09/03-04/08 Wyoming Democratic Party Daily News Roundup
-
Sep 5, 2008 Posted by Lauri Elbing
LTE: Global ambitions replace diplomacy by TOM BISHOP, Atlantic City Anti-Lummis
“Now that Cynthia Lummis has been properly chastised for her could-have-been-expected blunder, perhaps we could get both Lummis and her opponent, Gary Trauner, to engage in meaningful comments. How about answering some relevant questions? Do Lummis and Trauner support the George W. Bush doctrine of global democratization? Bush doctrine: " we have begun a world democratic revolution that will continue until all the despotisms of the Middle East are overthrown and replaced by democracies." (Quotation taken from the book, "Where the Right Went Wrong," by Patrick J. Buchanan.) Preemptive warfare: Bush doctrine: "No nation will be permitted, ever again, to rise to a position of power to where it can challenge the United States, global or regionally." Or do she and Trauner support the admonitions of George Washington that other presidents have followed the past 221 years? George Washington's farewell address can be found in many sources. Refresh your memory. This is important: under Bush we have changed a 200-year course and the results have not been particularly good. Next: Off-shore drilling and any other drilling for petroleum products only lengthens the time of our energy problem; it does not solve it. Trauner does have some information and ideas ("American energy for the American people," Casper Star-Tribune, Saturday, Aug. 30). Lummis? We don't know. Lummis apparently is under pressure to fall in line with Sen. John McCain's program, since her remarks at the Republican National Convention were to be edited for McCain's benefit ("Lummis will address Republican convention," Casper Star-Tribune, Aug. 30). I am sure all the residents of the state are more interested in Lummis' ideas. Next: Economics. Free trade and outsourcing to foreign countries are among causes effecting our present economic problems. What else? A lot. Do the candidates have any ideas for solutions? Credit due: Lummis' gaff was good, though. After all, she managed to insult just about 50 percent of the residents of Wyoming. And, of course, her comment also insulted the intelligence of about 50 percent of the state legislators, and about 50 percent of the present congressional delegation, too. Not bad.”
LTE: Sniping fixates on distracting remark by PEG BRAMSON, Casper Pro-Lummis
“Isn't it interesting that there were 13 letters in two days' papers (Aug. 26 and Aug. 30) -- all 13 written regarding Cynthia Lummis' one remark about Trauner's being raised in New York! Did these 13 neglect reading the front-page article, "Lummis Regrets Choice of Words," Aug. 26? She was clearly explaining her specific meaning and not the exaggerated meaning these letter writers purport….In that same article Gary Trauner said, "that's what people talk about when they don't have anything else to say." Yet that is exactly what these 13 letter writers have done -- magnified this one remark!...Now, let's hear about Gary's experience instead of launching negatively on one tiny statement his opponent made, and disregarding experience and issues at hand as he would like his constituents to do!”
LTE: Legends take shape in campaign by THOMAS TAYLOR COOPER, Casper (interesting poem)
LTE: Paradigm shifts toward compassion by STEVE MONTELEONE, Casper
“Those who do not believe in God because His prescience is not made known in the form of miracles need only look to the cities of New Orleans and St. Paul and be converted!… Can it be that the Republican Party has donned the cloak of compassion towards actual American human-beings? Miracles and wonders -- there is simply no other explanation for it. When Barack Obama came to town with his message of change, the last place I expected it to see it first occur was in the Republican party. I know he's good but, this is incredible. Now, I can't wait to see just how long it lasts.”
RAPID RESPONSE*** LTE: Present decisions affect future events by DON THORSON, Newcastle ANTI-TRAUNER
“There seems to be a well organized, quickly mobilized campaign to castigate Cynthia Lummis for the remark she made about the time Gary Trauner has lived in Wyoming. Many people make the same comment about people who come here, not to build a life but to try to change our life to make it more like the Eastern United States. The Jackson area is notable for an influx of wealthy, environmentally oriented people who are critical of the rest of us. After all, they did vote for Kerry. We have effective environmental program in force and it works fine without the Eastern influence. A word about Gary Trauner. If he is elected, he will be an echo for Nancy Pelosi because under her Third-World dictator type rule, you go along to get along. He is already repeating her comments on energy. Pelosi says if we start to drill, it won't make any difference in the price in 10 years. But if we don't start to drill, where will the price be in 10 years? If we had started drilling 10 years ago, we would probably have 1 million to 2 million additional barrels now. Why don't oil companies drill on the leases they have? These leases expire on set terms of three, five or 10 years, and the companies lose them if they don't drill. If the lease looks productive, someone will drill. Why do we ship oil to Japan? The reason is we don't have enough refineries to refine heavy black Alaskan oil on the West Coast, so we in effect trade that oil for a better grade of oil for gulf coast refineries and make a profit on the transportation. Gary claims to be a businessman but I do not know what his business is. He has been running for Congress for six years. The Republicans are probably going to be a minority in the House again and will need all the help they can get to prevent higher taxes and more government controls. A new Republican from Wyoming will have little power now, but the power will shift and then the seniority which Cynthia can acquire now will be important.”
LTE: Hypersensitive protest to protest by DENNIS BROSSMAN, Lander
“… Since Trauner's arrival, has he schmoozed with Eastern, city types and designer urbanites or has he rejected his past and now wants to act more "Western"? Though it's northwest in our state, today's Jackson is as "New York" as any Boulder, Bozeman, or San Francisco. As mentalities go, Torrington and Buffalo are a lot farther West or Rocky Mountain than Jackson. Does Trauner prefer teachers over ranchers? Enviros over loggers? Psychiatrists over preachers? Zoners over developers? FBI over sheriffs? Check his record! Note, also, where he wants to go if elected...”
LTE: Knowledge grows throughout life by KATHLEEN JOHNSON, Laramie
“As a 68-year-old native of Wyoming, this is what this insider learned this week! 1. As a native my values are much higher than people who have chosen to move here from somewhere else! How lame is that? 2. That there are still people like the ignorant fool from Casper who came to my garage sale Aug. 23rd cussing our governor for endorsing that (N-word instead of Obama's name). What an uneducated moron! 3. That James Dobson crony Stuart Shepherd asked people to pray for rain over the Democratic Convention -- he should have those Focus on Family followers praying for those poor people on the Gulf Coast in harm's way again and who still haven't recovered from Katrina. He is as ignorant as the fool from Casper! 4. That I too qualify for John McCain's veep, I am a woman with six children who ran a successful business. I hate moose meat, but love beef. Unlike her not paying attention to Iraq, I have kept up on that subject, so I guess I have more foreign policy experience! I don't hunt, but her hunting the big Wapiti, killing it, skinning it and making moccasins for her man will appeal to "they are going to take my guns" crowd. 5. That if what Gary Trauner says about us exporting oil is true instead of keeping it right here, then it is time for a change. That in itself really ticks me off! I say drill and drill in the front and backyards of all the people who think drilling is our answer to everything. 6. That I am proud to be a liberal (which means caring, generous, tolerant and for reform). That I am proud that my party nominated Barack Obama, an elitist (which means the best). You can't work on the south side of Chicago without learning a little how the average American suffers! By the way check the dictionary and see what the word "conservative" means. I don't think that Christ was a conservative! Only in America.”
LTE: Fear propels negative campaign by OWEN TOTH, Wheatland PRO-OBAMA re: guns issue
“I Have ran into a few people who think Barack Obama will take away their guns -- not even! He wants to make sure gangs do not have AK-47s, and you would have to live in a crime, drug riddled community to understand the chaos! No one will ever lose their gun rights in the USA. Stop buying into the Republican fear machine. Eight years of Bush fear mongering and this is the only thing on some people's minds. Barack Obama wants to help all military families, with full benefits and he pushed through the new GI Bill of Rights, more money for veterans schooling and better military/VAMC medical. McCain only uses the military to prop up his propaganda with fake window dressing! Check it out, McCain has cut veterans' benefits and wants to do away with the VAMC system, privatize Social Security, and has voted against better VAMC solutions most of his life. Mcbush acts pro military/veteran to sucker the military men and women and vets into voting for him, but he has no plan to improve their tours of duty or their benefits. I am voting for Barack Obama he is the only one along with Joe Biden to get us out of so many quagmires. This Republican is voting with the Dems and Independents! With more than $100 million in his banking account and seven homes he can't keep track of, do you really think he cares about the middle class (that he defines as those making around $5 million)?”
LTE: Hecklers stack up on Web publication by JIM CRISWELL, Rock Springs Pro-Lummis
“I really enjoy the electronic version of the Casper Star-Tribune. It allows me to read the paper and comments (BULL and flounder crack me up) no matter where I am. On Thursday, Aug. 28th, the electronic letters page had a total of 23 letters published, with 10 bashing Cynthia Lummis. It sure didn't take the Trauner attack machine long to get the letter templates distributed. At least Cynthia has the gravitas to speak for herself.”
LTE: Things change to stay the same by LAWRENCE ECKHARDT, Torrington
“…I would like to know what they have done for the last eight years, those who prompt us to change.”
LTE: Voters decide who's telling truth by KELLY SOUTHER, Rock Springs
“With our country closing in on a crossroads, I believe it is time that the citizens of Wyoming start doing the things to keep us living the lifestyle we are so blessed with. First of all, I as a Wyomingite want to see things put into place that will allow our state to survive all our needs. I do respect the fact that our state Legislature is socking money away for those days when all the large oilfield companies leave after they have destroyed our state….So what can we do as Wyoming residents, we need to elect the kind of people who understand that saving is important but so is the normal repairs to keep our towns and cities in liveable shape. Electing the right people from mayor to president is the only way we will ever get some change. So I ask all my neighbors to look at the facts and try to determine which of the candidates are not just blowing smoke.”
LTE: New leadership finds better way by CURT WARTICK, Casper
“I was going to leave this observation to a time further down the road, until there is more proof positive, but there's now no need. Since Chad Baldwin took over as editor from Clark Walworth and his diverse staff taking turns with opposing views, I find myself agreeing with almost every editorial offering. It is clear that Chad is more dedicated to voicing consistent Wyoming values and is less concerned about just creating daily stink. Regardless of one's political affiliation, the Aug. 22 editorial observation regarding past successes of negative campaigning (Cubin over Trauner and the latest of Lummis over Gordon) and a warning not to reward this "off course" behavior proves my point. Many people are not bright enough to see through or even correctly evaluate the negativity. Peg Bramson (Aug. 17), looking for a reason to dislike Mark Gordon, saw the little girl in the TV ad as digging a grave? Although the ad was negative, most of us saw a little girl digging a symbolic political hole in a sandbox. Chad and the Casper Star-Tribune beat me to the punch. On everything in general, Chad, keep up the good work.”
Hours before Sarah Palin delivered her Republican National Convention speech Wednesday night, Wyoming's delegates had already made up their minds about presidential candidate John McCain's little-known running mate.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Forum set for open county seat
GREEN RIVER -- During their last two meetings, Sweetwater County Commissioners were unable to reach an agreement regarding the relatively minor appointment of a volunteer resident to the local Joint Powers Water Board.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
State recalls PAWS results due to printing error
Parents who have received their children's 2008 Proficiency Assessment for Wyoming Students results should be aware the report has a printing error, according to the Wyoming Department of Education.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
UW hosts energy economics conference today
LARAMIE - Sinclair Oil's president will be among the panelists at an energy economics conference at the University of Wyoming Union today.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Palin mocks Obama before McCain nomination
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Claiming her historic place on the Republican ticket, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin mocked Barack Obama's experience and promise of change Wednesday night and pledged to help John McCain upend the Washington establishment.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Freudenthal open to gas pipeline ideas
CHEYENNE -- Gov. Dave Freudenthal said Wednesday that the state doesn't have the constitutional authority to fund or invest in new natural gas pipelines -- one option that could help spur the export of the state's abundant gas reserves.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Montana loses federal disease-free status for cattle
BILLINGS, Mont. -- Montana has lost its federal disease-free status for brucellosis, triggering mandatory testing of cattle being shipped out-of-state.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Foundation to study nursing shortage
CHEYENNE -- The Wyoming Community Foundation has received a grant to study how to address the shortage of nurses in the state and other nursing issues.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Commission stands firm on turbine locations
GREEN RIVER -- There will be no late changes to current plans to construct a 36-turbine wind farm on top of White Mountain, Sweetwater County commissioners told the project's developer Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Lummis takes cancellation in stride
Cynthia Lummis was back in Wyoming on Tuesday, choosing to focus on the positives she gained from the Republican National Convention rather than the speech she wasn't able to deliver in St. Paul, Minn.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
***Reed Eckhardt Column: Once again, Freudenthal loses way in terms of helping state residents
“If Mr. Freudenthal really feels the pain of state residents - and I believe he does - then he needs to find real ways to help them. Calling a special session would show real concern. Seeking to lower property taxes is little more than political fluff.”
Governor calls Palin a 'good person'
Governor Dave Freudenthal has met Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin several times.Lummis would have touted Wyoming economy
“U-S House candidate Cynthia Lummis will not speak at this week's Republican National Convention. The events surrounding Hurricane Gustav caused several major changes to the event in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Lummis says she received final word that her speech would not be rescheduled. "I am a rancher," she said. "I understand how weather changes your life and what you do with your time and so in some ways it seemed very normal to me." Lummis says she would have discussed Wyoming's economy and its role in the national energy debate. She was selected among a handful of candidates running for federal office to give a two-minute address in Saint Paul. She says was able to rehearse her speech on the same stage as First Lady Laura Bush.”
Industry to protest Pinedale plan
“An oil and gas industry representative says her group will protest the amount of land that will be off-limits to drilling in the Pinedale area…”.Climate Change May Shape Big Game Migration
“The US Geological Survey is looking for connections between changing snow pack and animal behaviors like feeding and migration….”Social Security debit cards come to Wyoming
“Wyoming is one of a dozen Western states where the Treasury Department is introducing a Social Security debit card….”
Plover is ‘sensitive,’ not in danger
“Although sage grouse tend to get all the headlines in the Powder River Basin, there are always other wildlife species that energy producers also must accommodate during their work, including another little brown bird called the mountain plover….”
Speech intrigues Jackson residents
“Jackson Hole Republicans, along with the rest of the country, were eagerly awaiting the speech by Sen. John McCain’s vice presidential pick Wednesday at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul….”Commissioners place wind generators on the table
“A proposal to relocate 36 wind generators near Pilot Butte was tabled after the Sweetwater County Commissioners could not come to a decision about the move….”
At the convention ...
“Rep. Ed Buchanan (left) and Chuck Kenyon, both of Torrington, were seated on the floor of the Wyoming Republican Convention as it got underway on Monday in St. Paul, Minn. Buchanan and Kenyon are two of Wyoming’s delegates to the convention. The convention will continue through Thursday, ending with the nomination acceptance speech from Sen. John McCain….”LTE: Congress should scrutinize executive actions
“The U.S. Congress does not seem to understand that they make up a separate branch of government with the duty to scrutinize executive stupidity and avoid wars that undermine the nation’s interests. When Bush said God told him to invade Iraq, Congress had a constitutional responsibility to independently stop that insanity. Instead, Congress chose the politically expedient road…”LTE: McCain campaign promises more of the same
“Eight years of Bush-Cheney have been a disaster for America. But what next? Should McCain be the next president we can forget about undoing Bush-Cheney. McCain promises to march ahead on the Bush-Cheney road, prolonging the war in Iraq, saying we must win in Iraq that we can’t quit like we did in Vietnam….”Korean War Memorial dedicated Saturday
“Korean War veterans will unveil a monument to their 60 fallen comrades Saturday….The event will feature Gov. Dave Freudenthal and Counsel General Koo of the Republic of Korea as speakers. Wyoming Adjutant Gen. Ed Wright also will attend….”EDITORIAL: Veterans memorial park honors sacrifice
On Saturday morning the results of more than two years of hard work and fundraising efforts by Korean War veterans from Park County will be unveiled.Cody woman has ties to GOP's veep nominee
“Cody resident Colleen Hodson, an Alaska native, has sports and school connections to Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president.…”EDITORIAL: ‘Unnatural' Jackson elk refuge full of disease
“After observing the artificial-feed buffet for elk at the National Elk Refuge, along with the calf hoof-rot and all the willows nibbled to the nubs, all I could think was, ‘I have a feeling we're not in Wyoming anymore.’”***Two 24-hr. day cares?: City considers grants to help build facilities
“…During the public comments portion of the council’s meeting last week, Coyne requested the city to sponsor the grants that he said would bring day care services to some 150 Douglas kids, as well as allow 120 adults to pursue gainful employment opportunities. If Douglas leaders comply, they would present the grant proposals to officials of the state Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program no later than the Sept. 12 deadline. The grants are in the amount of $3 million each, which would go toward constructing the more than 8,000-square-foot facilities and the foundation infrastructure, Coyne said….”
“’Three of the turbines will be commissioned by GE next week. They will commission the first 25 on generators,’ he said. ‘After that, we’ll just be erecting and commissioning turbines all the way down. Once the first three are commissioned, the process should go faster and easier….’”
Reading, math highlight PAWS test for students
“…Overall, Douglas School District had an average of 60.6 percent of all the students tested reach the proficient or advanced levels for their individual grades. The passing average is up nearly 2.5 percent from the district’s 2005-2006 score of 58.2 percent.…”
Hours before Sarah Palin delivered her RNC speech Wednesday night, Wyoming's delegates endorsed presidential candidate John McCain's little-known running mate
09/04/2008
Gov. Freudenthal says the state has no constitutional authority to invest in new gas pipelines, however he's open to discussion on changing laws
09/04/2008
Economics of Renewable Energy Forum Today
Sinclair Oil's president will be among the panelists at an energy economics conference at the University of Wyoming today
09/04/2008
Wildfires Give Cheap Ecological Benefits
Wyoming's 2 major wildfires that cleared out beetle-killed trees at a cost of $153 an acre cut down the cost the govt. would have to pay to do the same thing: $300 an acre
09/04/2008
Montana Loses Brucellosis-Free Status
Montana has lost its federal brucellosis-free status, triggering mandatory testing of cattle being shipped out of state
09/04/2008
Lummis Returns To Wyo After Cancelled Speech
US House candidate Cindy Lummis returned to Wyoming to focus on her campaign after Hurricane Gustav forced a cancellation in her speech at the Republican National Convention
09/03/2008
There will be no late changes to current plans to construct a 36-turbine wind farm on top of White Mountain, Sweetwater County commissioners told the project's developer
09/03/2008
Congressional Candidates Set For Forum
The candidates running for Wyoming's lone congressional seat will appear in Cheyenne Friday in the fourth of a series of congressional forums sponsored by Chambers of Commerce across the state
09/03/2008
A high-tech research & manufacturing company has set up its headquarters in Cheyenne, hoping to encourage similar businesses to plant roots there too
09/03/2008
Wyoming Unemployment Rate Creeps Up
At 3.6%, Wyoming's unemployment rate in July is the highest rate since November 2005.
09/03/2008
Nursing Shortage To Be Examined
The Wyoming Community Foundation has received a grant to study how to address the shortage of nurses in the state and other nursing issues
09/03/2008