Welcome to Thursday Thoughts! I’m cutting through the static to get to the heart of the matter with the kind of common-sense commentary that’s been missing from your inbox. Let’s get to the good stuff—here are today’s highlights:

• Great Falls City Commission
• Confidential Voter Data
• Club America
• Montana Republican Party
• One More Thing

GREAT FALLS CITY COMMISSION:

I watched a live-stream of the Great Falls City Commission meeting on Tuesday evening. Applause to those who showed up to voice their opinions, no matter what opinions you have. 

Mayor Cory Reeves had warned people on Facebook not to talk about business that was outside of the city’s authority. Reeves, in part, wrote, “Public comment at commission meetings is not a free-for-all to hijack a meeting for unrelated political protests. People are welcome to attend, observe, and engage respectfully on matters this body can actually act on.” 

First up during the Public Comment part of the meeting was a fellow who called himself Johnny Angry. He talked about many things: doing away with the penny, sales tax, Public Service Commission, Artificial Intelligence, jungle gym, Joe Biden should be arrested, and that Anthony Fauci should be arrested (he said he wants Fauci’s head on a stick). The Mayor should have had Johnny Angry removed for the head on a stick comment. I know that “Angry” comments a lot, and he gets out of hand a lot, but if the Mayor wants to act like Deputy Barney Fife, he should handle situations like that. Johnny finally mentioned ICE shooting people. 

Johnny Angry had a free-for-all and talked about things the city has no jurisdiction over. He made the Mayor look silly with his warning. 

As for the other speakers (from both sides), they seemed polite and to the point. Once and while, the Mayor had to tell people not to applaud or boo, but it was pretty tame. The camera never showed the crowd. Was that planned? 

All in all, it was a nothingburger. The Mayor panicked and showed his true colors. 

There are several reports about the meeting: KRTV. MTFP. Daily Montanan. 

CONFIDENTIAL VOTER DATA:

The Montana Free Press (MTFP) reports that Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has handed over confidential voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice, which has asked the state to remove, upon demand, any voters who may be deemed ineligible by federal officials.

I don’t like this. 

This seems to be in line with what President Trump wants to do with elections:

This week, President Trump stated during a podcast interview that Republicans should “nationalize the voting” and “take over” elections in at least 15 places. He reaffirmed this position the next day, suggesting that the federal government should “get involved” in areas he claims are plagued by “corruption.” (Source)

I would bet the “15 places” are blue states. 

This has not been a very good start to the year for SOS Jacobsen. She still has not disclosed where the almost $200,000 came from to mail the 466,638 postcards that dealt with voting. The longer Jacobsen waits, the closer it gets to the time she may want to announce her plans for the future.  

CLUB AMERICA:

The Helena Independent Record reports that Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently urged Montana high school students to start local Club America chapters of the national group created by Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-leaning activist who was assassinated last year, and supported by his organization Turning Point USA.

The IR reports that chapters currently exist in about 12% of Montana schools. According to the Club America website, there are 1,200+ high school chapters.  

I am a big supporter of young people getting involved in government. During speeches in the past, I encouraged young people to volunteer on campaigns for candidates or causes they believe in. 

MONTANA REPUBLICAN PARTY:

I saw that the Montana Republican Party won a court case. It’s the case to decide if the Party had the authority to exclude elected GOP lawmakers from party business last summer. (Source)

Basically, the Republicans were mad at some of their members for displaying bipartisanship. Remember the “Nasty Nine.” I thought the “Nasty Nine” should be awarded medals. 

I don’t know if this will be appealed or not. One thing is for sure: the Montana Republican Party leaders are happy with the Montana courts for a little while. 

ONE MORE THING:

People are scared to say stuff, but I’m not, and that’s why only three people like me. 😂

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