Welcome! Here are the topics for today’s commentary: 

• Tax Day 2026
• Trump & Pope Leo
• Montana Campaign News
• Tryon – Chimpanzees & GOP
• Sheehy Crash Update
• One More Thing

TAX DAY 2026:

In case you forgot, today (Tuesday, April 15) is Tax Day. I think that once you reach 65, you should not have to pay any taxes.  

Click HERE for more information.

TRUMP & POPE LEO:

Each day of the Trump presidency is a fresh disaster that leaves me in total disbelief. I am thoroughly ashamed of this presidency.

Trump recently attacked Pope Leo on social media, saying he is “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” Trump went on and on with his attacks that you can read HERE. 

Trump has refused to apologize. As for Pope Leo, the Associated Press (AP) reported his comments:

“I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for,” said Leo, who said he had a different perspective on foreign policy than elected officials.

“I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems,” he said.

On Monday, Trump shared—and quickly deleted—an image portraying himself in a Christ-like manner, appearing to heal a person with light after the post drew immediate backlash. Trump later said he thought the photo was depicting him as a doctor. 

The Western Word saved a copy of the photo that you can view HERE. 

2026 MONTANA CAMPAIGN NEWS:

Endorsements…

In a press release, the Sam Forstag for Congress campaign announced the support of firefighters’ unions in two western Montana cities and the endorsement of the state’s electrical workers. 

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Locals 96 and 271, representing Butte and Missoula firefighters, and the Montana State Council of Electrical Workers (IBEW), representing more than 4,000 skilled trades workers across Montana, gave their backing to Forstag’s campaign.

Candidate profile…

The Montana Free Press (MTFP) has published a candidate profile on Republican Aaron Flint, who is running in Montana’s Western Congressional District (MT-01) to replace Ryan Zinke. 

Check it out HERE. 

TRYON – CHIMPANZEES & GOP:

Great Falls City Commissioner Rick Tryon posted some comments on his Facebook account that I can honestly say I agree with. 

Here is Tryon’s post on Facebook:

There’s a news story circulating right now about a chimpanzee civil war. Here’s an excerpt from the BBC:

“The world’s largest known group of wild chimpanzees has split and been locked in a vicious “civil war” for the last eight years, according to researchers.”

Sounds a little like the Cascade County Republican Central Committee. Also sounds like the MT GOP.

I was involved in the CCRCC up until about 13 years ago. I ceased my active involvement because the claim that the local party was a “big tent” was, and is, a lie.

The “conservative” and “moderate” factions have been fighting for control at the precinct level for years. Local, and state, hardliners have no tolerance for any views outside their interpretation of “conservative” – and there’s no room for anyone or anything else.

When I was involved I saw the squabbling descend into bitter and divisive personal vendettas which damaged the local party, and that is why I disassociated myself years ago

It has continued and is continuing, unfortunately.

Because the broader political climate has changed over the past 15 years or so to favor Republicans generally, the local GOP civil war hasn’t cost them state legislative seats yet.

But politics runs in cycles and the wheel is turning. Majorities can turn into minorities in the statehouse if everyone you don’t agree with on every single issue gets kicked out of the tent.

I was also involved in the local (Cascade County GOP) and state GOP up until about December 2006. I have not been to any of their meetings or events since. I honestly think the squabbling and divisiveness are worse now than in my days. Until they start to lose, I don’t see it changing. 

SHEEHY CRASH UPDATE:

MTN News reports that, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy was flying was an Aero Vodochody L-39.

The FAA says the aircraft experienced engine issues and made a forced landing in a field with its gear up near Ennis. There was “substantial” damage to the aircraft, and no injuries.

According to the FAA registry, the aircraft is registered in Pennsylvania and is owned by Jared Isaacman with JDI Holdings, LLC. Isaacman is the current Administrator of NASA, nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.

MTN News said they tried to contact Sheehy’s office for comments and other updates, but have not received a reply.

Sheehy may try to dodge any questions about the crash just as he dodged the press about shooting himself in Glacier National Park and his saying he parachuted into the park. 

ONE MORE THING:

I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

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