montana_graffiti

On Election Issues & Journalistic Malpractice

2006-10-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

On Initiatives:Elected Judge Dirk Sandefur has declared voters stupid in his ruling that petition signature gatherers 'manipulated' voters to sign CI-97, CI-98, and I-154. Keep that in mind in the next Dist. 8(D) judicial election. As a signer of all three petitions, brought around by local, long-time residents, I certainly will.On education spending:What are we to make of the $1 billion budget

A blow for common sense

2006-09-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Is there something in the air? From lowly bloggers like Matt & Wulfie to the near-hallowed halls of Congress, the Democrats are cracking up like tweakers coming to the end of a four-day run.Can't you see it? It's that haunted look, that blithering rage, that reality slip't from his clawing grasp...they see conspiracies everywhere!Let's compare! From: Senate OKs Terror Detainee BillSo sayeth the

Just obscene

2006-09-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

From WA Times, 9-15:Four Republicans defy Bush over detaineesso, according to John Warner, the truth is that the Supreme Court is in charge of this nation?But most Senate Republicans, including the rest of the committee's members, support the administration's view that Mr. Warner's bill would limit intelligence gathering and expose classified information to terrorists. They have vowed to fight it

Behold the Empty Suit: Jon Tester!

2006-09-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Have Democrats gone bananas? Or does the Tribune, perennial liberal shill, simply edit to maintain the illusion? Might be hard to say at the national level (since national AP stories are initiated by the New York Times or, as some suspect, the Democratic National Committee's DC office), but it's obvious as a Howard Dean howl at the local level.Take Montana's US Senate race. Please.The media bias

Bomb 'em all

2006-08-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that Democrats huff about national security, and wax indignant that those who denounce their treasonous remarks, speeches, interviews are questioning their 'patriotism?' Yet what, exactly, have they done to promote national security in the last 5 years?The Patriot Act? No...they made that all about you (paranoia rocks!). Reid crowed over 'killing' the Act. The ACLU has waged a

Playing with liberals

2006-08-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Bemused like me...

2006-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

...I pant breathlessly as I run by...Know the adoring legions(okay, maybe just La Mayor...& she's probably ill-impressed by my tendentious wit),and maybe David, who keeps track of us Griffles' bloggers & area events(dude. seriously. thanks for caring)have, no doubt, missed me.Well, don't blink.You might miss me again.Progress on The Book (Cable7 @ 7). Gawd, I love talking to myself!Just hope it

A solution...

2006-07-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

...to the ACLU's suit to stop the Dawson execution.(bg)In case you missed it, two years ago, convicted killer David Dawson asked to end the appeals process and let the state carry out its appointed duty. Recently, he rejected his defense lawyers as insane when they refused to abide by his decision. The Montana Supreme Court has agreed with him, but, like Freddy Krueger, these lawyers keep coming

If you attack Americans...

2006-06-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

don't worry, we'll defend your 'rights'...

Letter to W

2006-06-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Oops. A whole month got away from me. I've got good excuses--I do! An online auction to build, spring cleaning, gardening, a family reunion...well, anyway, in late April, I posted some thoughts on the Real Energy Crisis (aka illegal immigration) on my other blog. The maddening 'debate' that's continued for, lo, these many months finally spurred me to throw a comment at the White House. Sometimes

Writer’s Block

2006-04-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling frustrated and discouraged. So many ideas are wandering my brain, but nothing is able to make it coherently to paper.I think the malaise may be due to my allergies acting up, or the spring flu bug chasing me around. Or maybe because of work stresses, or a lack of organization for my projects. I step back, recreate my writing space in the garage, get more rest, refuel body and

Why unions slide into irrelevance...

2006-04-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

So today's Trib publishes an op-ed piece by one Robyn Blumner, of the St Petersburg Times *, entitled As long as we're discussing good ideas... (or, as originally published, Some simple ways to build a better country) lauding the Service Employees International Union's "Since Sliced Bread" contest.Blumner's column was LOL, especially when she went off into her utopian fantasies...ah, if only she

Mighty Max to save the Da-a-a-ay!!!!!

2006-04-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Speaking of lousy reporting...This article, Baucus says forest sell-off not needed for rural program, reads like a press-release penned by Mighty Max hisself. Especially since Max Baucus's grand plan isn't revealed until halfway through the article (or, in the Trib rendition, the last line). "The Democratic plan would withhold 3 percent upfront of federal payments for goods and services delivered

A bit of Trib- bashing

2006-04-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

As newspapers go, I'd say the Great Falls Tribune is swiftly becoming a laughingstock. My biggest irritation with the paper (as with most of the antique media) is the selective reporting. The Trib long ago passed the point where garbled or non-existent reports could be written off as merely incompetent journalism. Case in point: Electric City PowerThis is the utility set up by the City,

Just the Facts, Ma'am

2006-04-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

Ok. Grand blog-experiment. I'd like to make this a 'thread' for comments about the Great Falls Tribune and a place to share knowledge of 'the rest of the story,' or even announce news that went unreported.I know, I know, the newsier blogs do this already and much better, but I just wanted an open thread for local news, rumors, and press releases. Great Falls bloggers are cordially invited to

Days like this

2006-03-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

It's been one of them days...I've been so busy on the book that I've neglected my inner smart-ass, so here I am to see if I can toss some firecrackers...I'm about fed up with the Trib's obsession with Abramoff. If only they'd spend even half that energy on the lobbyists/activists who are setting policy for Great Falls & for Montana!Montana Advocacy Program: They have decreed the true meaning of

They walk among us...

2006-03-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

I get a chuckle (and some serious inspiration) most days from Letters to the Editor.For instance, the Trib published a letter from Rick Cottingham of Helena on Feb-25-06, bemoaning the eeeevil Bush. First off, a quick google reveals that Mr Cottingham works for Montana DEQ, apparently in water. And Mr Cottingham's "This Isn't Montana" was published in Helena's Independent Record on 2-12-06 (

Golf Solutions

2006-02-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Been so busy scribbling that I haven't had the energy to gripe and snipe (God, I love writing!), except on Ecityblog & mtpolitics. Ecity's really the place to go for witty analysis and reasoned argument in this town.* Check out Commissioner Joe Briggs's response to the MAFB 'crash zone' issue. You'll sure realize how half-assed the Trib has become.But I digress.A couple of recent LtoE's in the

Railroading?

2006-01-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Notes from the Polejewski Persecution:January 28, 2006, Pam Polejewski enters into plea agreement.Animal abuse case ends in $3,000 fineThought this an interesting fact:Polejewski bought land at 77 Wexford Lane in 1998 to create a no-kill animal refuge. But her good intentions clashed with neighbors who repeatedly asked the county to help control the noise from the barking dogs.map to 77 Wexford

The New Carpet-Baggers?

2006-01-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Re: A GF Trib front page feature titled, Disaster jobs emerging as a gold mine for BlackfeetDespite beginning with a lead that should make ya cringe:After making good money this summer as a wildland firefighter, Jeffrey Skunkcap expected to stay home this winter and collect unemployment....the article goes on to describe how the whole Reservation came together to supply and train workers for FEMA

Old news...

2006-01-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

...but relevant in light of recent Schweitzer moves to establish a civil rights council and global warming panel. Did you notice how none of the news reports included information on whether these advisory groups are volunteer, and, if not, who pays for these meddlers?The people may never know, because the old news is that Kaiser Schweitzer line-item vetoed the spending accountability requirements

Baucus-isms

2006-01-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

In this story about how Baucus won't support Alito's confirmation, the elder statesman rather lamely regurgitates the Kennedy/Shumer/Biden smears. Max is ever the proud toady for the asses of the east. On the plus side, Maxie inadvertently gave the Republicans a great bumper sticker for 2008:"He's just not right for Montana, he's just not right for America."Yup, that about sums up Baucus, even in

I know I would...

2006-01-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Headline:Face transplant patient uses new lips to smoke

Of desks & despots?

2006-01-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

So the Trib thinks John Lawton, dauntless City Manager, deserves a front page feature to defend the purchase of his new $5,500 desk. $5,500. That's just the desk. Think about that as you pay your property tax. Please.GeeGuy did a little research & had some spot-on comments to offer, plus "masked & anonymous" added some hilarious observations & a bit of history, readily available & completely

Sanctimony

2006-01-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

The case of Pamela Polejewski has really bothered me.She's the lady who operated a refuge of sorts west of town for unwanted animals, only to be arrested & charged with animal abuse after neighbor complaints. (She's also charged with assault on a police officer who went after her own dogs.) Incidentally, I do not know Ms Polejewski, but news accounts didn't reveal any horrific, intentional abuse

Made me laugh...

2006-01-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

panhandlers:

Re: Waaahndy Gray's parting shot

2006-01-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Ex-Mayor Randy Gray couldn't go quietly into that good night; he felt the need to blame & complain in a nearly full-page opinion piece in the (as usual) most accommodating Tribune. Of course, the Trib didn't post his screed online, but intrepid Alan posted it here.GeeGuy had plenty to say. David also posted a few thoughts. Their posts and the comments are right on target, and I won't rehash too

Some headlines this last week

2006-01-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

from around the State...1-1*sigh* if only this were Great Falls' top story:from Helena - City’s exponential growth top 2005 story12-31Another businessman fights city obstinence:Company sues city over soccer park bills"A Billings contractor who worked on the Great Falls Youth Soccer Park is suing, claiming the city owes him more than $400,000." Of course, the Trib avoids a couple of facts, like

To the 62% who think MPPI is a good idea:

2005-12-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

I must say I’m impressed by Montana Public Power Inc’s attempts to take control of NorthWestern Energy’s transmission lines and poles. Despite the fact that this ‘corporation’ has no structure, no experience in power management, and no business plan beyond a leveraged buyout of NorthWestern, MPPI has managed to convince 62% of Montanans to support them.Wow. That got me thinking: couldn’t the cost

Really important invention

2005-12-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

So the Trib produces yet another stellar feature story about our youth...Call me overanalytical (go ahead! everybody else does!), but I find it revealing that the Trib chose to profile the winner of the Rube Goldberg Award.From my admittedly jaundiced view, this report of local schools' participation in the 21st Montana Science Olympiad focuses on an entry that exemplifies Great Falls: the more

Why we laugh at Democrats...

2005-12-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Disgruntled Dems Consider Challenge to Lieberman"It's at the point where he's no longer interested in his own party's opinion, he's really out of touch with reality," said Mitchell Fuchs, chairman of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee in ConnecticutHAHAHAHAHAHAOh, he's serious!Now which reality would that be? The Howard Dean reality? The Hilary reality? The Michael Moore reality? Psssst...

Welcome to the real world...

2005-12-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

quote of the day:"The bottom line is, I guess we get what we get."~Bob Odermann, finance director for Great Falls schoolsAnd it's still so much more than you deserve. Deal with it, Bob!You know, the educrats whining grates all the more, since they refuse to tell us how much they need. Almost totally unaccountable for current funding, they use our tax dollars to sue us for 'enough for a quality

Re: The Christian Conspiracy???

2005-12-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

In the last few years, we've seen a steady campaign to erase Christmas from the holiday season. It seems we've reached the tipping point this Christmas season, as fed-up citizens file lawsuits against school districts and organize boycotts of retailers which have gone to ridiculous lengths to redefine Christmas.Why, when 85% or more Americans believe in God, has this become an issue? Why do

A spiritual paradox

2005-12-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I had so much to post tonight, but I still suffer the aggravated eyeball, so I'll just note this musing:I've discovered that loss of vision has clarified my vision.The Blighter Path (c) has really come into focus for me...just gotta get past the physical challenges to hash it out as a book.Also, in case you've missed it, check out this new GOP ad. Many believe it's long overdue...but, hey,

Pissing contest...

2005-12-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post, I offered CCRCC meeting info on the GreaterFalls blog. The Dem, Jason, took umbrage and first posted a bit of a rant against Republicans, then followed up with another post:"It is important that the Democrats and Republicans get along and establish a healthy work relationship. I consider myself a Conservative Democrat and have agreed with limited Republicans

Back at it....

2005-12-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

Been AWOL due to eye problems, but thought I'd check in with a few random thoughts:All politics are local:Blogger GreaterFalls posted info (from an email correspondent) about the County Dems' monthly meetings, so I considered it an invitation to post the info for County Republicans' meetings. Traitor of the Month award:Is Rep John Murtha (D-PA) on the Al Jazeera payroll? or looking for another

Gratitude

2005-11-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Seems like Thanksgiving has been kinda downplayed this year, esp. in media & stores. A bit dismaying, but didn't stop me from doing my "40 days of gratitude" program. Amazing how just pondering what I am grateful for can shift perception and heal attitude...and reveal to me how so many blighters seem incapable of gratitude.Here are a few cool links for reflecting on gratitude:how gratitude

Hands off

2005-11-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

GF Tribune, dateline 11-23:Little Belt tug of warlocals mobilize to battle use limits in Little Belt mountainsHooray for the folks getting the word out! The showdown is overdue, but, for once, locals need to get their two cents in.In a departure from typical Trib reporting (Sonja Lee rocks!), the article reported that the groups resisting motorized use limits are encouraging people to write their

Fighting the Public scourge

2005-11-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

From the Billings Gazette, dateline 11-24-05:NWE rates to fall in DecemberApparently, the GF Tribune didn't think this news worth mentioning in today's paper.A few salient points from the Gazette article:Electric rates will be dropping about 5.5 percent, reflecting lower market prices.andNorthWestern adjusts its gas and electric prices each month, depending on fluctuations in the market. The

Politics of Personal Destruction

2005-11-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

from Billings Gazette, dateline 11-22-05:Democrats to start anti-Burns ads todayBased on petty allegations and selective facts, this ad could be the silliest attack yet. I choose to believe Montanans aren't that dumb.But had to LOL at this:"Senator Burns is living in some kind of 'Leave it to Beaver' fantasy world if he think[sic] one income pays the bills for most Montanans," said Jim Farrell,

Heinous, just heinous

2005-11-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Kudos to the House Republicans for calling the snot-nosed Democrats on their demands for immediate troop withdrawal. They forced a vote just a day after Rep Murtha's press conference announcing his intent to introduce a resolution for "immediate redeployment" of troops.The AP article was hilarious and revealing--of the AP bias against the war, and of just how against the wall the Dems really are.

When blighters attack...

2005-11-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

We're witnessing the meltdown of the left/Democrats/blighters at the national level. It's gonna get uglier; if there's one thing blighters can't stand is to be faced with impending irrelevancy.I'm thrilled to see President Bush & VP Cheney finally fighting back. Even more fun has been listening to conservative talk radio hosts taking so many calls of the terminally confused. There's the hint of

And another thing...

2005-11-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Re: City Commission meeting on Nov 15Mr Whitso sought to comment on the Public Power issue on Tuesday night by reading from the Leaderless. Angry Randy cut him off, declaring that "unattributed" writings could not be entered into the record. Mr Whitso shot back that everyone knew that Robert Haffner was the author. Randy was having none of that; Mr Whitso left without any further comment.KUDOS!

bumper stickers

2005-11-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Prayer: online with GodBefore you sow the seeds of justice & peaceyou have to pull the weeds.Don't get stuck on stupid.Gratitude attitude

The man who would be king (of Public Power)

2005-11-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Missoula's Mayor Kadas graced us with his presence at tonight's Great Falls City Commission meeting, to carp about those meanies at NorthWestern Energy and anoint us with bits of fuzziness. Angry Randy mounted his high horse and declared the crusade for government control of our power necessary for "stability." Yep, it's tough to rule the masses with all those pesky market forces in the way,

My two cents on public power

2005-11-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

The following is a statement I submitted to the Great Falls City Commission on 11-15-05:The most critical, obvious point against Great Falls’ involvement in Montana Public Power is that running a power utility is not a function of city government. The Mayor, Commissioners, and City staff, not to mention local media, fail to even acknowledge this. I know proponents of MPPI believe this is a great

Anonymous truths

2005-11-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hats off to RJ's Leaderless & David's recent commentary about the Trib's reaction.I thank RJ for the inspiration; finally, I am motorvatin' on my own blog, getting some thoughts down. Way overdue.(I apologize if you stumble upon this & find my posts a bit erratic or ranting. Will take a bit for me to get in the habit, polish my stuff. Please bear with me...I may eventually make some good points)

President Bush ROCKS!

2005-02-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

The President touched down in Great Falls on Thursday & I got to see him!! He's a ROCK STAR!What an ordeal! But, considering so many (like hundreds) got stuck outside after waiting in line for an hour or more, I feel lucky I got in. The energy was awesome. Folks were listening. The Pres made many great points, explained the SSI plan in depth. And, talking to friends who couldn't get in, so many

Re:"Gap-Toothed, Missing Link Troglodytes Delighted by Presidential Election Outcome"

2005-01-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Boy, I impress myself! I have to share my response to some bigotry of the left. My new favorite radio talker is Laura Ingraham (heard here in Great Falls on NewsTalk1450, from 6-9am weekdays). I try to stop in to Laura's website every other day to catch her "need to know" features and quotes of note. Recently, she posted a link to a Nov 19 cartoon, Sutton Impact, from the Village Voice. I was so

A call to blog

2005-01-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

The First Amendment ain’t just for Dems & reprobates anymore....ivanC11324484622180{position:absolute;visibility:hidden;}FREE hit counter and Internet traffic statistics from freestats.com