The first story today is about the Great Falls Tribune and their Editorial board who graced the Sunday paper with an editorial about earmarks.
They proudly called their opinion, “Earmarks schmearmarks: Delegation finds a way.”
I don’t think so.
The editorial board also seemed to change their tune and opined that they like to old way it was done. They said, “This system — we hope it isn’t permanent — is what we got when Democrats, flexing their newfound majority muscle in January, self-righteously declared a moratorium on earmarks.”
No matter how it’s sliced, in regards to the 2007 Appropriations from the Federal government, Montana lost big time. I heard or read somewhere that Montana was slated to get about $400 million in FY 2007 appropriations. It looks like Montana will only get about 40% of what was coming. You and I know that money will go somewhere.
From what I have read from state newspapers, the new Democrat majority in Washington cost Billings about $17 million, Bozeman $15 million, Butte $15 million. Great Falls will receive their biggest piece of the pie (Malmstrom housing $140 million), but they lost about $10 million for other projects that the community deemed necessary. Plus, by waiting for so long, a few military families won’t have homes because the cost to build them has risen since they requested the funding.
I imagine some people (Baucus/Tester) who are not on the appropriations committee will try to tack on some funding to the supplemental war funding bill and that’s wrong.
The Tribune Editorial Board ends their editorial by saying, “Congratulations to the delegation and to supporters of all of these projects. Your perseverance has paid off — again.”
Again, I don’t think so.

The second story today deals with a poll that was recently conducted in Iraq by the British Newspaper, The Sunday Times in which they write, “MOST Iraqis believe life is better for them now than it was under Saddam Hussein, according to a British opinion poll published today.”
Interesting. I guess it pays to ask those who are living there?
Also, 61% do not believe there is a civil war in Iraq. By a majority of two to one, Iraqis believe military operations now under way will disarm all militias. More than half say security will improve after a withdrawal of multinational forces.

The third story today is to let everyone know that the circus in Helena is still going on. I was able to catch a few minutes of it on TV the other night. I hope this is not seen in other states. It’s just a zoo plain and simple.
Now, the Republicans have extended an olive branch to the Democrats according to this STORY.
Maybe they have decided that a one vote majority does not mean too much and you actually have to work together to get things done. I doubt the Republicans will have to worry about a majority next session.