Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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

• Montana Air National Guard
• 2020 Census
• Gianforte’s Chief of Staff
• South Dakota
• Transition
• One More Thing

MONTANA AIR NATIONAL GUARD:

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) issued a press release saying he was demanding answers about the U.S. Air Force’s decision to exclude the Montana Air National Guard from its list of military bases to receive new C-130J aircraft.

A copy of Tester’s letter to the U.S. Air Force can be viewed HERE.

I read somewhere that the Guard is planning on shutting down a few cargo units. This could be the writing on the wall.

I’ve written a lot over the years (search for “Powder River Training Complex’) about the Montana congressional delegation, both Republicans and Democrats, not being too supportive of flying missions. They lost the Guard’s F-15 mission and were basically given the cargo planes as a consolation prize. All of them were against the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex.

I just don’t think you can be for getting new planes when you haven’t supported the training space to help crews train closer to home. Long time employees at the Department of Defense remember these things.

2020 CENSUS:

The Missoula Current reported this week that Montana currently holds the greatest decrease in the percentage of self-response rates in the latest Census, which could cost the state federal funding and a potential second seat in Congress. According to data compiled by U.S. Census Bureau as of Oct. 27 – the last date recorded – Montana saw a 4.2% decline in its self-response rates this year, down from 64.6% in 2010.

Ouch.

The Trump Administration completely screwed up the 2020 Census. We’ll see down the road how much it cost Montana.

Read the whole story at the Missoula Current HERE.

GIANFORTE’S CHIEF OF STAFF:

I was happy to hear that Montana Governor-elect Greg Gianforte named Christine Heggem as his chief of staff in the governor’s office. She had previously been his COS in his congressional office.

Gianforte said, “Chris brings a steady hand and strong voice to every team she’s a part of, and I’m grateful she’s coming on board to help me serve Montana.”

I agree. Heggem and I were staffers for U.S. Senator Conrad Burns. She knows her stuff and will be a valuable addition to Gianforte’s team in Helena. She will do well and will always put Montana first.

Read the Gianforte press release HERE.

SOUTH DAKOTA:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) might get the nickname “The Black Widow Governor” if she does not change her approach to how her state is handling the coronavirus.

The Hill reported that South Dakota is currently leading the U.S. in COVID-19 outbreaks, with a daily positivity rate of about 12.2 percent and hitting a record high of 1,821 new cases on Nov. 12 alone — both indicators of the rampant virus outbreak in the state.

Freedom is not free, governor.

TRANSITION:

It was good that the Trump administration decided to let the General Services Administration (GSA) start the transition process with President-elect Joe Biden. (AP)

Biden needs pens, pencils, paper, and desks to do his job.

Trump has not conceded. He does not have to. I expect during the last few hours of his term, he will use Air Force One to take him and his family to Florida. He may even fly over the inauguration. He won’t attend the inauguration because he is a spoiled brat.

It’s going to be a circus from now until January 20. There will be pardons. Axios is reporting that former national security adviser Michael Flynn will be pardoned.

ONE MORE THING:

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Remember to count your blessings, not your calories!

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