Quote for today…
I thought I was in a bad mood, but it’s been a few years, so I guess this is who I am now. – Unknown
Welcome to “Thursday Numbers!” In case you are a first-time visitor, this is the weekly column where I look at the numbers in the news (in descending order) and provide commentary sometimes sprinkled with sarcasm and humor.
This week’s topics include the nation, state, and local COVID numbers, unemployment claims, Gosar censure, gun owners, Bishop suspends, TWW poll results, Biden approval numbers, and much more!
Note: Since last Thursday was Veterans Day and I did not post Thursday Numbers, some of today’s numbers are being compared to data from two weeks ago.
767,439
That is how many people have died in the United States from coronavirus, according to the latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. There have been 47,421,879 cases across the country so far. The first death in the USA was reported on February 29, 2020. (Johns Hopkins)
Two weeks ago, the death total was 750,431.
Thanks to everyone who wears a mask and has been vaccinated – you are patriots!
513,267
That is how many Montanans have been fully immunized for COVID-19. That is just 50% of the eligible population. (Source)
Two weeks ago, the number of fully immunized Montanans was 506,997.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Montana’s estimated population in July 2019 was 1,068,778.
Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You by clicking HERE.
268,000
In the week ending November 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 268,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 267,000 to 269,000. The 4-week moving average was 272,750, a decrease of 5,750 from the previous week’s revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since March 14, 2020, when it was 225,500. The previous week’s average was revised up by 500 from 278,000 to 278,500. (DOL)
Note: On Thursdays, this column is published right after 6:30 a.m. (Montana time), so I can post the latest unemployment numbers.
223-207
That was the vote in the U.S. House to censure Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ). (Source)
U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale (R-MT/AL) voted NO.
88
Sharply more U.S. gun owners today than in the 2000s say they own a gun for protection against crime. Eighty-eight percent of gun owners cite crime protection as a reason they own a gun, compared with two-thirds giving this reason in 2000 and 2005 surveys. (Gallup)
Pro Tip: Here at The Western Word world headquarters, I use claymore mines and razor wire. They are also a deterrent…
60
On Wednesday, Montana State Representative Laurie Bishop announced she will suspend her campaign for Congress to run for reelection in HD 60. (Source)
I think this is a good move by Bishop.
59
This week’s poll question asked, “Will Kyle Rittenhouse be found guilty or not guilty?”
Here are the results:
NOT GUILTY: 59%
GUILTY: 28%
UNDECIDED: 13%
Thanks for participating!
46
The Cascade County (Great Falls, MT) City-County Health Department reports that as of Wednesday still only 46% of eligible individuals in the county are fully vaccinated. (Source)
C’mon people!
43
According to FiveThirtyEight.com, that is President Joe Biden’s approval rating. (Source)
Two weeks ago, Biden’s approval rating was 42.9%.
41
Jacob Chansley, also known as “QAnon Shaman,” the spear-carrying Jan. 6 rioter whose horned fur hat, bare chest and face paint made him one of the more recognizable figures in the assault on the Capitol, was sentenced Wednesday to 41 months in prison. (AP)
I think that was a very light sentence…
26
That is how many positive COVID cases were reported in the Great Falls Public Schools for the week ending November 12, 2021. (Source)
Two weeks ago, the positive COVID cases numbered 67.
Mask up, Montana – it makes a difference!
The Western Word 
One wonders how Rep Rosencrantz would vote on a motion to censure a Democratic colleague who pointed out how his namesake in Shakespeare’s Hamlet happened to die, and why. I’ve received the occasional blustery threat from opposing members of a discussion. I always offer to provide location directions for them if they feel that strongly, explaining that they’ll know they followed them correctly when they reach the gate with the sign, “IF YOU CAN READ THIS, YOU’RE IN RANGE!!”
Oddly, none have ever taken that next step to request those directions. I guess they don’t actually feel that much outrage after all.
Fred – the partisanship seems to be at an all-time high. Even within the two parties, there’s hatred toward those who are not far enough left or right.
We really need more independents, but the two parties won’t give up their power. That may spell doom for our system.
Thanks for your thoughts. – JmB