An Objectivist review of politics in Montana

Hunter's missing the point

2006-01-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Quite a large crowd of hunter's and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at the Westcoast Kalispell Center Hotel to attend the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks hearing concerning hunting regulations. Many of the hunter's were upset about the lottery and permit system regarding hunting mountain lions. Well, I hate to be a buzzkill, but if the Fed's own the land, then they call the shots. Whenever the State controls land it will, without fail, dictate it's use. That's the nature of government. If hunter's really want to make a difference then I recommend petitioning your elected representatives to allow for the sale and privitzation of government owned land. Because, this is really an issue of private property use. Under a laissez-faire system, all land is owned by private parties, and some of those parties may allow hunting on their land free or at a price, either way you can't have your cake and eat it too; you can't both have government land to hunt on and the right to hunt on that land as you see fit. Socialism and Capitalism don't mix. If you like to hunt, do it on private land.

COPS television show

2006-01-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, drugs, gambling, and prostitution should be legal for adults, wether you like them or not. That is the beauty in living in a free nation; individuals can choose to enagage in these types of activities. But, watching the show 'COPS' has shown me how far America has become less about liberty and individual rights, and more about the police state.

Citizens for a Better Flathead really ought to change their name to...

2006-01-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

...Marxist-Elitists for a Zero Growth We-Will-Decide-What's-Best Flathead. It fits their agenda and persona so much better.

Rep. Rehberg makes a funny

2006-01-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Rep. Rehberg has promised to "hold the line on taxes, Federal spending in New Year". I find that quite comical, seeing as he never has held the line on spending and taxes since being elected, save for a few times. He say's," As a member of the House Appropiations Committee, I scrutinize every dollar we spend to make sure taxpayers are getting the biggest bang for the buck, and I'll continue to make that a priority." Is that so, Representative Rehberg?-Hmmmm, then why aren't you even listed in the National taxpayers Union top 50 Rep's who have the best voting records for NOT increasing taxes? I think I smell electioneering.

A perfect example of Senator Burns and Rep. Rehberg wasting taxpayers dollars for petty projects

2006-01-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Senator Burns and Rep. Rehberg demands the Federal government to keep taking your tax dollars for the continued funding of the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning Montana. It's bad enough that tax dollars are being wasted on welfare dependents in Browning, now they want continued museum funding?! Isn't there a war on terror that we are trying to fight? Prioroties, gentleman. Besides, there are some intelligent hard working individuals who live in Browning who would do a better job at maintaining the museum if it were privately owned.

Local education superintendent upset your tax dollars aren't forthcoming

2006-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

School District 6 Superintendent, Michael Nicosia, isn't very happy that your tax dollars aren't being allocated well enough to fund government mandated education. "We have needs and those needs are not being met because of the great amounts of ear-marked money." (notice the "we's") Of course you have needs, superintendent, and it takes the power of government force to expropiate my money to pay for your liberal agenda. He actually has gone to court, and wants to go back to court to get "their" money. Just listening to this guy makes me nauseaous. I've said it before, and I will say it again; education needs to be privatized. Idea's matter.

Bigfork Steering Committee should be called Big Fork Socialist Planning Committee

2006-01-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

It should be obvious to anyone with a modicum of intelligence that the BSC is nothing but a vehicle for central planning in Big Fork. That's bad news if you are an individual or business who values the right of private property. To prove my point about my above statement, this is what the subcommitte chairwoman, Shelly Gonzales had to say about growth in Big Fork,"We're trying to figure out a way to have Big Fork grow so that it maintains its integrity...I want it to be glaring to them what Big Fork really wants...we would like as many volunteers who are comfortable with the community opinions and who can write those opinions in an objective fashion...if the community of Big Fork does not write its future, the county will write it for us and we will not have a say in such important topics as zoning...the community needs to take charge and write its own destiny." A red flag should go up in ones mind whenever someone or some group starts using we's and community as buzzwords, as if they speak for everyone.

More news about the ever inept and blatantly Marxist Flathead County Planning Board

2006-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

The ever inept, and current champions of the Marxists anti-private property ideaology in the Flathead, the Flathead County Planning Board, denied approval of two major subdivisions; Meadowbrook Place and Stage Road River Estates Phase III. Their reason's: (italics mine) 1)From board member Gordon Cross,"I think they had a reasonable expectation that the larger lot size had been firmly established in this area. They aren't saying no to development. They're just saying they want something that conforms to what's already there." If you read the above statement by the board member with emphasis on the italics you can really see what mindset and philosophy dominates this planning board; central planning. You also get the impression that you're reading a man who is being convicted of being guilty of a crime! This is why it is ever so important for the defenders of private property rights to vote these socialist types of office come election time.

Quote of the week...

2006-01-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.
-Nathaniel Branden

Quote of the week...

2006-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

"Live with integrity, respect the rights of other people, and follow your own bliss"
-Nathaniel Branden

Supreme Court Justice Roberts supports an idea our Founding Fathers warned about.

2006-01-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Chief Justice Roberts wants to raise judicial salaries. I find this idea repulsive. If anything these 'men in black' are already making too much money. To serve in a capacity as important as a US judge one should be already impassioned with reason, wisdom, and prudence. Whenever the factor of wages is concerned you necessarily dilute the pool of great candidates by pandering to those who aspire for the money AND the power instead of for the virtue of office. Isn't there enough money already in Washington being wasted and expropiated.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2005-12-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all law enforcement

2005-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

One of the few functions I believe the government should engage in is law enforcement, wether intelligence, military, or local police, from the NSA to your local police, these brave men and women work hard everyday to make sure that America is protected from terrorists and criminals. Be sure to say thank you to our veterans both past and present and those serving in other law enforcement capacities throughout the nation for their service and protection of our freedom in this, the greatest nation on Earth.

Quote of the week...

2005-12-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

We are fast approaching the stage of ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may only act by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods in human history, the stage of rule by brute force.
-Ayn Rand

A few words about Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman

2005-12-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

Those of you who read my blog know that I don't play favorites with politician's of any stripe, whatsoever. Right is right, and wrong is wrong regardless of political affiliation or credentials. That being said, Flathead County Commissioner Brenneman's voting record supporting the tenents of laissez-faire capitalism and individualism are well nigh non-existant. If you're not convinced, examine his voting record. Voting records don't lie. He is a Marxist central planner. He does not believe in the right to private property, he does not believe in major tax cuts, he does not believe in free markets. He believe's in the force of government.

Columbia Falls City Council votes 4-2 NOT to support the right to private property

2005-12-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

The Columbia Falls City Council has nixed a proposed amendment that would allow the sale of heavy equipment in b-2 zoned area's. How pathetic a display of ideaological fortitude the city council showed themselves to have. Of course from a group as Marxist and anti-private property rights as them, I don't expect anything less. Only two council-members, Barnhart and Nicosia, supported Granite's leasing plea to be able to stay on the lot and sell. The final vote was 4-2. Mob (majority) rule will always denegrate the rights of the individual to the collective 'good'.

Quote of the week...

2005-12-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

"The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."
-Ayn Rand

Senator Burns wants more bailouts and redistribution of wealth for Montana's agricultural community

2005-12-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Yet again, Senator Burns is looking to pinch money from the Montana taxpayer to pay for more state welfare/bailout assistance. And again, it is for the agricultural community. He actually has the audacity to say,"the Budget Reconciliation package...does not cut any Montana commodity programs, nor does it threaten money for food stamps...Montana farmers will continue to receive their full direct payment." (Obviously this is not a Republican that fights for the free-market.) Translation; You can count on Uncle Sam to provide the money that you need, which we gladly extort from the taxpayer. It's apparent that Senator Burns is not familiar with how a free-market system works. He also say's,"While I am not happy about the cuts to conservation programs, I am glad that we were able to preserve our commodity programs. Notice how he uses the words 'we' and 'our'. Who is this 'we' and 'our'? Blank out. Senator, I highly recommend reading 'The Capitalist Manifesto' by Andrew Bernstein. (Senator Burns is also not in the top 25 of US Senator's ranked by the National Taxpayers Union who have the best voting record for not voting for tax bills).

Senator Burns boasts $2,000,000,000 welfare tax bill

2005-12-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Senator Burns is boasting about $2,000,000,000 he wants to take from American's to redistribute to low income families who may need help paying their energy bills through a government program called LIHEAP. By what right does Senator Burns thinks the State has to forcibly take my money to pay for another's financial difficulties? Has he asked me my permission? Benevolence is a virtue, altruism is not. Some people do fall on hard times, sometimes through no fault of their own, however the ends do not justify the means. Individuals, family members, and private charities can assist these people. The state is an instrument of force and cannot, by it's very nature, provide such a service without violating the rights of others. Furthermore, this type of legislation will make sure that the welfare state will be alive and well.

Columbia Falls planning board does not respect the right to private property. Nuisance vs. Zoning laws need to be understood!

2005-12-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

The Columbia Falls planning board has de facto told Granite Leasing that it cannot sell its heavy equipment across the street from its offices on a vacant lot that they own on Hwy. 2. The problem is because it doesn't conform to city law for CB-2 zoning. Ultimately the C. Falls city council will give it a thumbs up or the middle finger, I'm inclined to think the latter. It would be excellent if city and county governments planning boards were more familiar with the difference between nuisance versus zoning laws. How about a quick crash course (from SOLOHQ); Zoning laws are government regulated restrictions on how a particular piece of land can be used. Zoning laws are merely a method of increasing power in the hands of the bureaucrats. They are a direct violation of property rights. Through the use of force, they can specifiy how people can or cannot use their property. Zoning laws are arbitray. Nusaince laws, on the other hand, only apply where there is a conflict between two parties. They specify that if one person, by the legitimate use of their property, disrupts the legitimate use of property by another, he must cease and/or pay restitution. If however, the person who is claimed to be disrupting others was there first, practicing the same behaviour, than he can continue. The major abuse is called 'city planning'. The bureaucrats decide that they can better our lives through central planning. They proceed to zone and re-zone area's, violating the rights of the citizens, and disrupting the lives of anyone who doesn't fit into their plan.

Governor Schweitzer sticks Montanan's with $8,5000,000 tax bill

2005-12-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

Governor Schweitzer is at it, again. Yes taxes, again. This time to the tune of $8,500,000 in your money to be spent on 'public' environmentalist projects. "Getting Big Butte into public ownership is great..." say's Schweitzer about the project. There is nothing great about public ownership, because slavery is not a great or noble idea. The individual must always be sacrificed at the altruistic alter of the 'public'. If you'd like to see how 'great' public ownership is then just look at any collectivist nation. Is it any coincedence that relative to how free a nation is is also the extent to how prosperous that nation is?

Whitefish resident upset he can't control city growth

2005-12-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

There's a story in the Whitefish Pilot December 15th, about a resident named Don Spivey voicing his concern over the "staggering number of new homes...expolding all around us." Exploding???-All around US??? Mr. Spivey, what exactly do you mean by 'us'? By 'us' I'm assuming he means; those people who agree with him. Clearly this is an individual who does not want growth, at least he doesn't want growth unless it occurs at what HE deems is an appropiate level. This type of thinking, collectivist/elitist group-think, is a poison to all individuals who understand and defend the principle of the right to private property.

A better use of $1,200,000 in County tax payer's money

2005-12-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Flathead County Commission has still not officially signed on the dotted line to fully acquire the $1,200,000 renovated County fairgrounds. My question is: when is it appropiate for the government to expropiate funds from the private sector in order to fund recreational facilities? The answer; NEVER. The County should do the right thing and sell the land to a private party and save the taxpayer's from having to pony up for their completely unecessary petty projects. For crying out loud this isn't even a welfare project, we're talking about recreation! What's more, privately run recreational facilities operate at a higher quality and lower cost anyhow. Unfortunately, we all know that the County will do the Marxist thing and buy the whole lot, whatever the final pricetag ends up being. Common sense seems to have left the County building. Sometimes you have to wonder if our elected leaders even understood what the American Revolution was all about.

Rehberg and Baucus hold hands

2005-12-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

Both Representative Dennis Rehberg and Senator Max Baucus are relieved that the Pombo-Gibbons proposal, or the Mining provision of the Defecit Reduction Act, did not make it into the final bill. A victory for statism, and another loss for private property rights. You see, Democrats and Republicans CAN work together!-(to erode liberty)

Quote of the week...

2005-12-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

"I need no warrant for being, and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction."
-Ayn Rand

Flathead County Commissioners have a chance to do what is right. Planning Board flexes Marxist muscle against private property development.

2005-12-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

The Flathead County Commissioners should do what is right and allow Robert Spoklie to expand his gravel pit from 8 to 25 acres. It will be interesting to see if the Flathead County Commissioner's stand on the side of private property rights, or if they throw their lot in with Marxist idea's of 'public' good and 'public' land, thereby setting liberty another step back (which seems to be the road taken these days.) Unfortunately the planning board dealt a blow to liberty and private property rights by denying Abel Ranch further development of it's own subdivisions! The board wanted to see full development in the area as opposed to piecemeal development, hence their denial. Since when does any board have the right to dictate wether a developer desires to build piecemeal or all at once?! Talk about central planning.

Senator Baucus proposes welfare bill that will tax Montanan's $35,000,000

2005-12-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Senator Baucus has introduced the 'Household Energy and Taxpayer Assistance Act' in the U.S. Senate to pile on $3,000,000,000 more in taxes for American's to pony up for welfare programs, with Montana picking $35,000,000 of the tab. Here's a couple of novel idea's, Senator; 1)cut taxes, so that individuals and families can afford to pay their utility bills 2) Stop funding wealth distribution welfare programs so that people can learn the value of independence and productivity from their own efforts, and not become collectivist minded moochers. 3)Allow a truly free market of utilities. Where there is competition you can be sure that there will be lower prices and higher quality services. That's just a fact of how a laissez-faire system works. In his press release concerning the aforementioned bill he laments how he is concerned Montanan's 'will face a choice between food on their tables and heat in the night. And they souldn't have to make that decision.' Sometimes Senator, people don't have money to pay for their utilities because they don't manage or budget their money in a prudent manner. Some people choose to squander their earnings, or not work, or spend their money recklessly when they know better. Others should not have to pay because of the shortcomings and ill behaviour's of others. Benevolence is a virtue, not altruism. There is one provision of his bill which I will say has merit. Individuals can get up to a $200 tax credit, and families can get up to a $300 tax credit. If only the Senator would think along those lines more often...

Governor Schweitzer fudges facts about educational funding. Democrat Atty General Mike McGrath accomplice to current debacle.

2005-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Governor Schweitzer is praising himself and his Democratic cronies for meeting Montana's educational funding goals without raises taxes. Really? Make no mistake about it, Montanan's will still be taxed and taxed some more. If ever there was a vehicle to expedite the advance of socialism, it's primary catalyst is through government 'education' funding (taxes) . And how dangerous is such a creature of the state. And thanks to Democrat Attorney General Mike McGrath who rescinded a 1981 state spending cap law, pandora's proverbial box has been opened for the government to tax and spend as much as they want. And to add insult to injury, our lawmakers in Helena are spending the state surplus on all their petty welfaristic government run programs. The right thing for these lawmakers to do and what ought to be discussed more in the Legisaltures, but sadly isn't, is for the surplus to be returned to its rightful owners; the taxpayers. The realm of idea's is too important for liberty to thrive and flourish for an institution of force be at the helm.

Kalispell City Council say's,'Why yes, I do own the sidewalk!'

2005-12-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Kalispell city council is upset that several developers have not met the requirements set by the city for proper sidewalk quality as defined by city standards. Boo-hoo! The real issue that begs to be asked is this; does the city have a legitamite safety concern, or is this just more of the same control over private property from the powers that be in the city council. Unless there is a definite measureable and evident danger, or a violation of another's property caused by these sidewalks, then the city needs to defer this issue entirely. The whole idea of the right to private property use and disposal seems to, quite sadly, been forgotten by too many Americans, especially those in positions of power and authority. If indviduals and business's allow the government to get there foot in the door, before long they'll have their entire body in there too. Not that there couldn't be a legitamite problem, but the problem would have to either deal a) a danger or health hazard or b) one property owner violating another property owner. The city council ought to be concerned a lot more with matters of import, specifically proper funding of the police and fire departments to serve and protect the public.

It's called electioneering

2005-12-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Senator Baucus on his website is touting how the President signed the 'Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act' into law. No doubt, I agree that this is a law beneficial to our right to bare arms. The fact is; Senator Baucus is a liberal democrat who does not share or espouse the values of Individualism, liberty, and laissez-faire capitalism. He is an elitist. He stands behind the idealogues and philosophy of big government. This business about being pro 2nd amendment is a farce. In order for him to be re-elected he needs to please his conservative base. So, every once in a while he'll support a law that makes the conservative base happy. It's an old trick, and if you're uneducated enough to read between the lines of these kinds of actions you'd miss the fact the he is pulling a favorite gimmick from the politicians way to stay in power playbook; 'things a politician must do sometimes to appease the voters and get re-elected'. A good law for sure, but with the wrong intentions.

In defense of privatizing education.

2005-12-06T01:31:00.000-08:00

In order for Montana to have the best academic achievers and highest educational quality standards in the Union, one thing must happen first; PRIVATIZATION. This is a very scary word for most people. Which is really too bad, because education IS SO VERY IMPORTANT is exactly why it needs to be privitized. Educational compulsion and regulation do not beget excellence. Society is so wrapped up in the idea that public education is critical to our very well being that to even mention the word 'privatization' is tantamount to getting yourself flogged. Having people take full responsibility for their educational future and life divorced from the state is a thought of utter horror to many, and unfortunately, most people don't want to take responsibility for their own lives. All state funds are forcibly taken from others through taxes. Government is an agency of force. Mind and force are opposites. Contrary to the collectivist doctrines taught throughout American university's, the mind of a child-or an adult-does NOT belong to the state: each person is an end to himself. If any state is allowed to gain financial control of education then it will also take over the content of that education, the realm of idea's. Such is the death of a free society. There is no such thing as a 'right to education', because such a right must make slaves of those who are physically forced to pay (taxes) or teah for someone elses so called right. The sad fact is; public education has achieved it's goal perfectly. It has turned a potential free-thinking child that will stand up and fight for liberty into an adult unable to comprehend abstract reasoning, that demands to be enslaved by the state. As a matter of fact public education has done such an excellent job at this, that most people cannot imagine a society where public education does not exist. No Child Left Behind; NO THANK YOU.

Another tax increase from Rehberg

2005-12-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

Representative Rehberg is boasting on his website about $134,987 tax increase to go to the Clark Fork Valley Hospital Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. As a House Appropiations committee member he actually wrote a letter of support for the hospital's grant application! He also supported a $8,400,000 USDA loan (that's TAXES for us intelligent folk) for the hospital's current 26,000 square foot expansion project. On his website he say's,"There is a vital need for improved healthcare facilities in Montana's rural communties...This grant will help, and I will continue to work on helping Montana's healthcare provider's meet the needs of their communities." Let's see, what did Karl Marx say......'From each according to his ability; to each according to his needs.'

Governor Schweitzer calls special session...

2005-12-05T21:51:00.000-08:00

Governor Schweitzer has called a special session of the legislature to start Wednesday, December 14th. Ever the supporter of socialized education, Schweitzer say's on his website,"Investing in our kids and K-12 public education is in important investment in our future and will help move Montana foreward." First of all Governor, I do not wish to invest in anyone else's education but my own or those that I choose. Under your government education I have no choice but to comply or go to jail if I do not pay out of my wallet for someone else's education and educational expenses. This can hardly be called an important investment in my furture or a helping move Montana foreward. Anytime that an issue of taxation without representation is thrust upon the citizens of a free state all the vanguards of liberty and justice are thrown down. There is no justice where the rights of one to live in freedom are suffocated and he is compelled to live as a slave and have others be a slave to him as well. Governor, I will choose what I feel is an important investment. I will choose what I deem is a quality education. I will choose whom I will give my money to. The state cannot be a provider, because it cannot honor it fairly and equitably, and because it makes slaves of men. Government is Force plain and simple. Strip away all of the hoopla and you'll understand that government is an instrument of force. Force can only be used to protect. Force used to provide is an oxymoron as well as anethama to liberty. Slavery is NOT noble. A state can only be a protector of individual rights. The whole special session is about funding government welfare programs! I am disgusted when I hear a public official use the auspices of helping the children to further erode our freedoms and liberty. 'Helping the children' is the biggest red herring that the United States as a whole is facing. If you really want the highest quality education and the brightest future for our posterity we must be BE FREE TO CHOOSE.

Not all non-profit organiztions are alike

2005-12-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

Before you dip into your money to give to a non-profit group this holiday season, be aware of a few things. The majority of non-profit groups are tax-exempt corporations that exist off of government money, otherwise known as your tax dollars. One of the biggest problems with non-profits is a lack of accountability. With a for-profit company accountibility is everything. If there is no accountability for mistakes or loss of profits, then company x will necessarily suffer damaging consequences. However, when it comes to a non-profit, accountability isn't as crucial because monies are still lauded regardless of performance.

Don't be fooled!

2005-12-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

Don't be fooled by those who would tell you that imposing a living wage on the economy is a great idea. IT'S NOT. Basic economic competence will tell you that pricier labor leads to fewer purchased labor hours, i.e. unemployment. Hey, if increasing wages is as easy as passing a new law, why stop at a low number?-why not raise it up $500 per hour? Because, you'll bankrupt. The living wage hurts those it intends to help and only furthers the reach of the corrupt tentacles of socialism.

Beware the Baucus!

2005-12-04T23:38:00.000-08:00

I find it rather disappointing that Senator Max Baucus hardly ever takes the time to post regular updates on his website. At least Rep. Rehberg and Senator Burns update theirs. I geuss that Senator Baucus doesn't want to keep his constituents informed of what kind of shenanigans he's up to. Another thing that I thought was completely hilarious that Senator Baucus posted on his website is a reminder that the IRS owes Montanan's up tp $170,000 in tax refund checks. A sheep in wolf's clothing indeed...

Whitefish city council is in left field

2005-12-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

The Whitefish city council is in the midst of a 'master plan' for downtown. And believe you me, it's nothing short of control, control, control. Why is it so difficult for city governments to adhere to a policy of private property rights and objective nuisance laws? Why, especially in the Flathead, do city and county governments feel that they need to control, zone, tax, and plan every single solitary structure from an outhouse to a commercial project?!?!? Such is there nature. Governments are their primarily for protection. Their needs to be a lesson on laissez-faire capitalism and nuisance vs. zoning laws for the city and county members. This is no trivial matter, because it deals with the most fundemental of rights; use and disposal of private property.

Kalispell city council needs to learn difference between zoning versus nuisance laws

2005-12-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

The ever inept Kalispell City Council is having some problems over a proposed set of architectural and landscaping standards for new commercial and multiple-family development projects. Make no mistake, the majority of the city council and its committee's are NOT in favor of private property rights or nuisance laws. What they do support, as anyone can tell by their own words and voting record, is central planning and zoning laws. I'd say that they're a ragtag group of elitist city planners who have little concept of the moral and ethical high ground of the right to private property use and disposal and the common sense of nuisance laws as opposed to the anti-private property and arbitrary zoning laws. Paul Wachholz, city architectural review chairmen, and city councilman Bob Hafferman, and Mayor Pam Kennedy seem especially hostile to nuisance laws.

Rehberg upset that local governments can't take your taxes

2005-12-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

PILT or Payment in Lieu of Taxes isn't getting the full funding that it needs and Representative Rehberg isn't too happy about it. Essentially folks, Rehberg is complaining because the Fed's are taking more of our hard earned money when it's only fair that the local govenernments should be able to dip into our wallets and purse's too for their share. Which is what PILT is, authority for local governments to tax and spend as they see fit. I wonder if Rehberg has ever heard of tax cuts???

Baucus jumps on the meth bandwagon

2005-12-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

First of all, meth is a deadly and dangerous drug to put into your body. I don't think that there is any argument about that fact. But what's really the problem? One could also argue that about guns, albeit a very weak argument. The real problem with is not meth per se but one's sense of life. By sense of life I mean what an individual values in life, their ethical precepts and beliefs. A person who holds their thinking reasoning mind in high esteem, and who respects the facts of reality and it's rewards and consequences per action will not turn to adverse addictions that would cause an impairment in their rational mind and therefore effect their healthy happy fulfillment in life (or the life of others). That being said the drug laws that are enacted to fight meth and the utterly futile and counterproductive 'War on Drugs' are actually anethema to 'winning' the war on drugs. Throwing taxpayers money at the problem will not stop it, in fact it will only embolden users more. Baucus is voting against the budget for the fiscal year 2006 because it 'slashes funds for the community oriented policing program'. For sure, police should be given the necessary resources to fight crime. But, one needs to first ask; what is criminal? If a person kills themselves by drugs that is their right, albeit a foolish thing to do (does alcohal ring a bell?) If they jeopardize or kill another person, well that's a whole different story, because now a crime has been committed against another person, violating their rights. And then we have the problem with asset forfeiture laws, guilty until proven innocent, et al. The best remedy to stop meth addiction is to have a system of government that is based on the right of private property. A laissez-faire system that rewards productive acheivement and punishes the violation of private property.

From Governor Schweitzer's office...

2005-12-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

..."one way Montanan's can save money on their energy bills is to use a programmable thermostat...automatic thermostats can provide savings of 10 to 20 percent on heating costs."
True enough Governor. But why should the people of Montana have to sacrifice the comfort of warm air to save a few bucks? An even better idea for Montanan's to afford their heating bills this winter is to cut their tax burden as well as to allow the energy market to be a free market model where competition will bring down costs.

Welcome!

2005-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Montana Objectivist, an online blog that reviews and reports Montana news from an Objectivist perspective.