Livingston, I Presume

Worst. Letter. Ever.

Keep in mind that I grew up reading the letters on offer in the Great Falls Tribune. I know kooky. This letter, from a citizen of--say it isn't so--my fair city of Livingston, has to be the absolute nadir. Since it's short, and I can't link to articles in the Chronicle, I'll reproduce it in full (with headline!) for your weeping pleasure:

Do will of God

Jon Tester is in favor of a woman’s right to kill life in her womb. That is just as bad as King Herod in the days of Joseph and Mary, who had the first-born put to death.

If Jesus was here today, Jon Tester would have him murdered. It is important to do the will of God and vote for Conrad Burns.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we're up against. Reasoning, logic, intellectual discussion--it just isn't going to happen with a guy like this. Not today, not ever. Even ignoring the  semi-dangling modifier that makes it sounds like Mary and Joseph were putting babies to death, the letter marks a new low: Jon Tester wants to kill Jesus.

Please, tell me that this is some kind of Borat-style satire. Tell me that this guy didn't just say that Conrad Burns' re-election is the will of God. Tell me that there aren't people reading this over their coffee and danish and nodding thoughtfully as if to say, "You know? I hadn't thought about Tester wanting to kill Jesus. I'm glad this guy told me."

 

Glad someone else got there first

I was all set to post my own thoughts about the re-Swift boating of John Kerry, but luckily other bloggers have said what I wanted to say. Jay, in particular, has a great pep talk for those of us with flagging spirits.

I know that would describe me. There was another full-page Burns ad in the Chronicle this morning, this one from a national small business association. I guess it's part of the strategy of saturation that also includes the ads from all of the small businesses that Tester has "wronged". Just as I was feeling hope a few weeks ago, I'm now feeling a real dread that Burns is going to pull this one out. That W's fly-over is actually going to help Burns and other Republicans in our largest--if not politically most enlightened--city. That for all our dreams of real change, the status quo is going to find a way to win again.

I'm taking election day off to poll watch, drive, and call. I will do everything in my power to get the good guys elected. The rest is up to my fellow citizens and that's what makes me nervous.

One duty down...

I took some time at noon to visit my local clerk and recorder's office to cast my ballot for the midterm election. I'm sure none of you could possibly guess my picks for the top races. I also voted against the Terrible Trio of initiatives, even though they have been invalidated. Besides, I didn't want to miss my chance to express my opinion on them, countable or no.

Like plenty of other bloggers, I'm urging all of you Americans out there to vote early and avoid any delays or problems on election day. (I so wanted to write "early and often", out of respect for my Butte-Anaconda roots, but I refrained.) It took me maybe 20 minutes from the minute I got out of my car from the minute I drove away.

Now that my own vote has been gotten out, I'm hoping to take part in all kinds of GOTV on election day. I have a minivan, and I'm not afraid to use it.