Quote for the Day…
There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind. – Unknown
In today’s column, I look at these people/issues:
- Graham’s Nationwide Abortion Ban
- Casinos in Great Falls
- Montana Referee Shortage
GRAHAM’S NATIONWIDE ABORTION BAN:
I am not sure which side was more ticked off, the Democrats or the Republicans, with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Tuesday.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that Graham introduced a nationwide abortion ban Tuesday, sending shockwaves through both parties and igniting fresh debate on a fraught issue weeks before the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
The bill would ban abortions nationwide after 15 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of rape, incest, or risk to the physical health of the mother, but it would leave in place state laws that are more restrictive.
Democrat Adam Schiff fired off a press release from his campaign saying, Lindsey Graham and Senate Republicans are introducing an extreme 15-week national abortion ban in the Senate today. Schiff then asked for donations to expand the Senate majority.
Graham did not seem to get much support from his fellow Republicans.
The Republican leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, was not too pleased with Graham’s bill about which Graham said he had not spoken to McConnell.
When asked about the bill, McConnell said:
“With regard to his bill, you’ll have to ask him about it. I think most of the members of my conference prefer that this will be dealt with at the state level.”
Graham did bring the abortion issue back to the forefront – which might not be what the Republicans needed.
You can read the press release from Graham HERE.
Read the AP story HERE.
Read the Yahoo story HERE.
CASINOS IN GREAT FALLS:
I got a chuckle out of the headline from The Electric:
PLANNING BOARD OKS PROPOSED CODE CHANGES FOR CASINOS
I thought, “Of course they did.”
I am almost 100% sure the commission will approve the code change, too.
I don’t know how many casinos there are in Great Falls, but many years ago when I first moved here, I thought there were a lot. After seeing them and thinking that Great Falls was a mini “Las Vegas.” I was shocked when I visited one. I was not impressed. I don’t think I have ever gambled in a casino in Great Falls since then.
Many people have commented about there being too many casinos in town. One of these days, I am going to count the ones that are on 10th Avenue South.
People are worried about recreational marijuana dispensaries in town. I think it’s the casinos and bars they should be worried about.
Read the complete report from The Electric HERE.
MONTANA REFEREE SHORTAGE:
You have probably seen fans attack sports officials in every level of sports – from elementary school through high school. It is a sad situation.
MTN News did a report about the shortage of referees in Montana which is causing cancellations and the rescheduling of some games.
One of the main reasons for the shortage of officials is because of fan abuse.
Many years ago, I did some officiating for a local flag football league. I really enjoyed volunteering to help the kids. Unfortunately, the abuse from the parents, fans, and coaches was happening then. Now we’re seeing fans attack officials, and some officials have been shot and/or stabbed.
It was not worth it for me, but I applaud those who are sticking it out.
Read the MTN News report HERE.
The Western Word 
Turns out the Graham is not alone on abortion. Mike Pence has come out even more strongly today saying in essence that nothing is more important now than stripping women of their rights. All other issues are secondary in nature.
Hence, I hope the women in this country are inspired by a true story soon to be coming out in the movies. In the tiny country of Benin on the west coast of Africa, the King empowered the women warriors to create an army to save their country from foreign invasion. The women fought, literally. And good for them. Our women may to to save our country too. (Metaphorically of course). But a battle just the same. Women are not the shrinking violets thinks they sre.
The woman king is played by Viola Davis, 52 years old, 5ft.2, 130lbs. I’d be more afraid of Serena Williams coming at me with a tennis racket than Viola and her long sword. I think both Graham and Pence have themselves spent more than 15 weeks weeks ups Trumps gravy canal.
It appears that the final chapter and verse in the “Pastor” JD Hall saga has been written. The only thing I’m left wondering is did he hawk the commendation medal our constitutionalist sheriff gave him? Ya gotta wonder what Jesse saw in this guy that was worth commending, other than the fact they both hate BLM and Antifa. That fact that these two were buddies says a lot about the company one keeps.
A very good comprehensive recap of the situation, and important in the sense that many of the same characters are still active and expressing Hall’s views in spite of his absence.
https://montanafreepress.org/2022/09/13/gospel-and-gop-according-to-montana-pastor-jd-hall/?utm_medium=email&mc_cid=c6c22b4b12&mc_eid=a4b3ba4755
So according to this story the shining star of the Montana Republican party was not only an accused impaired driver but also apparently a drug addict or abuser, an accused wife beater, and accused embezzler. Allegedly. IIRC back in Sunday school we were taught these were not desired Christian behaviors. Perhaps Christianity has evolved in the intervening years?
Sure says a lot about the judgment of all those Repubs who seemingly embraced him full-throated including all those named in the article as well as our local pachyderm club. Or if not failed judgment perhaps simple Machiavellian hypocrisy, turning a blind eye to J.D. the man while using Hall the phenomenon to help push their extreme right wing “Christian” values on all Montanans. Pathetic either way.
Excellent story, thanks for the heads up. But I doubt it is his final chapter. Like fellow ultimate evildoer Sauron he’ll probably rise again to command an orc army of extremists.
The one thing I can never forgive him for is that he cyber bullied a young man until he committed suicide. Maybe God can forgive him that one, but I can’t. These extreme christofascists can’t seem to be able to understand that they have tremendous capacity to do evil in the name of religion.
https://baptistnews.com/article/pastor-repents-for-interaction-with-suicidal-teen/#.YyINFy1OIgo
Nothing is too good for our casino industry in Great Falls. Let’s face it, gambling pushers and associated alcohol pushers are pretty much the bulk of what this city attracts as far as business investment. And car washes.