A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation. – James Freeman Clarke
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 about today include government funding, Corey Stapleton, Cascade County Sheriff, Women’s Marches, NSA Extension, Michael Lange, Fake News Awards, Joe Biden, and One More Thing that will leave an indelible picture in your brain…
Same Old Same Old:
The U.S. House passed a funding bill to keep the Federal Government operating for another four weeks. The U.S. Senate needs to pass the same bill by midnight tonight (Friday) to keep the government open. The President will need to sign the bill. (The Hill)
This is just a reminder that the Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House.
Although the funding bill needs 60 votes to overcome a Senate filibuster, if the government does shutdown, the Republicans will get the blame for it. They always do.
As for my opinion, it might be a good thing for the government to shut down for a few days and for members to step back and think.
Nonetheless, this is getting old. Both sides are not doing their jobs.
Corey, Corey, Corey:
It looks like Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton must have decided to try the Donald Trump style of campaigning: Blame the media.
The Great Falls Tribune reported that Stapleton sent out his monthly newsletter Wednesday to about 130,000 people and businesses critical of the present-day media and warning people to be wary of “what gets your attention.”
The Missoulian Editorial board did not like Stapleton’s message. You can read their response HERE.
As for me, I’d settle for a few public officials who put country before party.
Cascade County Sheriff:
I am happy to see someone new file to run for Cascade County Sheriff. The Great Falls Tribune reported that Lt. Bob Rosipal was the first to file. He is a Great Falls native and is currently in charge of training, serves as S.W.A.T. commander and chief coroner. He has been with the sheriff’s office for 25 years.
The Tribune also reported that current Sheriff, Bob Edwards, a Democrat, had not filed for re-election as of Wednesday morning.
Good.
The Tribune has been reporting that Edwards was arrested and charged in 2017 with misdemeanor assault for allegedly pushing a woman into a TV stand at a Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association event in Helena. Police reported Edwards put a gun in his mouth at the hotel room where the alleged incident occurred. Prosecutors agreed to defer prosecution if he continued counseling and remained law abiding.
I don’t think Edwards deserves reelection, In fact, I think he should have resigned after this incident. As far as I know, he’s never answered questions from the local press about it.
You can read the whole Tribune story HERE.
Women’s Marches:
In case you missed it, The Montana Post has a column up that lists several cities in Montana that will be holding Women’s Marches/Rallies on January 20 (tomorrow). Check out the locations HERE.
NSA Extension:
The Hill reported that the Senate on Thursday passed an extension of a government surveillance program, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk. Senators voted 65-34 on the bill, which includes a six-year extension with minimal changes to the National Security Agency (NSA) program.
Montana Senators, Democrat Jon Tester, and Republican Steve Daines, voted against the extension.
I think Tester and Daines should have supported the extension. Freedom is not free.
18 Years & a Wake-Up:
The Associated Press reported that the former leader of the Montana House of Representatives, Republican Michael Lange, was sentenced to 18 years in prison Thursday for his central role in a drug trafficking ring that sold large volumes of methamphetamine in Montana and Wyoming.
Lange was the Republican House majority leader during the 2007 Legislature.
That’s a pretty sad deal no matter which side of the political aisle you hitch your horse. Hopefully, Lange will get the help he needs.
Fake News Awards:
Hat tip to The Western Word commentator Doug…
President Donald Trump unveiled his 2017 Fake News Awards Wednesday night on the Republican National Committee (RNC) website. After the President tweeted the link, the site crashed. (Raw Story)
You had ONE JOB RNC! One Job!
It was back up and running in a view minutes. You can read about who won the awards HERE.
This is a Big $$$$ing Deal:
The Montana Democrats announced that former Vice President Joe Biden will be the keynote speaker at the 40th Annual Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner in Helena on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
Biden is a great choice for the dinner and he should help the Democrats raise lots of money for the 2018 election season.
One More Thing:
Stormy Daniels Once Claimed She Spanked Donald Trump With a Forbes Magazine
At his request.
-Article headline from Mother Jones magazine 01/18/18
Trump was supposedly on the cover of the magazine…