The Monday Memo

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Welcome to March. We’re stepping into the new month during a challenging time for the world, but there is still much to discuss and analyze. In this issue, I’ll be diving into the following topics with my usual independent commentary:

  • Operation Epic Fury
  • Montana Campaign News
  • One More Thing

OPERATION EPIC FURY:

Operation Epic Fury is the major U.S. military operation launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, targeting the Iranian regime to neutralize its nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and proxy networks. 

I hate war. I have no confidence in the current administration’s leadership, specifically President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This is not a video game. These are real people being killed. By saying that, in no way do I support anything about Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his regime. 

On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the U.S. Central Command announced:

As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action, and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.

I posted the following on some of my social media sites: 

Somewhere in the USA today, a family will hear the words that shatter their world – that their son or daughter, their husband or wife, isn’t coming home.

For them, this will be the longest, darkest day of their lives. Prayers for the ones who must now carry that unimaginable grief.

Trump said Sunday that more servicemembers would “likely” die as military operations continue.  That is cold – even for a man who received four student deferments and another one for bone spurs. 

I was once a gung-ho military person and served my country on active duty for almost twelve years. When you sign up, you know that there will be sacrifices, and that sacrifice could include your life. 

I have no problem with responding to attacks as we did for Pearl Harbor and after 9/11. There was so much talk on social media about whether the President has the authority to do this without Congressional authorization. The last time we had a formal declaration of war was in 1942 (World War II). Since then, we have used “Authorizations for Use of Military Force” (AUMF). Of course, Congress will be debating this in the coming days and weeks, and there could be a vote. We have these checks and balances for a reason. 

Nonetheless, it won’t change anything. Trump, who claims to have stopped eight wars, started this one. Better fill up your gas tanks!

I wasn’t too worried about Iran before, but after the recent bombings, the situation feels much more volatile. The threat from their supporters is real—everyone needs to stay sharp and stay safe.

By the way, the all-MAGA Montana Congressional delegation supports Trump and his actions completely. (Source) No surprise there. 

Please join me in praying for our nation and those who defend it. 

2026 MONTANA CAMPAIGN NEWS:

A total of 268 candidates have filed for office in Montana as of Sunday afternoon, per the Secretary of State’s online registry.

Candidate filing in Montana ends on March 4, 2026, (Wednesday) at 5:00 p.m.

The Primary election in Montana is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. 

You can keep track of who files for state and federal office by clicking HERE.

Make sure your voice is heard! Check your Montana registration HERE today. 

Don’t let administrative hurdles or outside interference prevent you from casting your ballot. If you reside outside of Montana, click HERE to register to vote or to update your registration. 

In other political news, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen unveiled a new “I Voted” sticker. You can view it HERE. 

ONE MORE THING:

Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die. – Herbert Hoover

## HAVE A GREAT WEEK ##

14 thoughts on “The Monday Memo”

  1. The GOP primary race to replace retiring Ryan Zinke will definitely be a race to who can out MAGA each other.As the two announced candidates Aaron Flint and Dr. Al Olszewski are both very far right and probably not much distance between their policies. Both are wanting Trump’s endorsement. What I find interesting is Flint was in DC last week to cover Trump’s State of Union and had meeting with Zinke. So no doubt Zinke told Flint he was retiring because Flint said look for big news later in week. My feeling is Zinke waited till last minute hoping Dr. Al wouldn’t file giving Flint clear road not having to face no doubt a very ugly primary battle. But Dr. Al thought strange Zinke hadn’t filed so Dr.Al didn’t file for anything. Zinke barely beat Dr.Al i. 2022 primary. I don’t buy Zinke quit due to surgery, he could see writing on wall and didn’t want to be in minority as it appears Democrats will take the house. Besides Zinke never was much involved in Republican affairs. Ryan Busse probably has upper hand on Democrat side as has name recognition due to run for Governor. He isn’t all that popular in Democrat circles as he was pro gun in former employment for ammunition sales, however now sort of on fence on that issue. But didn’t take long for Flint to get on the old will take your guns as he just said hour ago ” Gun grabbing socialist are on the march in Western Montana ” guess who that’s aimed at. Flint is on 16 radio stations in Montana daily with some real inflammatory language, at times almost hateful. He certainly is the most well known person of these candidates. Already Zinke and Senator Sheehy endorsed him. I was thinking Monica Tranel probably is seriously thinking of jumping in this US House race on Democrat side as she did fairly well in the two races against Zinke so has name recognition, she would have to withdraw from Montana House race. I realize nation wide MAGA has lost some of the energy but not in Montana as we are always few years behind. Flint has recently attacked The Daily Montanan as not a legit news site. I find it has much better coverage of state issues then Lee Newspapers. Flint will probably win GOP primary and will be very hard to beat in general elections. I thought Zinke was beatable, but think this seat will stay Red.

    • Great points. The deadline to file is Wednesday at 5:00. Might be some more surprises before then! -JmB

    • Sounds like Dr. Al Olszewski is running. Lee Newspapers is reporting.
      He has run for other seats and was elected to state house/senate.

    • Radio talk show host Aaron Flint also announced he is running.

  3. Will be interesting if more Americans die in this conflict than the 4 Americans Obama killed by drone in Yemen and Pakistan.

      • Got another one. Will this death toll exceed the 13 service men who died in Kabul after Biden’s botched pull out?

      • You can find examples of presidents from both sides making mistakes that I am sure in hindsight they regret.

      • Trump also has all those service deaths on his first watch to answer for, including botched operations in Yemen and Niger and Somalia. Not to mention the troops he failed to keep safe in Afghanistan. 65 in total on that 1st watch.

        Not to mention the shameful and disastrous Afghan surrender and retreat deal he cut with the Taliban in 2020 that led directly to the Kabul tragedy shortly after he left office.

  4. According to what’s been written in the news, Corporal Bone Spurs can “likely” add the people killed in Austin to the tally of Americans for his war.

    Guy is working overtime on that Nobel Peace Prize.

    • True. Like I said, I’m more worried about Iran and their supporters now, than I was last week. -JmB

  5. Our “conflicts,” are similar to Russia’s, “ Special military operations.” I lost a best friend during Vietnam’s “ conflict,” and a nephew during the Iraq “conflict.”
    “The dead only know one thing , it’s better to be alive.”

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