Rose Colored Cynicism

Love Molly--Not a fan of Hillary

2006-01-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

Molly Ivins has the story why Hillary Clinton should NOT be the Democratic candidate in 2008. She lists all of the reasons why I'm not supporting her, for instance her failure to take a stance on anyhting and her flag burning episode. While I want a female President, I will not support a female (or male for that matter) candidate who lacks the courage to make a stand about anything. Us chicas have a hard enough time climbing the metaphorical ladder, we don't need a female willing to screw everything up making it harder (hello..Judy Martz).

Way to go Molly!

In Case You Were Wondering.....

2006-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

No I have not died, nor have I broken my hands preventing me from writing, I have just been swamped swamped swamped.

I'm starting to think that I may not have the energy for this right now, with school, work, and college dems stuff. I am not giving up on this, I just may not post very frequently anymore, perhaps only on the weekends from here on out.

Take Care.....

Another sad day

2006-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Bette.

We will miss you very much.

Bono

2005-12-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Just got back from SLC Utah where I spent 6 hours (in the cold) waiting to see if I could get tickets to a sold out concert on Saturday. Well it was a success and I was able to see Kanye "Bush doesn't care about black people" West and U2 rock out the Delta Center. If you have not seen U2 live please put in on your list of things to do before you die or something, as it is totally worth it.

The messages that were portrayed throughout the concert were the ones that I try to preach everyday, co-existence, human rights and justice. It was the closest thing I have ever had to a spiritual experience. Mock that if you must, but I have never been convinced by a sermon, nor moved by a religious setting. Moreover, I have never ever cried at a concert before, but that all changed when U2 performed "Miss Sarajevo".

During "Sunday Bloody Sunday" Bono said that as a people "we must not become a monster to destroy a monster". That right there is the perfect statement, and everyone must remember that whether we are talking about spying, the Patriot Act, or the "War on Terror".

Even better, Bono was named one of the persons of the year by Time Magazine, for his work fighting poverty, AIDS, and injustice. Yay!

I'M BACK BABY! (For those that care!)

2005-12-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

Whew..Finals are over and somehow I survived. Now I just have to sit back and wait for grades (I have a feeling that I may have pulled off a 4.0).

I'm even in a slightly good mood today, despite the bitter cold. The Washington Post is reporting that Congress is very close to passing the Torture ban and it is also starting to look like the White House may reverse its position. All I have to say is Duh! It actually was making me sick to my stomach earlier when there was so much opposition to a bill that would enforce treating people with dignity (not to mention that torture does not work as a means of extracting information, believe me if I was being electrocuted I would say anything).

That's really all I have to say right now, unless anyone is in the mood to hear me talk about conditional proofs for predicate logic or the ethical issues behind cloning, since my finals are still kinda on my brain.

Take er easy!

Damnit Wulfgar! I'm on Hiatus!

2005-12-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Well it seems as though I've been tagged by my buddy Wulfgar. Fun Fun Fun. Since I'm still officially on hiatus (Two Weeks Left), this will be short and sweet.

I confess...that I love Christmas (and don't mind calling it that, even though I'm some form of an atheist-but there are some things that should not be attached to the name "Christmas") and I realize that it is quite hypocritical of me as I am in all reality to cynical to enjoy this time of the year. But I like decorating, like the food, love shopping, and don't mind getting presents either. THERE I just admitted to liking a very commercial holiday, Ick!

I confess...while I read a lot of history, philosophy and political science books (you know the smarts one) I have a slight obsession with some of the chick lit out there, but in my defense I only read it before I go to bed.

I confess...that I have moments where I consider dropping out of school with less than a year to go and moving to Africa to make myself feel that I am actually doing something important.

I confess...that I want a woman to be President. I cannot wait for a woman to President, but I DO NOT want Hillary Clinton to be President.

I confess...that sometimes I think my life would be much happier if I didn't care about politics.

OK Thats that. Lets see I guess I have to tag someone now...I also must confess that I'm absolutely awful at making decisions. How about Matt?He always has something to say.

Two inches closer to total insanity....

2005-11-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

My one or two readers will not be hearing from me for some time (unless something earth shattering happens) as the end of semester is two weeks away and NONE of my shit is taken care of enough to not stress...so I have to take a little break from anyhting I don't really need to do such as sleep or write. So for now I will leave you with some of my thoughts.....

The Cats won!!

Old news I know, but its still pretty shcoking..and yes yes I know the Grizzlies made the playoffs and we didn't blah blah blah, yet its nice that my beloved Cats can actually show up against the Griz now (I remember growing up the Cats never ever won). A side note on this topic to anyone I saw at the tailgate: Thanks for coming and partying with us, while I can't quite remember who all I saw I do remember having a lot of fun (I think). I also have vague recollections of talking to Matt and giving Monica Lindeen a hug, but beyond that you got me.

I still don't like Koopman or Mayor Cetraro.

I am loving that Anderson Cooper has a longer show on CNN.

I am so sick of the Intelligent Design debate, and am ready to start pushing for Supernatural Design, and that the only force that could have created this complex world would have to be aliens. Aliens are more complex than God.

Ready for the semester to be over so I can kick back and relax.

Talk to ya soon.. and Happy Thanksgiving

Go Cats

2005-11-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

I'm not computer savvy enough to change my colors so here is my input into the rivalry.

THE GRIZ ARE GOING DOWN!!!

The lowest of the low

2005-11-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

Wulfgar has the story. I can't mention it in detail since every time I do I start foaming at the mouth a bit.

Bottom line, Mayor Cetraro has got to go. Regardless of how much time he has left on his term. Bozeman does not need an idiot pig on the commission.

NOTHING makes me angrier than domestic violence and I don't care how drunk, stoned, high, whatever you are there is no excuse for hitting someone that you "love".

This guy better hope that he doesn't run into me. Butte girls don't take lightly to these kinds of things.

I'm So Excited!

2005-11-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

WE WON!
A sweep for Jacobson, Rupp and Becker. More details later as I have to get ready for class right now but things are definetly looking up in Boz Town.

Two Days Left

2005-11-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

...........until election day! I have to say I'm a little disappointed by this race, but almost elated with it at the same time. While its missing any sort of spark or controversy to get people interested, I feel almost relieved that I don't have to give my blood, sweat and tears to this election.

I am confident in the three candidates that I am supporting (Becker, Jacobson, and Rupp) as they were endorsed by the Comical today, and have an excellent GOTV procedure backing them up. I live in a good high traffic area for politicians, and have not seen or heard anything from the other three candidates.

This race is so critical (even without the drama that say are coming with the Billings elections) because Bozeman has a chance to get things right. If Henyon, Hietala, and Smith are elected I'm afraid that it will be more of the same. Taking sides, not spending enough time to debate the issues, secrecy, and business favortism. When you read their responses to questions or listen to them at a forum, they do not even attempt to come up with solutions or answers.

Becker, Jacobson, and Rupp on the other hand have great ideas, are open to new ones, are not afraid to make tough choices, nor are they afraid to actually get something done. I am sick to death of the current commission and their lies and their bullshit. I want new leaders who will break with tradition. That is why I am voting for Becker, Jacobson, and Rupp.

The mythical Red-State Democrat

2005-11-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Washington Post is reporting today that the Bush Admin. is trying to persuade "Red-State Democrats" to support Alito, which would block any attempt to filibuster. One of these Dems that they are pushing is our one and only Max. I can only hope that he will stand up and have a backbone on this issue.

I also find it highly ironic that we are still talking about Red State Democrats. Bush's popularity is dropping fast, and I would think that not too many are concerned about whether or not Bush carried their home state. Maybe they are, I don't know.

Oh well..back to my economics homework....more later.

It's almost over now.....

2005-11-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

One week left until the city commission election. As most of you Bozemanites know there are six candidates and three seats open, and oddly enough it has been a pretty quite race.

Here are some quick tidbits and my perspectives on the race:

Jeff Rupp- I expect him to get the most votes, as he has been endorsed by numerous organizations and community leaders around the area. He is (admittedly) one of the more liberal candidates, but he was also endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce, so he is liked by both sides. I am supporting Rupp as he knows how to get stuff done, and he is not afraid of a little conflict if it means coming to the best solution.

Sean Becker- The youngest candidate, he is also one of the brightest. He has helped on the economic standpoint of many important policies in Montana, in fact he was a key figure in the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act.

Kaaren Jacobson- While some may say she is too intellectual (she was a professor in the Political Science Dept. for many many years here at MSU) she knows public administration and she knows how the system works which is a huge advantage.

Erik Henyon- Has lived in Bozeman for four years, and while I think he is very charismatic and a very very nice guy he is 1. too conservative for my taste, and 2. way too arrogant for not really knowing the dynamics of Bozeman yet.

Lee Hietala- Again WAY TOO conservative, and he has also made some very poor decisions on the commission, and in my opinion as the sole incumbent in the race, a big part of the problem with how the commission is operating right now.

Dawn Smith- I really liked her when I met her, and if I could vote for a fourth candidate I would as I agree with most of her ideas, and I think she would be an excellent commissioner.

A very sad day....

2005-10-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

The death toll of American soldiers in Iraq has passed the 2,000 mark.

Rosa Parks, one of America's few real heroes, died last night.

Paul Wellstone died three years ago today.

And a month from today comes the day I dread more than any other day, Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving, where every person who works in retail becomes the victim of crazy shoppers who will stop at nothing to save a couple of bucks.....

BUT on a happier note it was reported today in the New York Times that it was in fact Dick Cheney who told Scooter Libby about Plame's identity...hmmm....

Kids in America

2005-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Note- This is something that has been commented on by others, particularly my buddy Wulfgar, but I had to add my two cents, as this story is a new one to me.

So there is a new set of "Olsen twins" and they are 13 year old Lynx and Lamb, the duo who makes up a pop group called Prussian Blue. But get this....they are white supremacists!!!!

Don't believe me? Check out their website www.prussianblue.net, which is complete with a story about them being banned from a county fair, a National Vanguard Link, a quote by the girls that they enjoy being pretty, and a link to by their latest c.d. "blonde hair, blue eyes".

WHAT???

How are 13 year olds white supremacists? I mean with the basic concept I understand that everyone, no matter how crazy their ideals are, can procreate and pass their crazy ideas on to children, but this just seems bizarre to me. These parents passed on extremely hateful views onto their children, who will then be able to persuade other 13 year old girls to believe the same things.

Here are some of the lyrics to one of their songs.......

"Well sit down and listen, to what I have to say. Soon will come a great war, a bloody but holy day. And after that purging our people will be free, and sing up in the bright skies, a sun for all to see……. Times are very tough now for a proud White man to live. And although it may appear that this world has no life to give. Times are soon changing, this cant go on or long. And on that joyful summer’s day we’ll sing our Victory song….."

This makes me so sad.

Did you know.........

2005-10-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

............ that there is an upcoming city commission election in Bozeman on November 8th? Well if not, its not too late to get informed, and there is an event made just for you coming up.

What: City Commission Forum
When: Wednesday October 26th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: MSU Strand Union Ballrooms

The forum will be moderated by Adjunct Professor David Shrupp, and will be co-sponsored by ASMSU, the ASMSU Exponent, the MSU College Democrats, and the MSU College Republicans.

If you live in Bozeman come and get informed. I know who I am voting for already, but do you?

You know you are a Republican when......

2005-10-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

...you use sleaze ball Leo Giacometto to raise money on top of the millions of dollars you already have. Check out Matt's take on this at Left in the West if you don't know what I am talking about. I can't write anymore about it. I am too disgusted.

Where did I go?

2005-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure. I HATE playing the busy card but to lay it out there I have three jobs, am a full time student, and I'm volunteering for many numerous things (some poltical some social), so I'm sorry if I have been mute lately.

Not much to report on the Bozeman front, actually its spookily calm for one month before a city commission race.

MSU College Dems Online

2005-09-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Check it out

www.msucollegedems.org

Absolutley Essential?

2005-09-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

Tom Delay has said that all of the BILLIONS of dollar in the highway bill are absolutley essential!! Well you know what Tom, I live in Bozeman and that parking garage is not essential. The library is not essential. Rebuilding the Gulf Coast and New Orleans IS essential.

Give back the pork!

Check this out

2005-09-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

If you are in favor of giving up pork money for UNECESSARY projects go to www.leaderswillfollow.org and sign the petition!

Shelter v. Prada

2005-09-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Tracy V. has come up with the idea to forgo our Pork money, since their are higher priorities right now, and I have been thinking about it a lot, and I first had to establish what pork is. Is it necessary, does it serve any specific function besides getting politicians re-elected? Yeah it nice, I mean as I was cruising around trying to find a parking spot in dowtown Bozeman, a parking garage MAY have come in handy, but so what? I don't need it, I am surving without, and from the amount of people I see in dowtown Boz. it is a safe bet that it is surviving without a parking garage.

Richmond, Indiana is going to receive $3 million for a new hiking trail because of pork too. (Do not even get me started why a hiking trail is going to cost $3 million.) Do the folks in Richmond NEED this trail? And if so, do they NEED it the way the citizen of New Orleans NEED their homes rebuilt? I guess they could. I mean in all honesty the citizens of Richmond could be suffering due to their lack of hinking. The suffering could be so bad, that they can't eat and decide to live on the streets. I don't know, I live in Bozeman, so I don't realize how the hiking situation is in Richmond. But I do know the parking garage situation in Bozeman and its ridiculous. There are many other things way more important for Bozeman to have, say I don't know, some relief for this winter when heating bills are projected to rise by about 70%.

This is not the time for this country to be wasting money. If this was a situation facing a family, and their choice of buidgeting was between paying their mortgage so they have somewhere to live, or buying a whole new Prada wardrobe for the entire family, what would tbe smart choice be? Hmmm, that is a head scratcher. Shelter or Prada?? Hmmm.

The bottom line is that America is LOUSY at budgeting. Our representatives do not know the first thing about prioritizing, and now is not the time to be buying parking garages, or trails or god knows what else is out there. We are at war and our Gulf Coast has been almost wiped out. What should the priorties for America be??

Tracy V.

2005-09-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Whether you agree with her idea or not, Tracy V. is getting some major attention for her ideas providing relief to New Orleans. The Bozeman Comical even picked up on it today (www.bozemandailychronicle), and she will be on NPR's program "Here and Now" TODAY.

Even if her idea is not picked up on, she is showing how people thousands of miles away can help their neighbors, and my thought is that I hope it works, because I have never liked the idea of a parking garage in dowtown Bozeman anyway, I would like to see better public transportation instead.

I guess we will just have to wait and see what will happen......

About Time

2005-09-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

This just in..........."Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown is being removed from his role in managing the Bush administration's Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and is returning to Washington. Brown, who has been under fire for the federal government's slow response to the storm that devastated much of the Gulf Coast region, will be replaced by Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad W. Allen, who was overseeing New Orleans relief and rescue efforts".

Now the AP article did not say that he has been fired as FEMA director, but at least they are getting his incompetent ass out of New Orleans and back to Washington, where he can go back to not knowing how to do his job.

The bigger man

2005-09-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is going to ship boatloads of extra oil to the United States to help "soften the impacts of Katrina....hmmm..

didn't Pat Robertson just call for the assisination of Chavez?

doesn't the Bush administration have terrible relations with him?

It just shows you that generousity can come from very unexpected places, and that maybe just maybe this evil that the right wing nutcases believes in just doesn't exist..

oh how I love irony!

Something fishy is going on

2005-09-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

So as I was out perusing the internet seeing what fun information I could find, I stopped by the Gallatin County Republicans website (www.gallatinrepublicans.com) and it appears as though they are endorsing a candidate for the city commission race coming up in November. They only have a link for one of the candidates Eric Henyon, the guy who has been living in Bozeman for two years and wants to be mayor by winning the most votes. Can anyone say carpetbagger??

Nonetheless, the city commission race is non-partisan and by the GCR only having a link for Mr. Henyon appears to be an attempt to put an R behind his name. On the other hand the GCD website has links for all 6 of the candidates, not just the ones who may be known Dems. This race is going to get nasty no doubt, but the repugs should at least have the courtesy to put links of all the candidates on their website, because this race is non-partisan...

Another interesting note on MR. Henyon, he has not been at any of the local meetings regarding garbage privatization, which is a pretty big issue right now, and very well could be a determining factor in the race. But I guess that is okay cuz he is going to be mayor, and mayors never have to go to those important meetings.

Sean Penn Redeems Himself

2005-09-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have very mixed feelings about Sean Penn, I mean the guy cannot take a joke. (Remember the Oscars when he got pissed that Chris Rock was making fun of Jude Law)

However, Sean Penn took his personal boat down to New Orleans and is saving people. Sean Penn!! Yet it is too hard for FEMA to get people out.

On the subject of FEMA, the head has said he did not know that there were people at the Convention center without food and water. They just found out, even though every journalist has been reporting from there for almost a week. This just goes to show that political operatives should not be responsible for the safety and well being of Americans. They should all be fired and Sean Penn could do their job!

Anderson Cooper is my Hero

2005-09-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

I do not like CNN, all too often they pay attention to trivial news such as the so-called runaway bride, but I have always admired Anderson Cooper. He is smart, funny, and is not afraid of those in power. Check out what he said to

COOPER: Joining me from Baton Rouge is Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu. Senator, appreciate you joining us tonight. Does the federal government bear responsibility for what is happening now? Should they apologize for what is happening now? Check out how he ripped Sen. Landrieu after she started making false claims...

SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D), LOUISIANA:....Let me just say a few things. Thank President Clinton and former President Bush for their strong statements of support and comfort today. I thank all the leaders that are coming to Louisiana, and Mississippi, and Alabama to our help and rescue.We are grateful for the military assets that are being brought to bear. I want to thank Senator Frist and Senator Reid for their extraordinary efforts.Anderson, tonight, I don't know if you've heard -- maybe you all have announced it -- but Congress is going to an unprecedented session to pass a $10 billion supplemental bill tonight to keep FEMA and the Red Cross up and operating.

COOPER: Excuse me, Senator, I'm sorry for interrupting. I haven't heard that, because, for the last four days, I've been seeing dead bodies in the streets here in Mississippi. And to listen to politicians thanking each other and complimenting each other, you know, I got to tell you, there are a lot of people here who are very upset, and very angry, and very frustrated.And when they hear politicians slap -- you know, thanking one another, it just, you know, it kind of cuts them the wrong way right now, because literally there was a body on the streets of this town yesterday being eaten by rats because this woman had been laying in the street for 48 hours. And there's not enough facilities to take her up. Do you get the anger that is out here?

And it got even better...

Yes Anderson Cooper is my hero, and he needs to be thanked for defending those who truly need help.

2005-09-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Liberal Blogosphere for Hurricane Relief

"There's nothing wrong with America that can't be fixed by what's right with America." - Bill Clinton.

Hurricane Katrina destroyed thousands of lives. Together, we're raising $1 million for the Red Cross and prove that the liberal blogosphere can help our fellow citizens.

Please donate now.

Katrina and Bush

2005-09-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

They are awfully alike aren't they??

While New Orleans, a city that has a dear friend of mine who I am still trying to contact is in a hell like state, all Bush has done is say they will "survive" and did so in one of the worst speeches of his life. Check out the New York Times article about it at http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/01/opinion/01thu1.html

And please, if you have not done so already, please give as much as you can to the Red Cross. This is by far one of the worst tragedies to occur in our country, and everyone mothers, kids, animals, students, grandparents, and so on needs all they help they can get.

Peace

Also, check out www.dailykos.com for inspirational messages of hope.

No place left for the "dangerous criminals"

2005-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Alas the extravagant new jail that was priced at around $100,000 per bed has failed by 564 votes, and all I can say is...DUH! With all the bull that has been going down in the good old county offices can anyone really blame the folks of Bozeman for rejecting the "best offer" for the jail.

Bozeman needs a new jail, I am not going to argue about that but come on, it was price tagged at 20 million, and other counties around the state have built jails larger than the proposed Bozeman jail for way less. Jails should not be fancy, or pretty, or anything they should be jails..which in Bozeman are mainly used for DUIS anyway.

Here is a radical idea. Get a bus system for Bozeman that runs late over the weekends, I know many many people who would totally use a bus when going out on the weekends. I know I would. Or instead of a bus why not have more cabs? Right now Bozeman has two, count them two cabs on the weekdays, and two more on the weekends when MSU's Cat Cab runs. Another radical idea, stop giving public drukeness tickets to people stumbling home from the bars, nothing is more absurd than punishing people who chose not to drive when they are in less than sober conditions.

All I have left to say to the county is that people are not stupid, and you can't put something with a bad smell in front of them and expect them to eat it.

A Golden Political Opportunity

2005-08-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Before I get into what defines a golden political opportuinity I must point out that Pearl Jam puts on one of the most kick ass shows of all time. They are high energy, good chemistry, and well obviously have very good songs. At their August 29th performance which was a benefit for U.S. Senate candidate Jon Tester their performance kept to these standards, and the almost to capacity crowd loved it, and they also loved Jeff Ament the bass player who just happens to be a Montana kid himself. And this is just a wild guess on my part since I am not closely tied to the Tester campaign, but it looked like he raised himself quite a bit of money so it would be a safe assumption to call the benefit concert a success.

However he missed his golden opportunity. One that most politicians, especially ones from states like Montana, never seem to get. He had the Adams Center at the University of Montana filled to almost capacity, thousands of people of all backgrounds however it appeared as though the majority was comprised of young people, yet he barely mentioned his campaign when he took the stage right before Pearl Jam. Instead he said a few words about both him and Jeff Ament being from Big Sandy, and thanked them. Now I realize that everyone was amped up to see Pearl Jam, but when you have a captive audience like that you have to say something, instead he left it up to the band. Eddie Vetter later explained that those in the audience back Tester, because the band backed him which left most reasoning that if they thought Pearl Jam was cool Tester was therefore cool as well, which is not my idea of voter education.

Obviously it wouldn't have been a good idea to have Tester drone on about issues and politics right before Pearl Jam, but a quick 5 minute "this is who I am" thing would have sufficed, because the fact of the matter is that not everyone in the audience was already a Tester supporter. It was a very mixed crowd, some who were there solely for Tester, others solely for Pearl Jam, and many many others who I felt were somewhere in the middle. It is not enough to allow the "cool through association" factor to win votes, especially with young people who don't like to be tricked and have, shall I say, short attention spans.

Overall the concert was amazing, and I was happy to give $46 of my hard earned dollars to Tester's campaign. I just feel that since it was for him, he could have used the opportunity to persuade a possible voter that perhaps saw through the "well he must be cool, becuase Pearl Jam likes him, and they are cool" logic.

Koop continued

2005-08-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

So I am a hate blogger. I can't really believe it, but according to the Koopster I run a hate blog because of my criticisms of Koopman and other conservatives, as does Matt at left in west and Wulfgar!.

As it has been discussed a lot today, I can't bring myself to repeat them as they will only make me angrier, however as I have said repeatedly in the past KOOPMAN IS A HYPOCRITE!!!! He runs around referring to progressives as "intellectually bankrupt" and "lice on the body politic", and so on and then refers to those who crticize him as hate bloggers, yet he is free to criticize whomever he wants.

I find it highly ironic that the Koopmans, O'Reilly's, Limbaughs, etc seem to think that they are above criticism while they run around name-calling everyone else. Bottom line is it ain't cool and to be frank I am quite sick of it.

Leave it to the Chronicle to ignore the real stories and focus on those desperate for attention, like Koopman and the actual hate monging nazi guy. By giving them the attention that they are craving the Chronicle just spurs them on.. (why do you think the Nazi tried running for office??)

The Koopster--Always good for a laugh

2005-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Bozeman Chronicle reported today that good ol boy Roger Koopman accused City Commissioner Marcia Youngman of being "manipulative" in calling for public support against privatization. Supposedly she sent an e-mail with fact sheets to an official from the Gallatin Valley Independent Business Alliance, and Koopman intercepted it. He is now grandstanding and claiming that Youngman is unethical.

Hmm... there is so much for me to comment on here with very little time, but here goes.

First of all, why is Koopman intercepting Marcia Youngman's e-mails??? This alone blows my mind.

Secondly, why does it even matter? I receive e-mails from elected officials all the time calling on me to be at some event or the other. Hell I get e-mails from elected officials (most of whom are considering Presidential runs) from around the country to speak out on this or to sign a petition or some form. That doesn't mean I'm going to do it, they are just giving me info of what is going on. This is not new, and this is not Youngman "orchestrating support", instead a good chunk of the constituents are opposed to privatization and Youngman is aware of this. She gave info to those she believed would need it. Also, have you ever tried to find out what issues are going to be talked about at which city commission meetings. Its quite the challenge.

And this fact sheet that she sent she signed "don't tell anyone who gave this to you" scares me for different reasons. WHY IS THERE A SECRET FACT SHEET!! This is the problem with Bozeman's city government is that nothing is open, it seems to be secretive and hush hush. Its happening with privatization and the blight thing, and people are pissed because they don't know what anything means, and they aren't allowed access to any information. I don't want to criticize Youngman for giving out the fact sheet, I would like to congratulate her. Bozeman city commissioners have to realize that Bozemanites have some intelligence, and they should have more access to the city government.

So Koop- give it a rest. Just imagine that this was an issue regarding your dreaded abortions. If that was the case you would be out there rallying your right wing troops.

And on a final note I have to say about this issue of privatization. I'm a Butte girl, grand-daughter of a Montana Power V.P., daughter of a Colstrip plant engineer and if there is one thing I witnessed from the MPC de-regulation (or privatization) is that YOU DON'T SELL ALL OF YOUR ASSETS OR YOU ARE GOING TO GET SCREWED!!!

Homemaker v. Lawyer. What's a girl to do??

2005-08-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

When Sandra Day O'Connor (the first female Supreme Court Justice) announced her retirement women everywhere (including Laura Bush herself) called for a female replacement. Well that didn't happen. And now the Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) has reported that good old run of the mill "qualified white guy" John Roberts is pretty much totally anti-woman.

Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. consistently opposed legal and legislative attempts to strengthen women's rights during his years as a legal adviser in the Reagan White House, disparaging what he called "the purported gender gap" and, at one point, questioning "whether encouraging homemakers to become lawyers contributes to the common good."

Hah! This guy has now made more motivated than ever to go to Law School. Lets face it, anyone who knows me knows that I would make an awful homemaker. If Robert's gets confirmed then Bush will have fulfilled his goal to turn back the clock on women's rights.

Thank You

2005-08-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thank yous are neccesary for the 130 men, women and children who attended last night's peace vigil. Bush must be held accountable for what he has done, and this will only happen when people come forward to protest.

I regret that I did not attend, since I was confined to my job far away from the Courthouse in the dreaded Gallatin Valley Mall, but rest assured that I did attempt to have a little one in my store!

Thanks for all you do.

Peace.

P.S. You can see the story and pictures of the event at www.gallatindemocrats.com

Another side note about Cindy Sheehan

2005-08-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am sick and tired of the right wingers trying to portray this woman as a radical left extremist. I qualify more for that description than she does. She is not radical. She is a mom that has lost her son. I know five men who have surived Iraq, if one of them had died I don't know what I would do, and they are my friends, not family. She has every right to be doing what she is, and I am very proud of her. America needs more Cindy Sheehans to end this tragedy.

For all of you against the war keep up the good fight!!

2005-08-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

From www.gallatindemocrats.com

Peace Vigil to support Cindy Sheehan
Where: Gallatin County Courthouse on Main St.311 W. Main St.Bozeman, MT 59715
When: Wednesday, 17 Aug 2005, 7:30 PM

Candlelight Vigil to be held on courthouse steps, supporting Cindy Sheehanand a swift end to the war in Iraq.

We welcome everyone -- Democrats, Republicans, independents, families,veterans, and all others who are concerned about the war in Iraq.Please bring a candle, we’ll provide some but this looks like it’s goingto be a fairly large gathering.

Reverend Roxanne Klingensmith Pastor of the St James Episcopal Church willgive the invocation.

Please talk to me!

2005-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

I now have a public e-mail for anyone who wants to shoot me stuff without having to comment or what have you:

swmontanadem@gmail.com

I would love to have a reason to check it, so write me!

Peace

MSU College Dems are up and Running!!!!

2005-08-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

That's right after a few years barely on life support, we are up and running. The interim executive board has formed and we are kicking!

President- Stacy Parenteau
Vice-President- Ryan Seher
Secretary- Gretchen Kruesi
Treasurer- Sheena Rice

We are currently organizing events for Homecoming, Cat/Griz, the City Commission Race, the Senate, House, and Legislative Races, and much more. If you are interested in the organization please e-mail us at democrats@montana.edu.

We are committed to encouraging young people to get involved in the political process and be informed on all issues. We have a lot of plans right now, but need money desperately. So even if you can only spare a few bucks it would be appreciated. Mail contribution checks to
M.S.U. College Democrats
c/o Sheena Rice
205 S. 8th Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715

We are going to prove that Democrats exist on the M.S.U. Campus!!

Kerry White and John Vincent

2005-08-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Gallatin County Comissioners have postponed the vote on the planning board due to the controversy spurred by the Gallatin County Democrats opposition to Kerry White.
John Vincent criticized the GCDs role in and was trying to get a retraction from us (I say us because I am a committed member of the GCD). However what Vincent fails to realize is that he is not the voice of the GCD and that we had every right to oppose White's re-appointment. White is a milder form of John Stokes, who claims that all environmentalists are "eco-terrorists". He is anti-planning, and close minded, which are not qualifications of someone on the planning commission for one of the fastest growing regions in Montana.

So Exciting

2005-07-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

After about 4 months, I will once again have internet service at home! This means my now infrequent posts will be much better and more um...frequent.
I would also like to point out that Monday night I was not crazy, I really was shaking!
Hah!

Why to vote Republican

2005-07-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

This quote was sent to me in an e-mail today, and I found it very fitting especially after the incredible speech by Gov. Dean Saturday night.

"Other than telling us how to live, think, marry, pray, vote, invest, educate our children and, now, die, I think the Republicans have done a fine job of getting government out of our personal lives."
-Editorial Page, Sunday, June 19 Portland Oregonian

GOP defends Rove

2005-07-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

From the Washington Post-
Republicans mounted an aggressive and coordinated defense of Karl Rove yesterday, contending that the White House's top political adviser did nothing improper or illegal when he discussed a covert CIA official with a reporter.

Now just imagine if you can, if Rove was a Clinton adviser. He would be burning at the stake right now. It is pretty obvious to me that if reporters can go to jail for this, that discussing a CIA official with a REPORTER qualifies as leaking.

Note to all Dems- Don't pull a hamstring!

2005-07-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

This just in from the good ol Montana GOP E-Brief:

Did you hear about Gov. Schweitzer’s 4th of July trip?
It seems the Gov. pulled a hamstring in a parade, and then had to ride the rest of the parade route in a car and cancel appearances in a few other parades over the holiday weekend. The official report out of the Governor’s Office said he injured himself tossing a football with onlookers. But credible sources have it that Schweitzer actually injured himself when he tripped over his dog and constant companion, Jag.How ironic. During the campaign, Schweitzer boasted that he would fire the governor’s bodyguards and use Jag as his sole means of security. Note to Jag: bodyguards are supposed to prevent injuries. Regardless, Schweitzer discarded the no-bodyguard pledge shortly after the election was over and, in fact, he now has the largest security force in state history.

SERIOUSLY- Do the Repugs have nothing left but to criticize Schweitzer for pulling his hamstring. They did the same thing when Kerry crashed his bike. Come on people, sometimes accidents happen, give it a rest. Oh and by the way, I was at the Livingston parade, he did not trip on his dog, but he was runing to catch his football. I'm accident prone myself so I can totally sympathize.
The latest edition of the E-Brief also criticizes our own Matt again, as well as Dean. No actual news just nit picky pesky things. I read them because they are well very very funny. Last year the E-Brief was used to criticize Tracy for hiring an out of state campaign manager, Ryan Seher. Ryan was born and raised in Bozeman though. Not so good at fact checking.

Hope your leg feels better Gov!

surreal

2005-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

When 9/11 happened I was thousands of miles from New York, and even so I felt an odd sense of shock and bewilderment. Yesterday marked events that were even farther away, and yet I still feel the same shock.

We are all British.
This was the title of several blogs yesterday and it is still true today. London became a town in celebration and now it is covered in tragedy. My thoughts go out to all who have been affected by this madness.

When is it going to end?
Will the world ever unite?
Is Tragedy and Violence permanent fixtures in our future?

My love and prayers go out to all people today.

What are they thinking??

2005-07-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

So the Lee Newspapers have reported that Sen. Max Baucus and Gov. Brian Schwietzer are publicly supporting Dennis MacDonald for party chair.

This is the guy who is not even a loyal democrat. He has publicly admitted to giving both parties money, and he is never ever present at party functions. He lives in Sweetgrass county and the Dem chair there has never even met him.

The Senator and Governor support stems from the fact that he will be able to bring "new blood" to the party, which may be true. But if he is elected it will alienate those who are loyal to the party, who have bled for the party and have earned their stripes. The party chair should not be some guy with no experience and no history at all with the party. It's ridiculous that he has any support let alone the support of Baucus and Schweitzer. RIDICULOUS!!

Another side note on the race for chair. Tracy Velazquez was asked by one of her male opponents to drop out of the race, because he feared that the vote would be split. He also said that he could represent women views just as well as she could. That's funny, I thought that women could represent women views better than men. And why does it always seem that in Montana the woman has to be vice-chair, why can't it be the other way around????

Uh Oh

2005-07-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sandra Day O'Conner has resigned. This is a big problem, because while she is a conservative -she was also a swing vote.

I'm scared, about what is going to happen. It will be a very interesting week while this mess is sorted out. I will keep updating on this.

The best is yet to come undone

2005-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

2006 is going to be the year that we can get rid of Conrad Burns, I can feel it. However I am troubled about the possibility of a very bad primary. The Dems have two strong candidates vying for the seat in State Auditor John Morrison and Senate President Jon Tester, (as well as some Clint guy from Bozeman- I don't know who he is). The two Jo(h)ns are both intelligient, articulate, and experienced, and both are much much much better than that current guy. I can foresee this as a problem because it is going to be such a tough primary, that funds, time, energy, and resources will all be exhausted for the winner creating an advantage for Burns- and the Repugs know it! (They should because the same exact thing happened to them in 04 with the Gov race). Other Liberal blogs are already taking sides, and dissing the other candidate, which I refuse to do.

Something has to happen to ensure that this Senate race does not further divide the party. Yeah we are getting stronger, but I don't think we are strong enough to survive a nasty primary.

Am I right or just paranoid?

Peace

2005-06-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection for DarfurJuly 15th, 16th, 17th
Bills have been proposed in the Senate (S. Res. 172) and the House (H. Res. 333) calling for the designation of July 15, 16, and 17 as a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection for Darfur. Please contact your Senators and Representatives today to urge their support for the National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection by co-sponsoring S. Res. 172 or H. Res. 333.

now i am not really all in favor of sponsored prayers, but this is an issue that needs to be recognized.

Further Introduction

2005-06-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

OK, since this is still new, please pardon the seemingly lack of information. Hopefully soon it will contain all sorts of news and commentaries, but it isn't quite there yet.

Anyway, my vision for this blog is to further the means of communication among the Gallatin County Dems, first and foremost. To have a real open dialogue without worries of speaking as an organization but instead simply as an individual.

Hey its worth a shot.

Just an idea

2005-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

So I recently returned from the "Art of Political Campaigning" conference sponsored by campaigns and elections magazine, and was totally impressed by Joe Trippi (campaign manager for Howard Dean) and decided to give this whole blog thing a try, I mean hey why the hell not.

Politics anymore is so focused on money and polls, special interests and PACs that a lot of the magic is fading. The magic was why I got involved, the idea of changing the world through public policy and civic engagement. Now however mainstream media calls races before they are over, declares the winner of a nomination before any primaries have occured based on money. There is no magic in that. No progress, nothing. Just money.

However the internet has provide a way for the people to matter again. Dean was a frontrunner (if only for a short time) not because of money, and not because of a big professional staff or impressive poll numbers, but because of "the people" creating his campaign via the internet and blogs.
- Note, if you have never read Joe Trippi's book "The revolution will not be televised" please do so as fast as you can. I finished it in about 8 hours.

So here it is, my way to engage my community into the world of politics. I hope it is found useful and I hope that people will use it as a way to communicate.

Peace.