Posted: August 26, 2010 at 7:12 am
Rattling the cage whilst inside it
According to the dictionary of idioms, the phrase “rattle the cage” means:
to make someone angry on purpose I rattled his cage by telling him I hated his art.
Etymology: based on the idea of rattling (making a noise by repeatedly hitting) the cage to annoy the animal inside it.
The Missoula Independent’s George Ochenski ends each “column” thusly:
Helena’s George Ochenski rattles the cage of the political establishment as a political analyst for the Independent.
The problem is, the only cage Ochenski seems to be rattling these days is the one he’s locked himself in by refusing to veer from the same tired formulaic rut.
Here’s how the formula goes. Like a Mad Lib, a few words change here and there, but the structure doesn’t vary:
1-There is some kind of environmental issue being decided, it might even be interesting.
2-All the Democrats in Montana are pure evil, especially those that are the most popular, those at the top. Because I say so that’s why, and I’ve been around for like hundreds of years.
3-Everyone should do what I say, and not listen to anyone else, except those that I agree with.
I’ve read this formula time, and time…and time again, and it’s beyond stale. It’s just a guy getting himself worked up by rattling the cage he built for himself, from the inside.
Gotta disagree on this one Cowgirl. George writes some of the best legislative commentary in the state. He also does a great job of putting issues into historical context. Granted, when things are slow at the state house he tends to concentrate on environmental issues and the occasional rant, but still interesting enough for me to read every week. His comments on Schweitzer and the state DEQ are spot on.
George O is pretty shrewd when it comes to seperating the BS from the facts. I like that he is always willing to tilt at windmills. A nearly lost art!
Circular firing squads seem to have become a Montana tradition whenever environmental issues begin to gain public attention. Shoot the messenger, make it look like an accident. If Democrats had a single statewide leader who’s priority was protecting our environment, one that aspired to become the next Lee Metcalf, or Frank Church, perhaps these senseless battles would not be used to marginalize those who speak clearly against the status quo. I would like to see more Ochenskys, not one less.
How about this Cowgirl? You seem to like politics. There’s an impressive Green Party candidate in HD 11 that really deserves a closer look, and support for all the right reasons. Cheryl Wolfe’s only apparent flaw is that she isn’t a Democrat. Another firing squad? Or rather, can we begin to dig our way out of this mess with innovative free-thinkers?
This woman seems like a great individual, but she obviously doesn’t want to actually be in the legislature and do great things or she wouldn’t have run as a Green Party candidate. You can’t win as a third party candidate. That whole Jore thing was a fluke because of his name recognition. It just isn’t possible.
Free thinking isn’t allowed in our Democracy. Reference Brave New World, 1984, Brave New World Revisited.
Maybe when it comes to town , they will consider the error of their ways. Problem is, it will be too late by then.
One of the greatest Democrats ever to walk the planet (in their opinion) was FDR. Who implemented the plan to form the CIA, or what was to become the CIA, during WWII. It, the plan, got exposed and sidelined due to it’s “unusual” content. FDR died before he could implement it. Not to fret, Truman did the deed.
The Treaty of Fort Hunt.
So let’s recap. Democrats, FDR, to be more precise, is (are) responsible for forming the plan to form the CIA and start the COLD WAR with Russia…before WWII even ended, all with the aid and complicity of the “hundreds” of NAZI SS Officers who were allowed to leave Germany and enter the US.
Okay, fine.
Did you have a point? How does this tie into skull island and the JFK assasination?
That is, without a doubt, the most clueless and ignorantly ironic comment I think I’ve read. That’s some funny stuff, right there.
Glad you liked it. You must not have read the books.
Your comment tells me all I need to know about your “right-think” mindset.
You are truly comedy gold! Here’s a couple of suggestions for you, little camper:
1) Do a little research about who you’re dealing with before you stupidly assume things. If you’d done even that simple step, you’d know that not only have I read those books, unlike you I actually understood them.
2) You’d best spend less time wallowing in your terrors of 1984, and think just a bit more about Brave New World. You’re being played, teabagger. You should be asking by whom and how.
3) You and I never would have read those books if “Free thinking isn’t allowed in our Democracy”. It is still allowed. In fact it is encouraged. Sadly, the teabaggers are those poor children left behind, because they miss that not so subtle (obvious) point. Please don’t make me explain irony to you. My gut hurts from laughing as it is.
Coy insults again. Good. Brave New World is more important than 1984 to be sure. But Brave New World Revisited is even more telling. Do I know the beast? Absolutely. So don’t let yourself be fooled that you are the only one who knows the end of the game. The Tea Party may well be doofs in your mind, but at least they are trying and attempting to change things that have run afoul of the intended course. I imagine you prefer to simply sit back and laugh at them instead of trying to help them.
Seems to me if you have such powerful education of the true beast you should be more than willing to help others be aware and find the cure. But laughing is more fun isn’t it. (not a question)
And yet again, you miss the painful irony of screaming at the top of your birther lungs about the Kenyon President in a “Democracy” that clearly allows such, while claiming that the Democracy doesn’t allow such. Why do you hate America, Hakon? And why are you so stupid about it?
Please tell me how our Democracy clearly allows someone to be President when he does not meet the qualifications? Is that part of your concept of the living Constitution?
You really missed the point of sarcasm, didn’t you? Are you a short bus rider? Is that your problem?
He isn’t a Kenyon President. He was born in Hawaii. The state of Hawaii has officially validated it. You, sir, are retarded.
More insults. The State of Hawaii hasn’t officially validated anything. They have not released, nor has he, the long form birth certificate. Anyone, really anyone, could get a Hawaii BC like he presented.
Of course being a smart — yourself you know all about long form BC’s don’t ya pussycat?
My house burned down in 1990. I officially only have an abstract of my Montana birth certificate now because the state of Montana would not issue me a long form one when it came time to get my driver’s license and I requested a birth certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics. Turns out they don’t keep the whole thing forever because hard drive space is cheaper than file cabinets full of paper copies. Back then there wasn’t really a lot of scanning capabilities. Does this mean you doubt my Montana citizenship or heritage? I’m a good sight younger than President Obama so I imagine that the state of Hawaii may not have his long form on record anymore. It’s not like some blue-haired old lady could have known to keep that one since this baby will be President someday.
This has officially become my pet peeve. Evaluate him on his merits and performance but please stop pounding your face on a brick wall over something about which the SHIP HAS SAILED. I don’t ever approve of the use of the r-word but I will that you just sound like a boring broken record. Coming back to the birther argument 2 years into the Presidency just makes me feel like you can’t make a valid point over anything. Build a bridge and get over it. Find a new angle.
Research about you? I’m not impressed with your self promoting page that’s for sure. I do like your picture of the Wolf though. I own a Wolf Hybrid.
OK, you’re not a moron. But you ARE a lightweight, dude. You have absolutely NOTHING original to say. You’re a walking talking talking point, just like ALL teabaggers. So, hacky, just WHAT is your highest grade level achieved? What are your degrees in? How many languages you speak? What is your military background? (Or are you a chickenhawk?) How long have you been in Montana? And lastly, HOW much gubmint money you suckin’ off Unca Sugarteat, sugar? You’re a phony, pal. And a real boring one. Now, go ahead and answer, or deflect like you ALWAYS do and say that I’m name calling again. But lest we forget, little fella, it’s YOUR side that loves to come up with questionaires for candidates to answer. You first, cupcake. And then I’ll answer. For you see, hacky, you’ve got phony writ LARGE all over you. Stop boring us with talking points. That is very boring. Hey, if I want the latest rightwing talking points, I’ll watch Fox. You’re simply a pathetic loser. You are ignorant and WHOLEY unqualified to remark on Constitutional issues. You’re an intellectual baby. And sadly for you, it shows.
Originality abounds in this cesspool.
Also have to disagree cowgirl. Ochenski is one of the few writers in this state willing to take a stand on certain issues, no matter the politicians involved. We need more people like George to hold the supposed “environmentally friendly” democrats accountable for issues like otter creek, logging mandates in “wilderness” bills, or this most recent abuse of our roads so big oil can save transportation costs and fabricate equipment overseas. Just being a Democrat should not place our elected officials in a spot where they must be seen as without fault or above criticism among party loyalists. Nor should those who criticize democrats be labeled a curmudgeon, stubborn, or thinking “all democrats are pure evil.” Kudos to Ochenski for shedding light on critical issues others are afraid to touch, and shame on you for trying to belittle and marginalize his work because he does not “fall in line” with the party and continues to criticize your idols when necessary.
Ive never been impressed with Ochenski especially since he suggested last year that they rename the Tounge River the East Fork of the Flathead, and all his Bullcrap on Otter Creek. Our governor was out trying to get jobs for this state and get revenue into the state coffers and he did nothing but critize ok either have a plan or sit down. Governor Schweitzer has been the best dam governor in the history of Montana and all this Ochenski idiot does is critize.
Who the hell was any better then Brian Schwietzer diffently not his predessor Judy from Mars hell she should have been put in jail for obstruction of justice, fraud and accepting bribes. Plus she and Marcky Ratco did not do one dam thing for this state not one. Hell Ratco sold us out like Benadict Arnold
You bet! Never trust a man who can use a spell checker.
Yep. Comments are supposed to be casual.
I’m sorry that you think that Schwietzer is a good Governor. That could simply be due to your age (which I don’t know how old you are). I do agree that Judy and Mark were not any good.
As a side note I am “sideways related” to one of Montana’s most famous Senators, Mike Mansfield, he was a Democrat too (I don’t hold that against him) From the historical accounts he was a far better Senator than Max will ever be.
First I dont think that Schwitzer is a great governor just because of my age, I just like several of the things he has done like delivered a balanced budget every year while he has been governor with no tax incresses, like promoting our state to business, like his economic development, like his plans on energy development, like bringing wind farms to this state when there were none when he entered the office of governor, Montana when compared to say California or say Michigan or any other state in the union except maybe Alaska, Wyoming and North Dakota we are the only ones that have missed most of the economic sh– storm that hit in late 08 and 09 so hell yes I love Governor Schweitzer. In fact I wish he could have a third term cause who the hell are we going to get after him. Next yes Mike Mansfield did a fantastic job as both US Senator from Montana and as ambassador to Japan and yes Baucus is a tool
I do read George O from time to time. He’s one angry man and it shows through in his articles. If his writing style wasn’t so over-the-top, he might be a more effective messenger for his causes.
I clicked on this week’s column after reading the title, which sounded interesting, then I got there and it was the same old same old. I couldn’t even read it. I was hoping to learn more about the issue, and instead I got another angry rant.
Wow! Cowgirl, talk about a haymaker from out in leftfield! Where did THAT sucker punch come from? I have occasionally disagreed with George, one time quite famously. (It’s available on the net.) But I must say that he’s one of the good guys. In our most famous exchange, I called him St. George the Dragon Slayer. And he still is in my opinion. He’s an excellent, knowledgable writer who’s unafraid to take on the dragons of the establishment, be it industry or politicians. His only weapon is the truth. Does he offend people? I’m sure that the does. But that’s a good thing.
Needless to say, I was quite suprised by this post. We must understand that George must write in such a manner as to be published in the newspaper. Therefore, he is somewhat constrained to express his opinions with even more vigor. If George ever decides to do a blog, we’d get the unvarnished George. And that would be great.
Cgirl, your blog provides a much needed, timely addition to the blogoshpere. A blog like this has been sorely needed. I would argue that George provides equally valuable information in his own venue.
I still enjoy reading Oschenski, and there is a lot of information that still comes through his rants. It does seem that lately he abandons shrill for full-goose silly far too often anymore. Like many on the left (‘lovingly’ referred to as Firebaggers among some), he has adopted the ideological underpinnings of the Bush Doctrine. If you aren’t with him, you’re against him. That kind of egoism can’t help but damage your credibility when you apply ready made arguments to the Straw Man you see all around you. When he does that, his writings cease to be about issues, and all about George.
I made a list one time, around 2000, of all of the similarities between Bush and Gore – they agreed on almost everything, and so the campaign was about silly and insubstantial stuff. But most people in media do not get that. They think that wedge issues like gay marriage and mosques really matter, when all they do is distract from the issues on which the candidates do not differ.
I suspect that Ochenski is even-handed, attacking each party as if they were essentially the same, and that is what is grinding you, Cowgirl – that he has not adopted the proper posture that they are difference,and that the difference matters.
Anyway, I like curmudgeons, especially insightful ones.
george does a good job of turning the soil over and giving everything some air….
some just don’t like the smell that occurs when that shovel gets to chopping at the lower strata of montana politics. but i love it. god help me but i do love it so.
Cowgirl,
When you say “you can’t,” and “isn’t possible,” it runs counter to so many great human accomplishments. Ghandi, MLK, Mandela and most people of great character, live in the believe of possibility. If there’s a will, there’s a way.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
- Nelson Mandela
Why not embrace George’s freedom? It is no less, no greater, than yours. I hope someday you will reconsider.
Whoa! That’s some pretty strong words, coming from a writer unwilling to sign her/his name to his/her column.
Perhaps cowgirl’s jealous, realizing that a montana political writer can actually have influence outside of the blogosphere.
In fact, her/his all-hat no-cattle approach to soapbox criticism might have something to do with why no one’s penned a column on cowgirl’s failure to “rattle the cage,” say something new or even attain relevance at all.
Or maybe “cowgirl”‘s just shrewd- writing about ochenski nearly guarantees her site will get some traffic.
i think you are doing worthwhile work here cowgirl. interesting and getting better with each week. but we need our ochenski too.
there is room enough for all of us here in the opinionverse.
i don’t agree with most everyone, but i think we as a state and a people would be poorer for the lack of voices without most everyone.
Her site gets plenty of traffic regardless of whether she writes about him or not. She is a good writer and even when I strongly disagree with her, she still adds a new dimension to the discussion. This is one of my “read everyday sites”.
Leapin’ Lizards, it has just come my way via the ever-churning rumor mill in Helena that our “Montana Cowgirl” is… gasp!… a boy! (personal attack on an individual with nothing to do with this blog omitted) Come on out, Sweetie. Be yourself.
Enough with the sexist men accusing me of being a man. So you think women can’t what, have a blog? Write? Have smart political instincts? Let’s hear more about your true caveman views you so-called “progressive” What a joke. Thanks for coming out as the sexist you are!
One more thing, chauvinist, it is pretty lame to call out and attempt to ‘implicate’ someone who has nothing to do with this blog. This kind of thing is not allowed. For shame.
Okay then Cowgirl, are you saying that you are indeed a girl?
I am absolutely 100% a girl. You aren’t one of these sexists that think women aren’t “smart enough” to have a good political blog, are you?
I think that this value of this blog is still to be decided. The he/she him/her is a needless distraction.
Fair enough. If you had seen the amount of emails I receive asking me whether or not I am a guy, or claiming that I must be one, you would understand the defensiveness I feel.
Maybe you should change your blog name to Lola?? JUST KIDDING, COWGIRL! ‘Course, you’re probably too young to remember THAT song. Google it some time.
And Mudge, you’re wrong. This is the best blog in Montana! Bar none! This ain’t your daddy’s blog! If you want that, go over to lectric city! Them bozos SPECIALIZE in stodgy! In fact, with the addition of Kafoola, they raise it to an art form! At least here the topics are lively, timely, and well hashed out in the comments. I like that. Cgirl is unafraid to lift the raincoats of the teabag movement and expose their nuts, like that kook from Helena, ms. something/goulash!
You do run a good blog here CG with lots of traffic and Democratic insight, but this shot at GO was unwarranted. It sort of exposed that side of you that doesn’t see as much as I wish that side of you saw. George sees stuff you don’t.
Still, all and all, this is one of my daily stops too. Each to his own … just leave GO alone. Stick with what you do well.
Morning. This year, the Montana Newspaper Association gave out their “Better Newspaper Awards,” and, according to the Montana Newspaper Association, the best weekly columnist in the state is George Ochenski. Not bad for a guy in a cage writing stuff that’s beyond stale using a Mad Lib formula, eh Cowgirl?
Do yourself a real favor Cowgirl and go back through the entire Missoula Indy achieve and read the hundreds of columns Ochenski has written over the years. You might have more than 500 different columns to choose from. Here’s a quick link to get you started:
http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/Search?cx=008163252459628916317%3Adiz9sttogmo&cof=FORID%3A9&q=ochenski&sa=Search#731
Hopefully, once you review the breath and depth of Ochenski’s body of work, you’ll see that your ANONYMOUS personal attack on George was beyond lame. I mean, seriously Cowgirl, you feel cool and good about yourself hiding your own identity while you anonymously tear other people apart?
Hopefully by reviewing all of Ochenski’s articles you’ll also realize:
1. The guy writes about lots more than just “some kind of environmental issue” that “might even be interesting.” Let’s see, all those Ochenski columns on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bush, Uncle Dick, the Supreme Court, heath care, economy, pesticides, democracy, young people voting, social security, local foods, wasteful spending, Israel, immigration, foreign policy and local/state/national politics…to name a few of the important issues of our time that Ochenski has delved into.
2. Unlike the stale formula used by many political columnist or blogs (basically, either the GOP is great and the Dems are evil….or the Dems can do no wrong and the GOP is the devil) Ochenski is very much an equal opportunity criticizer…and a damn good writer! While Cowgirl might not like the fact that Ochenski pens a column critical of Gov Schweitzer or Senator Tester (perhaps because Cowgirl has close ties to these politicians?) many thinking progressive independents do appreciate George’s perspective on these issues.
Ochenski calls them like he sees them…and you know what Cowgirl? If you look back at the body of work he’s put together over many years, you’ll see that Ochenski’s been right far, far more often than he’s been wrong. Thanks.
Comments from those that disagree will always be welcome on this blog. Thanks for the visit and input.
I agree with most of this. You can’t write the same column for 30 years and be taken seriously.