Quote for the day…
If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore. – Michele Ruiz
Today’s independent commentary deals with these issues:
- The Western Word Poll
- Montana Legislature
- Missoulian Editorial
- Clash in the Capitol
- One More Thing
THE WESTERN WORD POLL:
This week’s poll asks, “Are you for or against Vaccine Passports?”
The results will be posted later this week.
MONTANA LEGISLATURE:
Just about anyone with half a brain knew that the Montana Legislature was going to be hit by the pandemic. Video from this session of the Montana House and Montana Senate shows most people not wearing masks and not practicing social distancing.
MTN News reported late Friday that the Montana Legislature has canceled floor sessions on Monday, April 19 following canceled floor sessions on Friday after a lobbyist tested positive for COVID-19. The Legislature says they are continuing to exercise an abundance of caution after a lobbyist tested positive.
It’s embarrassing that it came to shutting down the session for a few days. It’s embarrassing that the leadership (Republicans) has failed to protect those who are in attendance.
MISSOULIAN EDITORIAL:
The editorial board at the Missoulian nailed it on Sunday saying, “Montana’s marijuana laws must fulfill intent of voters.”
No kidding.
One of the key points the Editorial Board made was with this little nugget:
More than 276,000 voters supported medical marijuana in 2004. It’s worth noting that even more voters — more than 341,000 — turned out in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana last November.
The Editorial Board ties it all together with their closing paragraph:
State legislators caught up in the complexities of crafting new revenue-generating law must ask themselves whether their actions reflect the voter-approved vision for recreational marijuana in Montana. They should honor, not tamper with, the language of the initiative, and uphold the will of people.
Each Legislator who is screwing with the will of the people should read the last sentence, “They should honor, not tamper with, the language of the initiative, and uphold the will of people.”
It’s that simple.
Read the editorial by clicking HERE.
CLASH IN THE CAPITOL:
Lee Newspapers published a story about what is happening in Helena between the Republicans and the Montana Supreme Court.
It’s a great overview – but get a fresh cup of coffee before you start reading it.
They also interviewed some “experts” and some who believe they are “experts.”
I think everyone knows how this kerfuffle will end – the Supremes will come out on top.
Read the story from Lee Newspapers HERE.
ONE MORE THING:
Tuesday is 4/20 day. Celebrate accordingly.
The Western Word 
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good blog. I wish cannabis use was more accurately defined as personal-use or legal-use or, adult-use (ha, ha). Anyway, many people use cannabis for things other than recreation. Think about it. How many people would say, “let’s smoke some dope then recreate”?
All legislators from either party have to do is study the scientific literature on cannabis. Is it a good habit? NO: Is it a crime? NO: Did the people of Montana vote for it YES. What is so difficult? We could have an industry just supplying growing materials for the personal-use of those who want cannabis. After all, it is about as difficult to grow as tomatoes and not as susceptible to the cold. Oh yes, and once you grow a supply, you can store it pretty much indefinitely, though a little variety is nice.:)
John – Thanks. You make some great points. -JmB