Gianforte, Kristen Juras, Troy Downing, Matt Rosendale, and Elsie Arntzen.

I sincerely hope all those who may have been exposed receive negative tests. I wish Ms. Guilfoyle a speedy recovery.

The sad thing about this is we are just at the tip of the iceberg regarding the coronavirus. As long as we don’t require masks and social distancing and make fun of people who do follow the recommendations to wear masks, we will continue to see spikes. With events like Trump held in Tulsa, at Mount Rushmore, and the White House, he is doing nothing but helping to spread the virus. His supporters who attended are nothing but sheep.

TRUMP’S WEEKEND:

President Donald Trump had quite a weekend. He spoke near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on Friday night and from the South Lawn of the White House Saturday evening.

During the Fourth of July holiday celebration, I expected Trump to give a couple of patriotic speeches, maybe even try to unify a divided country, but no. His speeches were terrible. His biggest problem is he can’t read – or he does not care enough to practice. He sounds like Ron Burgundy on Valium. Some of his strongest supporters felt he gave a couple of great speeches. I think they were relieved he stayed on script for the most part.

In his speeches, Trump continues to stir up his base, but to win he needs more votes than just from his base.

The programs accompanying the President were good. I enjoyed the fireworks, and the planes flying over.

You can read Trump’s Mount Rushmore speech HERE.

You can read Trump’s 2020 Salute to America HERE.

ONE MORE THING:

Guess what – I watched the musical “Hamilton” over the weekend. I enjoyed it and I don’t care for musicals that much unless it’s “Rock of Ages.”

I thought Phillipa Soo, who plays the wife of Alexander Hamilton, was magnificent.

The movie was a little long (2:40), but since we were streaming it we could stop it as much as we wanted.

I give “Hamilton” an 8/10.

##END##