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Gallatin County Democrats - Bozeman, Montana - Government by the people  <meta name="description" content="Gallatin County Democrats | The Bozeman, Montana Democratic Party - Dedicated to Government by the People" > <meta name="keywords" content="Gallatin County Democrats, Bozeman, Montana, politics, political, MSU, news, central committee"> <meta name="GOOGLEBOT" content="index, follow"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <link rel="icon" href="/img/favkickingdonkey.ico" type="image/x-icon"> <style type="text/css"> @import url(/nav.css); </style> <script type="text/javascript" src="/navbar.js"></script>   </head> <body onLoad="if(self.onLoadHandler) onLoadHandler() ;"> <div id="header"> <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com"><img src="/img/bridgers.south.jpg" alt="Gallatin Democrats" width="850" height="175" border="0"></a> </div> <div id="container"> <ul id="nav"> <li><a href="candidates/Candidate%20contact.html">Candidates</a> <ul> <li><a href="Templates/senate.html">Senate</a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/LarryJent.html">Larry Jent</a></li> <li><a href="candidates/alexrussell.html">Alex Russell</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="candidates/house.html" class="daddy">House</a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/Jennifer%20%20JP%20Pomnichowski.html">Jennifer Pomnichowski</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/FrankeWilmer.html">Franke Wilmer</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/bradywiseman.html">Brady Wiseman</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/mikephillips.html">Mike Phillips</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/lauraobert.html">Laura Obert</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/johnvincent.html">John Vincent</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/lorenacton.html">Loren Acton</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="candidates/county.html" class="daddy">County</a> <ul> <li><a href="/candidates/LyneaSeher.html">Lynea Seher</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/ericsemerad.html">Eric Semarad</a></li> <li><a href="/candidates/derikpomeroy.html">Derik Pomeroy</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html">Officeholders</a> <ul> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html" class="daddy">House</a></li> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html" class="daddy">Senate</a></li> <li><a href="candidates/officeholders.html" class="daddy">County</a> <ul> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">County Commissioner</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">Sheriff</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">Clerk & Recorder/Surveyor</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/county.html">County Attorney </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html" class="daddy">Statewide</a> <ul> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Governor</a></li> <li><a href="Templates/statedemocraticofficeholders.html">Lt. 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The question now is whether Sales can force too much wackiness and short-sightedness into the budget. Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/12/_thinking_ahead.php">04:35 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/12/_thinking_ahead.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>November 10, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000326">Spock the News by Ron Pulcini</h3> Recommendation: Bozeman High's Principal play Ombudsman at the BozemanDaily Chronicle's New. An article by Gail Schontzler, one of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle's most thorough reporters, somehow escaped Managing Editor Bob Gibson's big, bad "redaction" crayon in the Thursday 11/9/06 (page A3) edition. Seems that Bozeman High's Principal Godfrey Saunders (when-this-man-sauntners/ down Long Hall/Freshmen-grin/backs-against-the-wall), kept the Oct 27th issue of the student newspaper, the Hawk Talk, from being inserted the next day (Saturday) in the BDC. According to Schontzler's report, a few students had authored an opinion piece about the volleyball coaches, possibly unflattering. Principal Saunders called the Montana School Board Association to get a legal opinion: "It was an article," he was quoted as saying, "we felt our attorney should look at from a liability standpoint." With the MSBA's approval, Saunders switched back on the green light. "I'm trying to be fair and equitable to everyone." The details of the student piece are not important here. WHAT IS is whether Publisher Rick Weaver should have been consulted before the Schontzler's story went to press.* It's only natural that he would be interested in language suggestive of a change in editorial policy. For example, when Schontzler asked co-Editor-in-Chief of the Hawk Talk, Michael Lin, about the turn of events, he said, "I guess we've still got to work on our editing techniques." And Max Lowe, the other co-Editor-in-Chief, said the lesson he drew from the whole business is: "the school is very touchy on issues going on in the school that might affect its reputation." But then comes her final paragraph: "Lowe said it probably was a mistake on the editors' part not to have included the coaches’ side in the same edition. If someone wants to print a rebuttal in the opinion column," Schontzler wrote, "[he said], the Hawk Talk would welcome it." If this is a flag-pole-runner-upper-in-progress, the BDC's executive editorial committee should be commended for considering refining the paper's editorial policy: Interviewing both candidates of any given political campaign BEFORE their endorsements are printed is actually good journalism practice. Perhaps this interpretation of the conditions under which Schontzler's article was allowed to appear are merely hopeful. What perhaps is needed is Godfrey Saunders strolling through the editorial department's "Dilbert-Villes," smiling, looking down, directly in each set of eyes - not a single word uttered. *Admittedly unfair; after all, the editorial drop-deadline is sometime after midnight. Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/spock_the_news_1.php">01:35 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/spock_the_news_1.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>November 05, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000312">SPOCK THE NEWS by Ron Pulcini</h3> Chronicle Editors Make Lousy Political Consultants The EMs are flying, local Democratic candidates complaining - legitimately - about not being interviewed for consideration of the Chronicle endorsement process. "The Chronicle Breakdown," they're calling it. My bet is a few Republican candidates (inject sodium pentothal/get truth) would condemn the results as well. The heading of the endorsement column on page A4 makes clear the editors' intentions: "Diversity of opinion can be key to good legislating." Score card of the Chronicle's Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down and Rationale: Republicans: 7 • Democrats: 4 Reporter Walt "The Big Snore" Williams, Managing Editor Bob "Control the Troops" Gibson, Publisher Rick "What Would The Lord Do?" Weaver (NOTE: David Lord is President of Pioneer Newspapers), Editorial Page Editor Bill "Sold Out" Wilke, Assistant Managing Editor Karin "They Shut Me Up" Ronnow, et al, have betrayed their educations, intelligence and knowledge of our community by attempting to pass themselves off as political consultants and not as professional journalists. Seven (7) Republicans and four (4) Democrats defining "diversity of opinion" is bad math in any 19th Century primer! What Master is this Confederacy of Dunces serving? IF Williams, Gibson, Wilke, Weaver and Ronnow had read the notes they stuck in the back of their desk drawers and, their recommendations to the voters were supposedly about: 1) which candidates possess the best qualifications, knowledge and experience and, 2) whether they fit their districts (or not) then more thoughtful and consistent opinions would have been on display in the Saturday, November 4th issue. What follows are the Chronical editors' endorsements (in nutshells) and the "internal" commentaries that drove their conclusions: HD #62 - (Livingston): Thumbs Up: Democrat Bob Ebinger; Thumbs Down: Republican (incumbent) Pat Wagman; Rationale: Wagman has been a "… zealous conservative who rarely works with the other side." Gibson to Wilke: I know, I know, Sinrud and Sales don't work with others either, but Wagman lives over the Bozeman Pass so when are we going to talk with him again? HD #63 - Thumbs Up: Republican (incumbent) Bill Warden; Thumbs Down: Democrat JP Pomnichowski; Rationale: "He (Warden) can bring together disparate groups on complex issues and end up with good law." Wilke to Ronnow: It's good to stretch the truth: pulling disparate groups together by never saying anything on the House floor is good strategy- one less legislator we’ve got to cover. And hell, who wants to type the word "Pomnichowski" over and over? HD #64 - Thumbs Up: Republican Jim Klug; Thumbs Down: Democrat Franke Wilmer; Rationale: Despite Franke's ability to "…comprehensively list the many issues the Legislature should face," the editors claim "Klug has thought through many of the issues and has solutions in mind." Williams to Gibson: You're going to make me call Klug because Franke Wilmer and Jim Walseth complained about that lying ad yesterday? Gibson to Williams [later]: His excuse makes perfectly good sense to me: "Despite the fact that I have personally had this information for several weeks … I chose NOT to take it public or make it an issue in our campaign - we chose the high road." Anyway, whoever heard of a woman hunting? HD #65 — Thumbs Up: Democrat (incumbent) Brady Wiseman; Thumbs Down: Republican Kate Reid; Rationale: Wiseman's edge has " … boosted him into a leadership role in the party, where he is sought out for his campaign expertise and an idealism that suits his district." Gibson to Weaver: I hate to admit it, but Wiseman IS brilliant. Besides, I over-heard the Republican Chairman, Martin Coleman, call Reid a Repub-a-Dema-Terian - whatever that is. HD #66 — Thumbs Up: Republican Gordon Vance; Thumbs Down: Democrat Mike Phillips; Rationale: "He (Vance) will represent the district well and should be elected…" Display Ad Sales Manager and Weaver to Gibson: Vance's supporters advertise big time with their motorsports businesses; and besides, we've gotta be consistent: how could we endorse Steve "Four-Wheel-Anywhere-I-Want" White for county commissioner and not recommend Vance? Besides, Phillips' followers don't buy snow sleds, right? HD #67 — Thumbs Up: Republican (incumbent) John Sinrud; Thumbs Down: Democrat (Write-in) Renae Jones; Rationale: "Sinrud has been an aggressive budget and taxation watchdog and deserves a return trip to Helena." Gibson to Walt Williams: I like that "watchdog" thing you wrote; makes us look like we think he really cares about the peoples' money. Which is why we're against raising the minimum wage - save the people from having more money to be taxed, right? Are you listening Walt? Walt! Wake up! HD #68 — Thumbs Up: Republican (incumbent) Scott Sales; Thumbs Down: Democrat Laura Obert; Rationale: "Sales has learned during two terms how best to represent the district…" Williams to Gibson: Interviews with Scott Sales are easy, gives the same answer to any question: "No." Especially education. Also, that Obert woman lives w-a-y up in Townsend - and it's not worth going there considering what you pay for mileage. HD #69 — Thumbs Up: Democrat Loren Acton; Thumbs Down: Republican (incumbent) Jack Wells; Rationale: "He (Acton) has been straightforward about his views, even as they conflict with some constituents. As the more moderate and open-minded of the two candidates, Acton would serve the entire district…" Weaver to Gibson: Okay Bob, let me get this straight: Wilmer wouldn't fit in HD #64 but Acton will in HD #69? And when did being "open-minded" suddenly become so important about candidates? I thought Wells' narrow-mindedness made great headlines! HD #70 — Thumbs Up: Democrat John Vincent; Thumbs Down: Republican (incumbent) Roger Koopman; Rationale: a) "Koopman’s time in Helena has been bumpy," b) "Vincent's liberal politics may not sit well with what traditionally have been conservative constituents," and, "Vincent is best suited to work within the system to govern the whole state." Bob Gibson to Walt Williams: That's a nice, subtle touch, Walt: calling Vincent's politics "liberal," such a dirty word! But we'll miss ol' Roger coming in every week with his I-saved-Highway-191 routine - I don't remember ever having to pay any mileage for stories you did on him! SD # 32: — Thumbs Up: Republican Art Wittich; Thumbs Down: Democrat Larry Jent; Rationale: Although "… both are successful Bozeman attorneys and relatively moderate within their parties," "…Montana needs a political balance between the legislative chambers and Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer," blah, blah, blah, "Gallatin County can help ensure that balance by electing Wittich to help build a Republican majority in the Senate." Weaver to Gibson: This was a tough call, Jent having such depth in the legislature. I am a little concerned, Gibson, about that "Republican majority" thing, might give us away. Let's bring balance to the article, throw in the term "diversity of opinion" at the top of the story; hope no ones reads the fine print. Gibson saluting Weaver: Yes, sir! SD #35 — Thumbs Up: Republican (incumbent) Gary Perry; Thumbs Down: Democrat Alex Russell; Rationale: "Perry is best suited to serve Montana and SD #35." Williams to Gibson: Sure, Russell offered middle-of-the-road solutions at the Gallatin Gateway Community Center, but I was dazzled by Perry's middle-of-the-road solutions. Lastly, for Karin Ronnow who's written about being proud of her daughter in all her past columns: You and your colleagues did not endorse one woman! You can only hope your daughter turns out to be half as competent, knowledgeable and community spirited as Franke Wilmer, Laura Obert, JP Pomnichowski and Renae Jones (or for that matter that Repub-a-Dema-Terian, Kate Reid). Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/spock_the_news.php">07:06 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/spock_the_news.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>November 02, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000299">Thursday George: What’s the plan, Mr. Bush?</h3> <a title="The Independent Online - News" href="http://www.missoulanews.com/News/News.asp?no=6075">The Independent Online - News</a> But if there's one thing the Republicans don’t want to talk about right now, it's the disaster known as the Iraq war-and with good reason. We have gone from a fictional cause for launching a deadly pre-emptive invasion of a sovereign nation to the horrific and growing loss of life for both American soldiers and Iraqis for no discernible reason-except that George W. Bush and his Republican-controlled Congress are incapable of saying "we made a big mistake." Instead, and despite the ever-changing vernacular, nuance and spin, Bush and his buddies remain committed to "staying the course"-whatever that means. Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/thursday_george.php">04:48 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/11/thursday_george.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>October 20, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000249">We Answer to the Name of Liberals</h3> <a title="American Prospect Online - We Answer to the Name of Liberals" href="http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=12124">American Prospect Online - We Answer to the Name of Liberals</a> We reaffirm the great principle of liberalism: that every citizen is entitled by right to the elementary means to a good life. We believe passionately that societies should afford their citizens equal treatment under the law -- regardless of accidents of birth, race, sex, property, religion, ethnic identification, or sexual disposition. Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/we_answer_to_th.php">09:37 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/we_answer_to_th.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>October 18, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000241">Spocking The Press</h3> Spock the Press The following opinion is written in response to an article and a column in the Wednesday, 10/18/06 Bozeman Daily Chronicle: In media law - most of which relies on precedent - the "right of fair comment" was summarized in the 1930 federal case, Hoeppner vs. Dunkirk Pr.Co.: "Everyone," the summary says, "has a right to comment on matters of public interest and concern, provided they do so fairly and with an honest purpose. Such comments or criticism are not libelous, however severe in their terms, unless written maliciously. Thus it has been held that books, prints, pictures and statuary publicly exhibited, and the architecture of public building, and actors and exhibitors are all legitimate subjects of newspapers' criticism, and such criticism fairly and honestly made is not libelous, however strong the terms of censure may be." But there's another consideration most newspaper editors take seriously - even more so than their inherent protection to "call a spade a spade," especially in small town newspapers, is to never subject revenues to being held hostage by advertisers who disagree with the coverage of this or that. This First Rule of so-called "community journalism" is obeyed with a vengeance by our local press. No matter that at a public forum a legislator is rude beyond common courtesy, Bob Gibson, Chronicle editor, would never permit his writers to label that legislator as rude, pompous or that he is flat-out liar. Gibson would argue that such common adjectives are beneath him and his staff; that "common courtesy" does not call for such language, blah, blah, blah. This, despite the fact that his butt is fully covered by the law case cited above. But it really isn't any secret is it? Most of us know that the reason the Chronicle avoids harsh, realistic judgments of certain personalities is based on pure pachydermic economics: Most of the businesses in Bozeman are owned and run by Republicans, and the way they take umbrage to disagreeable opinions is to threaten their display advertising salesperson - or the publisher - to cancel their annual contract. I know this first hand having once sold advertising for the Chronicle. If this has changed since 1996, I'd be very surprised. Take Walt Williams' report in the 10/18 Chronicle about the candidates' forum at the Gallatin Gateway Community Center - "Vincent, Koopman square off at debate." [I will first acknowledge that at least the article was given front page, above-the-fold positioning] The editor who headlined Williams' story used the euphemism "square off" as if Koopman's "angrily accusing Vincent" infers John Vincent responded with like vehemence - not the case (I was there, too). Further on, Williams writes: "Koopman tried to argue with Vincent but was stopped by Maison [moderator, Sally Maison] after she tried to tell Koopman several times he had already used his turn." What happened is that Koopman raised his voice. Waived his arms. Ignored the timekeeper holding up the "finished" sign three times. And was rude, extremely rude, to Maison. No wonder: Koopman set the tone of his disregard for moderator Maison at the beginning of the evening by slinging a left-handed compliment at her: "This is so well organized, you might think Sally is a Republican." In other words: Sally is a Democrat. A woman! Someone undeserving of Monsignor Koopman's respect. But the point is Vincent didn't take the bait (as I did - going up to Koopman afterwards and asking: "Why are you so g----m rude?); instead, Vincent smiled and held up the 2005 legislative record book to verify his assertions: Koopman did vote against all six meth bills, especially HB 60 (which kept it from being transmitted to the Senate for that body's consideration). Since Williams might lose his job calling Koopman: "Rude," "Pompous," "a Liar," I'll do it for him: Roger Koopman is Rude. Roger Koopman is Pompous. And Roger Koopman is a liar. Go ahead: Cancel your advertising - this press is totally free! Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/spocking_the_pr.php">11:56 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/spocking_the_pr.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>October 12, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000222">Commentary by Ron Pulcini</h3> As the old adage goes, one shouldn't argue with people who "buy ink by the barrel." Add in the fact that, these days, objectivity in journalism is as much the victim of carelessness, disrespect and laziness as co-eds are of date rape. The lesson here is that, apparently, we cannot expect the editors and writers of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle to be anything more (or better) than they are. To wit: they'll print letters-to-the-editor (LTEs) that, had their contents been written by the Chronicle staff, would be considered libelous, potential court cases. Normally, I wouldn't waste my time responding to some LTEs, but when the editors of the Chronicle print fecal matter about candidates-RIGHT BEFORE AN ELECTION - you cannot help but suspect their intentions. And I have to make this clear: I'd attack them for allowing lies about Republicans to be printed as well! Take Bruce Hanson's (Manhattan) letter in the Thursday 10/12/06 editorial page. How about these claims? 1. "Jon Tester's stance against the Patriot Act has won him weighty endorsements from the illicit drug use lobby." Yeah, right, Bruce, forgot about that Cheech & Chong radio commercial: "Whoa, dude! The cops are right behind us; give the stuff to Jon; he's an organic farmer!" What "weighty endorsements?" Be specific. Give us their names. The dates they weighed in with their endorsements. 2. "It's understandable why the 'hemp fest' crowd backs Jon Tester: The very notion that the government, utilizing the Patriot Act, may be eavesdropping on drug-buy phone conversations makes illegal drug consumers enraged." Hanson also claims that the NORML web site promotes Tester contributions to his campaign! Read through the news back when the Patriot Act was introduced (by an Attorney General who makes Pat Robertson look angelic), no where, NO WHERE did the Buswacked Administration content that the Act would do any more to round up drug dealers than laws already on the books. Hanson's confused with "enraged" librarians. Enter the words "Jon Tester" in the search blank on NORML's web site you get zilch! Makes you wonder: would Hanson go after alcohol with such determination or … nah, I can't say it … haven't checked the DUI's in the police logs. And lastly, 3. "... why else would pot smokers gleefully endorse him? A vote for Tester is a vote for marijuana. A vote for marijuana is a vote for meth." This is the same blithering logic a smidgin over half the American voters used to re-elect the stupidest man in the country to the highest office in the land: "Duh, he sounds like me, so he's gotta be someone I can trust." When the day arrives the Chronicle returns letters like Hanson's, informing their authors that such vituperative, unsubstantiated drivel does not beckon our community's "better angels," I suspect the Yellowstone Caldera will get back on schedule and it won't matter to us any longer. Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/commentary_by_r_2.php">11:33 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/commentary_by_r_2.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>October 10, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000217">Commentary by Ron Pulcini</h3> After waiting in line last night for the debates in the SUB Ballroom, I did my best to find a seat closest to the front. A few minutes later, John Sinrud plopped down next to me—taking up more space than a Republican is entitled. "You're Ron Pulcini?" He asked. When I confirmed such he scowled and said he'd read my commentary on the Gallatin County Democratic website. Got chatty, "I guess they really like me; I'm in there a lot. " Me, Me, Me. "Why would you care?" I asked. "I really don't care what they say." I'm thinking: Mmm-huh; why pay attention to people who, must in your mind, obviously be out to get you? Or, is being paranoid listed on his web site (which, if Sinrud's got one, I've never bothered with)? For whatever reason, he began to liken Tester and the Governor. "Schweitzer's about the most dishonest, lying person in the state," he said. A few minutes later, he's up and down; gotta talk to him, to her. Good at glad-handing, this Sinrud fella. But, apparently, he's even better at insulting people. I got up to say hello to someone and when Sinrud asked, I said, yes, I was looking for another seat. He sat back down after I did and he said, "I thought you were looking to move?" "Well, John. Obviously I'm a liar, like the governor, right?" About 15 minutes later, I did move, which is when I learned that, at the the Potato Festival, Sinrud called one of our volunteers a "baby killer." Now we know why that last syllable off your last name says it all, John: Rude! Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/commentary_by_r_1.php">11:50 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/commentary_by_r_1.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>October 03, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000201">An Autumn Poem</h3> With a Wynken a Nod Wittich, Koopman, and White, one night Planned with political zeal - To overwhelm our lines of sight With signs at every field. "For what are you running, and what do you wish?" The Builders asked the three. "Perhaps we're just running to make us all rich - For our friends and our own GOP, Whose motto is: "What's In It For Me?'" Said Wittich, Koopman, And White. Realtors helped them nail their signs To posts at vacant lots. So abundant were the three's designs, The landscape they did dot. Developers then threw their might Behind the right wing three - "We'll 'doze those foothills out of sight With nary an impact fee. These Boys may hand us the entire Valley - This Wittich, That Koopman, And White." Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/an_autumn_poem.php">08:47 PM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/an_autumn_poem.php#comments">Comments (0)</a> <h2>October 01, 2006</h2> <h3 id="a000193">Commentary by Ron Pulcini</h3> NOTE: Tamara Hall, a Vice-President of the Gallatin County Republican Women's Club, has been dishing out trash and lies about Democratic Party candidates in her Chronicle columns longer than should be allowed! Her claim-to-fame byline states: "Tamara 'Tammy' Hall is an international professional speaker and author who lives in Bozeman." If she addressed topics other than Democratic Party bashing, Gallatin County Democrats could gloss over occasional tirades. But that's all she does: "We're right (in every sense of the word) and they're wrong!" So the question is: How is it the Chronicle doesn't give equal space to Gallatin County Democrats? Think about it: The Republican Party gets free advertising in every Hall column and we get buttkiss! Please contact and nag the Chronicle's editor, Bob Gibson at 582-2655 or: bgibson@dailychronicle.com - "Democrats need equal space and time!" Commentary Ron Pulcini Tamara Hall is to truth what George W. Bush is to intelligence: a zero-zero game no matter how "eloquent" they try to be. In her column of 9/29/06, Hall claims that, "In the old days, all politics was local." And today, "all politics are personal and getting meaner with each passing day." This a cheerleader ("give me an 'R'!") with a very short-term memory, a lady one ballot short of a majority So here, for your edification, Tammy, are examples of political "meaner", "dirtiest" and "mudslinging" antics which Democrats have encountered over the years, those you've chosen to ignore: How about when (state House) candidate, Tim Dowell shoveled a truck load of horse manure away from the entrance to the Democratic HQ in Kalispell in 1988? The perp who'd dumped it there in the middle of the night was arrested a week later (fined $50) when people heard him bragging: "I'm a Republican and the Democrats are full of ----anyway, so I just gave 'em some more." Or what about the time the Christian Coalition, either '88 or '90 (Joe Balyeat was active in the CC back then), mailed (USPS) out thousands of two-page black and white pieces around the state accusing Pat Williams of supporting Robert Maplethorpe's (very graphic) artwork (some reprinted in the piece). All Pat had done was vote to appropriate funds for the National Endowment for the Arts, which - if anyone was paying attention - supports the Montana Arts Council's efforts to bring poets, writers and artists into the rural schools of Montana-none of them named Robert Maplethorpe. Talk about patriotism? Let's recall the Republican Party's treatment of Georgia Democratic Senator, Max Cleland-triple amputee Vietnam Veteran! After political operative (and professed "born-again Christian" Ralph Reed) and other Republican Party hacks worked him over in his 2002 re-election campaign, you would have thought Max Cleland had handed over his right arm and two legs to Osama bin Laden in a poker game. Did the meanies go after Cleland because he was a "flaming liberal"? No! This is a moderate Democrat from a very conservative state who voted for Bush's taxcuts, the Iraq invasion and voted for the Patriot Act. He was accused of being weak on national defense, would turn the country over to the terrorists, etc. Simply put: Max Cleland was a Democrat and the Republicans were going to get rid of him if they had to cut off his remaining left arm. Remember Newt Gingrich demanding the impeachment of Clinton, all the while having an affair with one of his own staffers? Nah! Let's not admit to hypocrisy! Then there's Trent Lott…the list goes on, back to Andrew Jackson (Democrat) who faced nearly 100 pistol duels over the attacks from (mainly) Whig politicians, newspaper editors, et al about his wife, Rachel! Better watch out Tammy, someone might throw a leaded pompom at you! The fact is: politics is only as mean as you personally make it or take it— be you a local pundit, candidate or voter. Getting back to the column: "The young man" Tammy spoke with in Bozeman (who invited her to coffee and not, as she claims, the other way around) is impressive and has worked on other campaigns (including Senator Cleland's). But why is Hall so focused on him? From the way she frames the man, this "impressive guy" is very, very powerful and has single-handedly: 1) "flooded the airwaves with ads labeling Sen. Burns a liar," 2) his "attacks are…relentless," and he 3) "…continues to foil Republican attempts to create an issue-centered campaign." One guy? But if you get down to recent polls, the editorials, Tester’s honest, straight-talking commercials, his calm, forthright debating style and stalwart positions that inoculate him against the "I’m more patriotic-than-you-Burns" accusations, it could be Tamara Hall is wishing she had a guy like our guy on her side. What irritates her most is she knows that would never happen: What "intelligent, young man with an impressive resumé" would be willing to associate with people who just never get things straight in the first place? Posted by admin at <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/commentary_by_r.php">11:21 AM</a> | <a href="http://www.gallatindemocrats.com/archives/weblog/2006/10/commentary_by_r.php#comments">Comments (1)</a> </div> </div> </body> </html>