Quote for the Day…
Being nice to someone you don’t like doesn’t mean you’re fake, it means you’re mature enough to tolerate your dislike for them. – Unknown
In today’s column, I take a quick look at these people/issues:
- Election Management System
- Omicron Variant in Montana
- Knudsen & Federal Contractor Mandate
- The Western Word Poll
ELECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM:
According to several sources, including the Montana Free Press (MTFP), Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced Monday that the state will hold off on its transition to a new statewide election management system, indicating in a statement that the system has not met all the criteria required for a previously slated January launch.
I wonder if they are delaying the implementation of the new system because it does not count enough Republican votes.
I think this is the second time it has been delayed, which makes me wonder if the system will ever work. The whole process seems screwed up. The more SOS Jacobsen talks about elections, the more concerned I am that she is in over her head. Also, her voting commercial is terrible.
Read the complete story from the MTFP HERE.
OMICRON VARIANT IN MONTANA:
Lee Newspapers reported Monday afternoon that the omicron variant was detected in Montana from two residents in their 30s who recently traveled to South Africa.
I have a feeling we are looking at a resurgence of COVID over the holidays when people are traveling. When we approach the middle of January, look for the shit to hit the fan. We can blame the anti-vaxxers for the resurgence.
Regarding the omicron variant being detected in Montana, some dumbasses on social media tried to make a big deal out of the report that said these two people were fully vaccinated.
The big difference is that fully vaccinated people usually have mild symptoms. There’s less chance they will die and be hospitalized.
The White House COVID Response team had this to say on Monday:
For the unvaccinated, you’re looking at a winter of severe illness and death for yourselves, your families, and the hospitals you may soon overwhelm.
So, our message to every American is clear: There is action you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Wear a mask in public indoor settings.
Get vaccinated, get your kids vaccinated, and get a booster shot when you’re eligible. (Source)
Read the complete story from Lee Newspapers HERE.
KNUDSEN & FEDERAL CONTRACTOR MANDATE:
According to a press release from the Montana Department of Justice, a federal judge granted Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s request for a preliminary injunction against President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors. The mandate was previously blocked nationwide by another court, but now federal contractors in Montana and their employees would be protected if that injunction were lifted.
This is like a ping pong game, and it should end. I hope the U.S. Supreme court rules on this soon, and we can move on.
Everyone who can get the vaccine and the booster should get it. It’s the patriotic thing to do.
Read the complete press release from the Montana Department of Justice HERE.
THE WESTERN WORD POLL:
This week’s poll question asks, “Do you like or dislike self-checkouts?”
The results will be released later this week.
The Western Word 
Well the white lives lilies made one national article. Great recruitment material. Come to Montana where you can be openly racist.
https://crooksandliars.com/2021/12/ohio-diner-real-threat-right-wing-violence
We are fortunate indeed to live in a state with so few drug & crime & etc. problems that our AG has nothing better to do than file lawsuits to shield a few hundred Federal contractors from getting vaccinated to protect the health of the other million of us as well as the state’s economy. Excellent use of time.
Terry- I agree that it is a waste of time and money. There are more important problems facing Montana. Thanks, JmB
Unfortunately, Montana does have significant problems with both amphetamine and opiod use and addiction. Fighting these scourages was the center of Knudson’s campaign as a former county attorney.
He’s now carrying the water for who knows who in the radical right seeking to further control our government. Sadly, a significant portion of Montana’s population can’t see the damage they are doing to their own self-interst by supporting this stuff.
Rural hospitals are barely hanging on in Montana and the current Covid situation iis only making it worse many smalltown hospitals could go under due to the weight of the pandemnic. But Knudson doesn’t want anyone to be required to help do what is necessary to prevent or control it.
We are being “led” by people who have no interest in the public good. They only seek profit and adulation.
Old Line – Exactly. Thanks, JmB
GoodMorning Jackie,
I think your comments concerning the new “voting system” issues are merely the tip of the ice berg.
Very interesting that it comes on the heels of Steve Bannon’s asertion that he and his comrades are in the process of taking over state elections systems. It seems very strange that a new system has to be rushed in Montana, given the fact that the most recent elections were virtually flawless (except for the specious allegations by Tschida and his fellow trvellers in Missoula) and where the Republicans swept virtually every available seat.
Indeed, our current Secretary of State is certainly a figure head, having been installed following Corey Stapleton’s fawning incompetence. She is clearly more inclined to do her master’s bidding with less ego and free-lancing than Stapleton.
The core of Montana’s current situation can be traced directly to AG Knudson and his predecessor’s allegiance to the folks running Texas. Knudson is a willing “true believer” with sufficient authority to abuse by participating in these seditious actions. The monied folks have their sway with Gianforte so they are currently happily buying up Montana.
There are going to be some dark days ahead and I hope folks on the Republican side of the spectrum can see through the fog of propaganda and conspiracy theories enough to reassert control over our state. It doesn’t look good to me.
Old Line – great points. Thank you. – JmB