Great Falls Tribune
Lobbying initiative remains on ballot
"There was never any doubt in my mind that a judge would throw out this outrageous complaint," said Jim Farrell, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, which backs I-153.
Missoulian
Throw the Republicans out
This is but one of many levels on which Republicans have engaged in corrupt, immoral and disgusting behavior. Throw the bums out. Vote Democrat in November.
Enough with the GOP scare tactics
We are bogged down in a very expensive and tragic war that is not about democracy but is all about $400 billion and how much of that cash Halliburton can garner. Our country is not safer. Our border with Mexico is wide open for anyone wanting to bring anything across by rail or land to U.S. cities. Are you happy about the low price of gas? Would you be happy if you knew the oil companies have kept oil prices artificially high for years - and the U.S. government still subsidizes the oil companies in the amount of $16 billion a year? Wait until after the November elections: The oil companies will then recoup their loss of exorbitant profits.
Burns should withdraw from race
I have been trying to listen to what Conrad Burns has to say with an open mind, but it is difficult. When I voted for him, I gave him the right and responsibility of representing my personal and my family needs on a national level. And when he sold his congressional vote to Jack Abramoff, he sold my vote as well. He traded the votes of all Montanans.
Vote Burns to support Bush's tragic war
it is comforting that we have sophisticated statesmen, like President Bush, aided by equally sophisticated members of Congress, like our own Conrad Burns, who refuse to listen to those pesky intelligence officers, or really, anyone else. Although the war has been sold to Americans through changing Rovian marketing ploys including bogus claims that Iraq was involved in 9/11, weapons of mass destruction, bringing freedom to Iraqis, spreading democracy, fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them over here and other fear-based slogans, the bottom line is that regardless of the justification, old war veterans like Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney really just know best.
Money, time could be better spent
He would never let his elderly children die as a result of not receiving medical care because the facility also performs abortions. So don't use God as your excuse for violence.
If we looked at the abortion issue from a different angle we might see other ways to prevent them. Spend some of that airplane money educating youth on birth control and abstinence. Donate some of that money to young couples seeking family planning at Blue Mountain Clinic.
Religion, science don't have to conflict
The age of the Earth is not a religious matter, nor is it mere opinion: it is a scientific matter. Schweitzer, in fact, understated the age of the Earth. As you drive Interstate 90 from Missoula to Wallace, most of the rocks you see are about 1.5 billion years old. Drive the Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge to Gardiner and gaze on rocks that are more than 3 billion years old, two-thirds as old as the Earth itself.
These ages are not speculations; they are best estimates derived from fundamental processes that can be measured such as radioactive decay of specific elements. They are not irreligious rants by atheistic scientists determined to destroy the moral fiber of our youth, they are dispassionate calculations by trained professionals who share a desire to know as much as possible about our world.
Helena Independent Record
Posted by admin at 06:52 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Letter: Burns, Rehberg wrong on conservation issues
Does it make sense, then, that Sen. Conrad Burns has consistently voted against conservation of natural resources and for huge subsidies to energy companies in the last three congresses?
Letter: Hypocrisy by GOP is beyond appalling
When you cast your vote in November, you should not be saying, "Well, my congressman was not involved in this." Wrong. The entire Republican Party has supported actions such as this ever since they came into the power they now hold: This is not the first display of hypocritical behavior by Republicans. The only proper response now is to make sure that they no longer hold that power, then perhaps it will be the last display of hypocritical behavior by the politicians who "represent" us
Letter: With his dismal record, Burns distorts the truth
Boy, have we heard those before; and often the dreaded "L" word is being flung at Tester with all the venom possible. That's the scary word that means broad-minded, not prejudiced, and according to Webster, progressive, generous, tolerant of views differing from one's own, and favoring political reforms tending toward democracy and personal freedom.
Letter: There must be reason Racicot backs Burns
He is telling us what a great guy Burns is. Now let me see: Where does former Montanan Gov. Racicot live? Oh, yes. ...
Missoulian
Measure opens the door for developers
What it essentially does is require us, as taxpayers, to either waive regulations that affect what developers and polluters wish to do or pay them not to do it. It's not hard to imagine that when faced with a "waive-or-pay" scenario, our government regulating bodies will choose to waive regulations that protect our environment and quality of life rather than face the lawsuits that developers would file. And why wouldn't they sue? Because I-154 provides for compensation of their legal costs whether they prevail in court or not.
Bozeman Chronicle
Letter misrepresents Tester stance on drug enforcement
The Patriot Act is an outrageous infringement upon the civil liberties of Americans. Tester is right to oppose it, for he sees it as the political blasphemy that it is. The powers granted to the federal government by this act are comparable to those held by the fictitious governments created in novels such as "1984" and "A Brave New World."
Helena Independent Record
Wrong on stem cells
Putting a frozen clump of cells that will never become a person above the lives of people who are now living and suffering with diseases and debilitating injuries that can be cured through embryonic stem cell research is not a very "pro-life"stance. At the expense of progress and our health, Burns and Rehberg are promoting a pious, extremist agenda. If you prefer reasonable leaders who will honestly work to protect our health and freedom, please vote for John Tester and Monica Lindeen
Down on Burns
I am proud to be a Democrat, moderate liberal-but I resent TV ads saying I am a radical or extremist because support Tester.
Liberal and proud
So I looked up "liberal" in the dictionary and found that a liberal is open-minded, generous, bountiful, open-handed, warm-hearted and has common sense.
Oh yes, now I see why the closed-minded, greedy, cold-hearted, conservative people are different from liberals. I am proud to be a liberal. Are you?
Why to change vote
One should change their vote because of the six years of lies and deceit by the Republicans and this administration. Iraq, Foley, lobbyist scandal, "mission accomplished," building a theocracy, on and on and on. The "moral"party?
A kind vote
From a variety of sources we know that he is a subject in a larger investigation. He knows what he has done, and it may be beginning to haunt him. For his place in history, wouldn't it be better to lose the election, fair and square, than to win, only to have resign in disgrace when/if his is indicted?
For his sake, be kind to Conrad ... vote for Tester.
Backs Tester
I'm 79 years old, a native Montanan, a veteran of WWII and a retired state employee. I will vote for Jon Tester for U.S. Senate for several reasons.
A bad dream
The insidious and sometimes illegal connections between venal politicians and crooked lobbyists have corrupted our democracy and violated the voter's trust. Unfortunately this dark side of politics only lines the pockets of greedy insiders serving themselves and special interests at the public expense. It's time to put Burns out to pasture.
Posted by admin at 06:25 AM | Comments (0)
Helena Independent Record
College costs
His voting record on education is no more impressive. He consistently votes against funding education, even when the funds come from cutting corporate loopholes. As a college student, it feels like Sen. Burns is constantly voting against me. Montana’s families and Montana’s students need someone new in Washington who will represent our educational interests.
Bozeman Chronicle
Sterilized society
When did we start sterilizing our society so much that we cannot or should not voice our thoughts and opinions when "our" elected and well-paid politicians are in a public forum? In the days before television, communities held open forums that were raucous and electrically charged so that those who wanted to represent the public’s view would have an idea just what
Conservative Lockstep
As much as it seemed to pain the various authors, they all agreed "a divided government" works best. Several of them (including Viguerie) said it would be beneficial to the United States if both the House of Representatives and the Senate went Democrat!
Posted by admin at 07:36 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Letter: Republicans should pay for Cheney's visitWhy aren't the campaigns of these two Republicans paying for Air Force Two, the helicopters, security (both local and federal) and road closures for the quarter of a day that Cheney is here?
Where are our congressman when we need health care for families without any or seniors who need financial assistance with their prescription medicine?
Letter: Senator should support Montana, not Bush
My folks were always for the underdogs, the poor and the elderly. Their pet peeves were the big shots who threw their weight around, such as Bush and his cohorts.
Letter: If politicians lie enough, they believe their nonsense
Many politicians see that lies might be their savior. One such person is Conrad Burns. He must believe that on the day after the election, he can quit lying and cozy up to all the Abramoffs he wants - maybe even work on a bill that might help someone. My name is Mike Kennedy, and I approve of this message.
Letter: Conservatives don't abide by conservative ideals
Cutting veteran and health benefits to allow tax cuts for the wealthy who can repay with campaign contributions doesn't really help the budget.
What's conservative about cuddling up to the "military-industrial complex" that Republican Dwight Eisenhower warned against?
Missoulian
Vote to improve health care
We need decision-makers willing to invest in Montana's future. Our national and local governments have the resources right now to invest in affordable quality health care, if they consider these investments a priority. This is the time to talk to candidates about the need for government to come together in partnership with businesses and citizens to ensure that all people can receive the health care they need and deserve.
We can't just stay the course
Freedom isn't free. That's for sure. Our grandchildren will be paying for this mistaken war. Make the Iraqis finally take responsibility. Let's get Afghanistan right. Secure our own nation. Protect U.S. citizens first and foremost. Elect leaders with the vision and courage to not just "stay the course."
Helena Independent Record
Minimum wage
Conrad, tell me it is not true that you make over $160,000 a year and you will vote against the minimum wage.
Taylor’s deregulation
Taylor sponsored deregulation in 1997. This gave us our high and still increasing prices for gas and electricity. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see this would happen. Taylor now claims he voted against his own bill — which he did, But like other unprincipled legislators, he took advantage of a legislative procedure to vote both ways.
Bozeman Chronicle
Conclusion about age of Earth flies in face of science
But when he claims to have arrived at this conclusion scientifically, he is not protected by the impenetrable cloak of faith. His conclusion flies in the face of every interlocking piece of geological, paleological and evo lutionary evidence. Mr. Koopman would have to present remarkable evidence to defend such a fantastic scientific claim. His foolish conclusions on this issue make me question the quality of his thinking on other, more practical matters.
We cannot afford not to impeach now
We need honest, courageous, intelligent and ethical leadership in this country. We have none of the above from Bush and Cheney. They should both be impeached now. The world cannot afford two more years of their arrogance and ignorance.
Burns is senator by day, but what's he doing at night?
Montanans want an honest representative to take care of the state's needs. A junior senator might take a while to earn his clout, but at least we can pray that he'll do it ethically, and we can hope that he won't make national headlines with his latest racist gaffe.
Lack of political leadership on energy issue appalling
Mass behavioral changes and monetary investments in programs whose full benefits will not be seen in our lifetimes. Do we have the attention span?
I do. I'm ready. I'll pay the tax. I'll make sacrifices. Don't just tell us we're addicted to oil. Help us through rehab. Because we don't need experts to read the gas gauge. We need them to figure a way out of this tangled mess.
Posted by admin at 07:19 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Letter: Tester will represent all Montana citizensMontana needs a second senator who will work for all of its citizens: children, teachers, health care workers, retirees, firefighters, original natives, veterans, farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and -women, miners, loggers, business owners and everyone who is a wage earner.
Conrad Burns brags about all of the federal money he has brought to Montana. Hey, folks, guess who ultimately pays for this? Your grandchildren!
Letter: Burns' campaign reaches heights of nonsense
It seems that Burns' strongest argument for re-election is that he has brought over $2 billion in federal money to Montana. Is it just me, or does anyone else see the irony in a man who claims to be a fiscal conservative, adamantly opposed to runaway government spending, making his pitch for votes on the basis of how much money he has managed to spend?
Missoulian
Scared Republicans lying about Tester
Jon Tester opposed redundancy within the government regulations along with 18 other Republicans who also opposed the bill. In fact, only 12 people actually voted in favor of the redundancy. Let's ask why the Republicans are scared of the whole story.
Posted by admin at 07:24 AM | Comments (0)
Helena Independent Record
Negative ads
Be prepared for more than the usual negative ads against Jon Tester associating him with that evil term "liberal" which is synonymous with broad-minded, nonconventional, nonorthodox, nontraditional, open-minded, progressive. I do not see many words synonymous with liberal that are evil, but Mr. Burns would like you to think so.
Be sure to vote no
"So Vote Like It Counts" and urge your friends to vote "NO" on CI-97. In addition, I would encourage you to vote "NO" on all three of these out-of-state sponsored initiatives. We really don't need to have out-of-state folks, with too much money, tell us how to change our constitution or run our state.
Hello, Brock Lowrance, spokesman for the Montana Republican Party.
Brock, I don't care if it isn't really cow flop, if it looks and smells like it. This is illegal whether or not you or your party authorized it. This type of behavior suits your party and your candidate well. It's what I've come to expect from both ... illegal and twisted bashing.
Missoulian
Rehberg out of touch on health care
What planet is Rehberg from? He apparently is out of touch with the average Montanan health consumer.
Keep looking for creative fuel solutions
World Watch magazine reports that waste fat from restaurants is a large and growing problem costing fortunes in environmental damage and cleanup each year. Biodiesel distilleries could easily turn this problem into a solution.
As oil prices rise and supplies dwindle, let us hope that we can see creative, synergistic solutions.
Burns' scare tactics are shameful
What I will point out it is a disgrace on the part of Burns to imply that anyone we elect would not take the responsibility of protecting us seriously. It is a scare tactic and dishonest and is exactly the rhetoric used by fundamentalist Islam to promote their agenda. I have never heard a Democrat or Republican ever give a speech supporting terrorism or promoting anything less than protection of our country. To say anything else is dishonest and an out and out lie.
Vote against I-154, CI-197 and CI-98
I-154's real meaning is deeply hidden in language few people will read. It actually would allow property owners to demand compensation if they feel a government action (read: environmental or zoning regulation) has devaluated their property. Under I-154, when government can't or won't pay, the regulation must be waived, stripping protection of our property values, wildlife and environment.
Billings Gazette
Letter: Lindeen represents a new start in Washington
If you would like to see a change, elect Monica Lindeen, who will ask questions of the administration's advisers and move to change conditions on the ground in Iraq, vote to improve education (not just test students more), improve health care for all, raise the minimum wage to help get more people out of poverty, change our federal tax laws so that the rich don't continue getting richer while the rest of us struggle to make it.
Letter: U.S. troops sacrificed for political reasons
It's time we were out of Iraq. It's not a matter of "cutting and running"; it's simply a matter of knowing "when to hold 'em" and "when to fold 'em."
Bozeman Chronicle
Global warming
Like Mr. Baden, I believe global warming is a complex issue with no quick fixes; unlike him, I do not believe this justifies inaction. Warming events have always been a part of Earth’s history, but warming caused by industrial activity is unprecedented. Progress can no longer happen at the expense of nature. We need to take our technological know-how and a strong environmental ethic into the post-industrial age.
Three Terms Plenty
Thank you, Conrad, and farewell. You've done a lot for Montana bringing funding to our state. There will always be a Burns Technology Center at MSU. But looking out for the interests of Montana was what you were hired to do, and it was a job other able Montanans could have done just as well. We even have a Democrat doing a good job for Montana in the other Senate seat.
Understanding war
The building where I work, the Christus Collegium, houses many international students. These students are not terrorists or the enemy, and I enjoy their opinions. One student from India, a Hindu, told me that she was not interested in becoming a Christian because she saw Christian Americans as a warring people.
Posted by admin at 07:16 AM | Comments (0)
Helena Independent Record
Vote no on I-154
I-154 would force our elected officials to let developers like Rich dodge our local laws and do whatever they want with their property. As taxpayers, our only recourse would be to pay developers to follow our laws. Now there's an idea; Montanans could get paid for each law we don't like to follow and we'll all end up wealthy like Mr. Rich.
Publicise debates
Debates are the best way for the average person with limited time and political attention span to make a decision. Oh, and if you don't make the effort to be informed and make a considered decision, or at least consult an informed, trusted friend with similar beliefs, do us all a favor and Don't Vote!
Just leave it alone
Constitutional framers put the basic underlying principles of government into place upon which everything else is based. To mess with these principles is not to be done lightly. Every proposed constitutional amendment immediately gets a no vote in my mind, even if I think it may be a good idea. A good idea is not enough justification to change the basic structure, the very essence of our government.
Vote Tester
I recently had the opportunity and pleasure of hearing General Wesley Clark speak in support of Jon Tester in his run for the U.S. Senate. This intelligent, experienced general explained that the current administration has never had a plan following the totally expected military victory.
Milking universities
Why does a U.S. senator need an additional payment to do the job he was elected to do? Are the other units of the university system forced to grease the skids too? The press needs to find the answers to these questions.
Foley scandal
Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg- whose own "family values" are exemplified by his efforts to repeal the estate tax for multi-millionaires like himself while steadfastly refusing to raise the minimum wage for workers-has been a compliant cog in this machine.
It's time for serious change in Congress - and it begins with a vote for Monica Lindeen.
Burns' ad
Conrad Burns is the great enabler of the Bush adminstration. Join me in voting for Jon Tester this November and restoring the Constitutional freedoms that we all cherish.
Posted by admin at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Letter: GOP rhetoric insults votersPlease, those of you who are inveterate Republicans and yet-uncommitted independents, consider a change this election. Let's elect someone we can be proud of, a real farmer, a guy with agricultural and business experience, respect and integrity who is brave enough to help make major changes in national policy.Missoulian
One way or another, Burns will lose seat
Conrad Burns is running for a Senate seat that he knows he won't be able to occupy. If he were to win the election, I would guess that soon after the first of the year he would have to step down. He has not received a free pass for the crimes he has been alleged to have committed.Prices based on consumptionAnd golly if the prices didn't skyrocket just when we needed gas the most. Is it possible that oil producers benefit by this phenomena? And equally interesting (at least to me) is that elections are around the corner, and, lo and behold, gas becomes (arguably) affordable again.
Posted by admin at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)
Missoulian
Stand up to this bully administration
Go ahead and vote Republican, throw more bombs around, create more hate. After all, we are the strongest nation in the world. I guess that gives us the right to take what we want and bully the Middle East into submission.
Go with who makes the most sense
Gosh darn it, let's ignore all the obnoxious blather and simply go with who makes most sense. Let's look into the eyes of our children, and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren and go to the polls in great numbers to vote for the person who has simply shown the most integrity.
Democrat offers homegrown cure
However, the virulent smear campaign by his ruthless adversaries and the big money involved is not only demeaning of the Republican Party but an untruthful and vicious assault on the character of one of Montana's respected leaders.
Tester is Montana. His ticket to D.C. is in your hands.
There's no upside to Bush's battle
our children will inherit the long-term costs of the war, now estimated at $1 trillion to $2 trillion. And they will inherit a world in which Americans are hated rather than admired because of the death, destruction and chaos our continued occupation has brought to Iraq.
Helena IR
Remove Rehberg
Come on Mr. Rehberg. Even Republicans know that we wouldn’t be so concerned about the middle east if that region were not of vital importance to the U.S. economy because of its vast oil reserves. North American oil production peaked in the 1970’s and no amount of tax breaks for oil drilling is going to change that.
Support Tester
Jon Tester supports our troops to the fullest degree, but maintains that a clear plan for withdrawal from Iraq is essential. It’s not surprising that Montanans have recognized this good judgement in the recent Lee Newspaper Poll by supporting Tester’s courage and common sense over the old ideas and tired rhetoric of Conrad Burns.
State deserves Tester
Montana has a proud history of sending brilliant and effective persons to represent us in the halls of Congress. Many of these have been dynamically involved in the issues of their times, such as Jeannette Rankin, Burton K. Wheeler, Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf, to name a few. Now we have Conrad Burns whose sole contribution to his current bid for re-election is to disparage and distort the record and character of his oppponent.
Billings Gazette
Letter: It's time to retire foes of Schweitzer
For the first time in many years, we, the people of Montana, have someone who is full of energy and good ideas, a born leader - our Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The polls show that the people of Montana believe in him and wish him well.
Letter: Republican ad misleads about Tester
For 13 years I have been involved with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that deals with the protection of neglected and abused children. I deeply resent seeing child victims being used for any candidate's political mileage. These children are being used and abused enough already.
Bozeman Chronicle
Montanans would reject CI-97 if backers were honest
Ballot measure CI-97 is a radical measure that, if passed, would result in cuts in vital public services and higher local property taxes and higher public fees. CI-97 amends the state constitution and would keep us from adequately funding basic services such as firefighting, police and education.
Posted by admin at 06:31 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Gazette Editorial
Consider a typical work week for the 109th Congress. Take up the week's first business Tuesday after lunch and finish the last vote by midday Thursday. GOP leaders of both chambers have scheduled the fewest workdays that Congress has used in decades, according to the Detroit Free Press. Legislators working two-day weeks didn't have time to complete nine of 11 budget bills.
Missoulian
Keenan's support is suspect
Surely there are others besides me here in Montana who can remember all the things that Bob Keenan had to say about Conrad Burns just prior to the June 2006 primary election? Now Keenan is back on the airways, telling us what a great choice Burns would be. Hmm. It couldn't have anything to do with his future political aspirations in 2008 and an attempt to regain lost favor with the Montana Republican Party?
Burns tries ignore Abramoff ties
Conrad Burns claims the allegations of his relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff are "baseless." What is truly baseless are Burns' attacks on Jon Tester's family values, his claims that his own fiscal irresponsibility is the fault of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and accusations of Tester’s softness on terror.
Drop in prices not a coincidence
If the general public doesn't recognize the connection between the "coincidental" free fall of pump prices and the approach of a pivotal election, I fear for this country. For those of you who doubt this, check into the long and close relationship between the Bushes and Saudi royalty. Think, please.
Helena IR
Government censors
Washington seems to be infected with a bad case of selective intelligence - they applaud science when it supports them but when it doesn't, it's suspect or worse. I wonder how much else goes on inside the Beltway that is witheld from us.
At the extremes
We the people are being ripped off big-time, and our politicians are doing nothing about it.
We badly need a national health care program, like other developed countries. When a nation is as complex as ours, it is to our benefit to come together as a nation to take care of some things. Whomever we elected needs to "feel our pain" a little more and get this job done.
Sad outcome
If the goal of the war in Iraq is to bankrupt the United States (by costing nearly $200 million per day), hamstring America's military capabilities, kill 45,000 Iraqi civilians while creating a new breeding ground for Middle East religious terrorists, frighten Iran and North Korea into accelerating their nuclear weapons programs, erode civil liberties at home, and degrade this country's moral standing worldwide by advocating the torture of prisoners, then I guess I'll have to agree with our president: Mission accomplished.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
It's not our place or business to force democracy down the throats of other nations, particularly when our own brand of democracy is so badly flawed and broken. Our schools are failing our children. College tuition costs have risen so dramatically that middle class families are saying that there is just no way. The war on drugs is a failure. Nearly 50 million Americans have no health insurance. Hospitals have closed due to treating illegals without payment. The trade deficit exceeds $2 billion per day and is not addressed. Five years after 9/11 our borders remain open and cargo containers are not inspected. INS has absolutely no handle on special work visas.
That is why I support Jon Tester for the United States Senate and pray that you will do the same.
Posted by admin at 06:29 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Letter: Republicans gutted public access
As some might know, I have been deeply involved in public-access issues, and I have some insight into the politics of this subject.
During the last Montana legislative session, a bill was presented to the House Fish and Game Committee that would have made into law the attorney general opinion supporting public access to streams at bridges where public roads cross.
The Republican members of that committee tabled the bill on a party-line vote....Access continues to be a hard battle. Anyone who enjoys the public land and water in Montana would be foolish to vote for these people. That includes Burns and Rehberg. If you want to see our U.S. senator and representative's true colors, ask them about Big Elk Canyon in the Crazy Mountains.
Letter: Access to public lands benefits Montanans
In Montana, our quality of life is greatly enhanced by our flowing rivers, majestic mountains, wide-open prairies and the ability to enjoy them. As a state representative and outdoor enthusiast, I encourage all Montanans to support adequate public access on state and federal lands.
Letter: Record in Iraq doesn't bode well for GOP
The Bush administration has created, in Iraq, the top breeding ground for terrorists. The recent National Intelligence Estimate confirms this.
After all this, are the Bush administration and the Republicans in Congress to be trusted to finish the job and get our troops home? I think not.
Missoulian
Oct 2nd
Americans are throwing away millions
I see a crisis looming on the horizon. Instead of saving, paying off mortgages, investing, etc., we are throwing literally billions of dollars a year at an institution that produces no product. Worse, to supplement this drain on our income we are taking out loans/debt.
Insurance is a parasite getting fat off the lifeblood of the hardworking American. If it continues to grow at its current rate one of two things will happen: It will kill us, or it will explode.
Gruesome images target children
I feel that no matter what one's stance on abortion, it is wrong to use these bullying tactics aimed at scaring kids. We should instead strive for open, respectful discourse on the subject.
Protect innocent from graphic photos
I understand that people have the freedom of speech, but what about our children's freedom to walk down the street and not have to see very graphic pictures of aborted babies?
Burns is an embarrassment
"Rag heads." "Little Guatemalan man." "Women should be home having babies." "Firefighters don't do a (expletive) thing." These statements aren't just "Conrad being Conrad." They are Conrad Burns representing the state of Montana.
It's time to put Burns out to pasture
Burns has become the detached and spoiled incumbent he railed against in 1988. Tester is a more humble man with simple goals to restore integrity to the Senate, regain common sense in government, and help ordinary working people thrive. Burns unfairly attacks Tester's honor because Burns is cornered. Tester is not deceitful, but simply speaks truth to power. We need fresh ideas. Burns has served us well in some ways, but has lost touch. It's time to put Burns out to pasture and elect Tester to the Senate.
Helena IR's Readers Alley
No to CI 97
The initiative CI 97 is being promoted by out-of-state interests who do not know nor care about Montana's needs. It is based on population growth and inflation and would result in higher property taxes.
Ridiculous claim
Jon Tester does not support gun control. And, he has a much better record than Senator Conrad Burns on assuring public access to public lands-something all hunters should look at as they decide who to vote for in November.
Posted by admin at 05:26 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
New blood needed for U.S. Senate, House
I used to be a Republican. That was before George W. Bush, Conrad Burns and Denny Rehberg. Currently, the Republican Party has set America on the wrong course. I am sure some moderate Republicans, most Independents and all Democrats could give you reasons this is so sadly true.
For country's sake, new leadership needed
With presidential leadership, with conservation and alternative energy, we could become energy self-sufficient in 10 years or less and tell the Middle Eastern oil cartel where to go. With the $500 billion spent in Iraq, we could pay for it. We need to get out of the no-win conflict in Iraq and dedicate our resources to our country, our citizens and our future.
Oct 1
Letter: Lindeen sees Iraq war for the mistake it is
Helena IR
Unsubtle ads
The flaming T is just missing one line that would make it the Klan's burning cross. Are they suggesting Burn’s opponent is the devil? Not very subtle. I'm waiting for the one proclaiming non-supporters as fascist-terrorists (oops, hope I haven't given them any ideas).
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Independent voters
Recent letters to this paper encourage voters to vote for Republican candidates on the mere basis of their party affiliation. Such sentiment belies the ideal of Montanans as independent people to whom things like character, honesty and integrity are important. Instead of examining each candidate's history and where he or she stands on issues important to voters, we are encouraged to put blinders on and join the herd going wherever party leaders chose to take us. As one who has voted across party lines, I find this advocacy offensive.
Devil's Work
The great invention of the American system was to give us a process that leads toward the truth in spite of the political Elmer Gantrys. Take away the rule of law and our self-governing principles, and we are in a hall of mirrors where we cannot determine who is lying or who is telling the truth.
Absentee voting
If you haven't registered, you must do so in order to vote. There are easy rules for that, too. Most of all it allows you one of the many privileges of an American citizen. A happy thought.
So take our advice, you still have time, vote absentee and make sure you are registered to vote. Voting by mail is the best way to assure that you have participated as all good citizens must.
Not a Letter, A Commentary on I154 By Joe McCarty
Someone suggested that if I-154 passes that another initiative should be adopted to require landowners whose property value is improved by government planning to pay back some part of the gain. The idea is that this payment would provide money to pay for any planning that diminished some other property-if any of it could ever be calculated. It sounds like a lawyer’s dream to me. With all the misinformation and confusion about this problem we didn't know we had, I hope you’ll adopt the only logical approach: just vote no.
Missoulian
Oct 1st
Organized labor often subject to attacks
Thomas Jefferson stated, during a heated debate in Congress, "When the working people in this country no longer have the right to strike their employer for a better living, then this country will no longer be my country." Thanks to men like Jefferson the many attempts to add anti-working class provisions to our Constitution and the Bill of Rights were prevented.
Posted by admin at 06:15 AM | Comments (0)
Missoulian
Vote as if it will really count
Many people whom I have talked to recently think that the courts have "taken care of" Constitutional Initiative 97, the dangerous and unnecessary budget cap initiative. That is not the case. This initiative and the others supported by big out-of-state money, CI-98 and Initiative 154 are still on the ballot. Until the Supreme Court rules, we will not know whether the votes will be counted. Urge everyone you know to vote as if it will count.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Lack of congressional accountability demands outrage
It is time to put honest people in Congress; people who have integrity and honor the responsibility to speak and act for the people they represent. Do you wonder when we will be represented by legislators who first and foremost legislate for the good of the majority of people?
If you can't say something good about somebody ...
On the front page it stated "First Zorroo, now The Mark of Tester."
If there were ever anything which would make me not vote for a candidate it would be this type of campaigning. I can only imagine that this must be a group of "Mental Pigmys" to put out something like this. I guess these people think that the citizens of Montana are a bunch of dumb sheepherders who know nothing about politics and politicians, and I would imagine that there may be a rude awakening for them come election day.
Posted by admin at 05:21 AM | Comments (0)
Missoulian
It's time to bring Burns back to Montana
As a taxpayer, I would seriously object to funding Air Force One for the use of campaigning for Burns, who is still under investigation for the Abramoff scandal. I can't believe the latest remarks made by Burns about taxi drivers, firefighters and working women. If you think he's for Montana values, go online and read his voting record in the Senate.
Montana Standard
Reserved seating at the debate bothers observer
Nearby there were a lot of seats that were clearly reserved. I was surprised to see how those seats were filled by late-arriving Burns supporters.
If there was an advantage to Conrad to have his supporters so close, then I shudder to think how he would have done without them nearby.
Burns fails to show respect for working man
But the worst thing yet, he falls asleep numerous times during the Senate agriculture hearing in Great Falls, while the president of the National Association of Wheat Growers is describing industry needs.
Consider Burns’ history in upcoming election
Will Burns be able to bring home the bacon if under indictment? What if Republicans end up the congressional minority after the elections?
Or what if legal problems down the road prevent Burns from actually
finishing another term?
Helena IR
A dumb defense
The fact is that the Bush policy in Iraq is a failure, and "me too" congressmen like Rep. Rehberg who mindlessly and blindly follow their inept leader are in part to blame. He doesn’t deserve another term representing Montana.
Raise minimum wage
We are fortunate as Montanans to have a public servant who is a gentleman and a thoughtful politician. John Bohlinger, our lieutenant governor, recently spoke at our Montana Noon Kiwanis meeting
Same old story
Well, the sad truth is that the more money the workers would make, the more they would spend, making it a win-win situation for both the business and the worker.
Come next election, I hope and pray the voters will tell the Chamber of Commerce to take a long walk on a short pier.
Facts don’t change
It is public record that the Senate Select Committee on Ethics "decided not to take action on the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal" last July. Burns had "asked the committee for a letter clearing him of wrongdoing. The Committee refused the request because of a Justice Department investigation," according to Alexander Bolton in the Aug. 2, 2006 issue of "The Hill." Although I am not on the state executive board of the Montana Democrat Party, I think I will suggest we extend our agreement with Jim Farrell, not fire him.
Pride vs. shame
Or do I vote for a Missouri transplant with greasy wheels, whose name is associated with crooked lobbyists and brings SHAME to me as a Montanan whenever his name is spoken on the national news (Conrad Burns)?
Tester versus Burns. Hummmm. A real no-brainer.
Posted by admin at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
Billings Gazette
Letter: Ends justify means for GOP strategist
Karl Rove has come to Bigfork. This means Jon Tester is up against the greatest political strategist of all time. If Sen. Tester survives, it is sure to be bloody. If he wins, it could help change the course of history. A defeated Sen. Burns could break the Republican stranglehold.
Letter: Burns' attacks on Tester are false patriotism
This administration has slowly eroded the Constitution at every turn. Then Burns calls a judge who stands up for that Constitution a liberal. Well, if that is liberalism, count me in.
Letter: Tester will bring Montana values to Washington
But trust your gut, and trust a third-generation dirt farmer from Big Sandy. Vote for Tester.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Tester is one who represents true Montana values
It's not even so much that he can't keep his mouth shut but that he won't. Burns intends to offend. He assumes that Americans and Montanans relate to his boorish behavior. Are these Montana values? Do we really want Conrad Burns to represent us?
Montanans hold themselves apart from national politics
I feel moved to say to any reader of the Chronicle opinion page: be involved in the political process enough to care. Be involved in the process enough to gather information to make an informed vote on all the issues and be involved enough to protect yourselves and the most vulnerable among us from the tyranny of a few, be they "activist judges," radical Republicans, "blue-state Democrats" or just "Montanans of all stripes."
Montana Standard Letters page
Documentation sought about Burns employee
The question has been raised in news stories because of comments you have made at various public events as to whether Reyes is residing and working legally or illegally in the Unites States.
As executive secretary of the Montana State AFL-CIO representing thousands of organized working men and women and their families, I am requesting that you provide documentation clearing up this matter.
Take a close look at the House race
Rehberg favors "staying the course"in Iraq, even though the Bush administration has no plan for extricating our troops from the sectarian civil war raging there, a tragically useless war having nothing to do with the real "War on Terror."
'Cut and run' can have many meanings
Cut our national integrity, and run our countries honor into the toilet.
Jon Tester and Monica Lindeen will not cut and run. So join me in supporting your Democratic candidates this election.
Posted by admin at 08:19 AM | Comments (0)
...or we are just opening the door to an even more fascist government. Most democracies have lasted less than 200 years. I don’t feel ours is secure any more.
Peter Aven Bozeman
Posted by admin at 07:15 AM | Comments (0)
Posted by admin at 08:36 AM | Comments (0)