Quote for the day…

You know you are old when you clean to the music you used to drink to. – iFunny

Today’s independent commentary deals with these issues:

• The Western Word Poll
• The Montana Constitution
• Missoulian & Manzella
• Reading Assignments

THE WESTERN WORD POLL:

This week’s poll question asks, “Should we ‘throw out’ Montana’s Constitution and replace it?” (Background)

Results will be posted later this week.

THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION:

The Billings Gazette editorial board believes that State Representative Derek Skees (R-Kalispell) should resign because he reportedly said the following:

“The courts have humongously failed and we need to throw out Montana’s socialist rag of a constitution.”

The editorial board feels that since Skees and other elected officials take the following oath, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Montana, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity (so help me God),” that he should resign from his elected position.

The editorial board is kind of swinging for the fence with their editorial. I think it would be great if we got rid of all the extreme members of the political parties on both sides, then we could really get stuff accomplished. That’s not going to happen.

Derek Skees won’t resign either. I don’t know him, but I bet he will consider the editorial an attack by the liberal media and wear it like a badge of honor. He’s supposedly running for Public Service Commissioner, so this editorial will most likely help him with fundraising and name recognition.

As for the Montana Constitution – be sure to answer this week’s poll question.

Read the complete editorial by clicking HERE.

MISSOULIAN & MANZELLA:

The Missoulian editorial board decided to chime in on comments made by State Senator Theresa Manzella, (R-Hamilton) about the LGBTQ community.

The Missoulian reported that Manzella said that members of the LGBTQ community like to “play the protected class card,” because queer couples in general have expressed that they’re scared to walk down the street holding hands in fear of possible violence against them for their sexuality. “I’ve got to tell you, I think those are normal consequences associated with the choices they made,” Manzella said.

The Missoulian editorial board said those remarks are “reprehensible,” and pointed out that Manzella is an elected official whose job is to help forge Montana’s laws.

The editorial board is correct. The sad thing is there are many on the conservative side of the fence who feel the same way but are not dumb enough to say it in public.

We need a lot less hate in this state and country.

Read the complete editorial by clicking HERE.

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

Here are some articles that caught my attention…

Judge rejects Secretary of State’s voting laws arguments, allows Dems’ case to proceed
We need to make it easier to vote, period…

Stone-Manning outlines new direction for Bureau of Land Management
Winning elections matter…

Ryan Leaf reflects on privilege, skewers high school coach on ‘Bust’ podcast about his life
Still burning bridges…

Lee Enterprises tries to deter hostile takeover by hedge fund
Will it work…

## WEAR A MASK INDOORS IN PUBLIC PLACES ##