As I was getting in bed, she said, “You’re drunk.” I said, “How do you know?” She said, “You live next door.” – Unknown
Today’s topics include:
- Hillary Clinton
- Trump’s Tax Returns
- Things You Should Read
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The Monday Memo: Ryan Zinke, Obamacare, & Iowa Caucus
If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity. ― Albert Einstein
Today’s independent commentary deals with these issues:
- Down goes Zinke
- ACA/Obamacare
- Iowa Caucus Poll: The Democrats
The Monday Memo: Trump, McRaven, & Football
**Posting may be a little lighter this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday**
One of the best gifts you can give someone is a genuine thank you for being in your life. -Unknown
Today’s independent commentary deals with these issues:
- Retired Admiral Bill McRaven
- Self-Grading
- Football
- One More Thing
Bergdahl: An Appropriate Sentence?
In June 2009, U.S. Army Private First Class Bowe Bergdahl deserted his post in Afghanistan and was captured by Taliban forces. He was held for five years where he was tortured, beaten, and held in a cage in darkness after he tried to escape.
In May of 2014, Bergdahl was released in exchange for five Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. The exchange was approved by then President Barack Obama.
After an investigation, the US military charged Bergdahl with one count each of desertion with intent to shirk important or hazardous duty, and misbehavior before the enemy by endangering the safety of a command, unit, or place.
Bergdahl pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.
Last week Bergdahl received a dishonorable discharge from the US Army with no prison time. His rank will be reduced from sergeant to private, he will be required to pay a $1,000 fine from his salary for the next 10 months. The sentence will be reviewed by higher authorities.
I think the sentence is appropriate.
Many people were outraged at the sentence and that is fine. Some of the reasons they were outraged were false reasons – like that soldiers were killed looking for Bergdahl. It’s true that soldiers looked for Bergdahl and some were badly injured, but the only death was a military working dog.
Thursday Numbers
Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it. – Henry David Thoreau
Welcome to “Thursday Numbers!” In case you’re a first-time visitor, this is the weekly column where I take a look at the numbers that are in the news (in descending order) and provide commentary sometimes sprinkled with sarcasm.
This week’s topics include Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Troy Downing, unemployment, Dow Jones, Polls on gun control, Trump and the media, Hotel California, Russell Fagg, NFL viewership, REAL ID, and much more!
The Commander-in-Chief and Bergdahl
It was disclosed yesterday that U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl would be pleading guilty to desertion and to endangering the American troops sent to search for him.
The New York Times reports that the guilty plea could mean a five-year sentence for the desertion charge, and the charge of endangering troops carries a potential life sentence. He is due to be sentenced October 23.(WaPo)
I’ve written several posts about Bowe Bergdahl here at The Western Word. I wanted to see a full investigation into the matter before jumping to conclusions.
Leading up to the last Presidential election, Donald Trump should have toned down his hatred toward Bergdahl (not to mention others who were captured) and wait for answers. Of course, Trump did not.
The Wednesday Read: DACA & School Crossing Guards
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. – Thomas A. Edison
Today I provide independent commentary about the following items for this edition of The Wednesday Read:
- DACA – My View
- Caution Children Crossing
Caught My Eye…
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Mahatma Gandhi
Welcome to the big show to end the week “Caught My Eye” (CME)!
If you are a first-time visitor, CME is posted right here every Friday morning. This is when I take a look at some of the stories I did not have time to write about during the week. I often throw in a touch of sarcasm to make you smile – or to irritate you just a little – maybe both.
Topics that I am providing commentary on today include Sheriff Bob Edwards, Matt Rosendale, General John F. Kelly, the grand jury, and One More Thing!
Thursday Numbers
The reward of suffering is experience. – Harry S Truman
Welcome to “Thursday Numbers!” In case you’re a first-time visitor, this is the weekly column where I take a look at the numbers that are in the news (in descending order) and provide commentary sometimes sprinkled with sarcasm.
This week’s topics include forest fires, Mega Millions, unemployment, the stock market, Minuteman III, heat, Tom Brady, new presidential polls, Matt Rosendale, first vacay, older people, kidneys, and much more!
The Wednesday Read: Elections, Ballot, Trump, Clinton, & Colbert
It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes. – Andrew Jackson
Today I provide independent commentary about the following items for this edition of The Wednesday Read:
- Great Falls School Elections
- Montana Special House Election
- Trump Report on Andrew Jackson
- Hillary Speaks
- The Colbert Monologue
(more…)
