Posted: September 26, 2011 at 6:56 am
This Week’s Worst Political Ad
It’s hard to believe this has already started. Ten months out from the primary election and one GOP primary candidate for Governor is already on the air. The extreme earliness is part of why this Corey Stapleton ad is a problem. When combined with the minute amount of airtime purchased–$15 grand on Monday night football–the ad’s impact is destined for the zero to negative range. It’s like throwing money down the garbage disposal.
After the last web video he produced was criticized for being a poorly executed knock off of the Eminem Chrysler ad, he must have either switched media firms or ordered a change in direction.
But the new ad even worse. Here’s why:
Stapleton is running at a time when generic politicians poll at an all time low. So why would he put up an ad making him look like the very prototype of something people loathe? The generic politician effect is complete with platitudes like “pull ourselves up by the bootstraps” and affected gesturing at :09, :16, and :24.
The ad doesn’t do much for his image. The only thing that stands out in this ad is the wardrobe–and not in a good way. Stapleton is young enough to own this style of stonewashed jeans, but not in-tune enough to know it’s time to stop wearing them. Is it the worst fashion crime ever committed? Of course not. But when you’ve got one shot at a first impression, why make a choice that distracts from your message. At least he didn’t mention his “childhood addiction.”
Back to the script. Stapleton says “America is hurting.” What does that even mean?
What’s hurting is this ad–hurting his chances of being taken seriously. Stapleton ends with the line “I’ll be that kind of governor.” If he means the kind of governor represented by this ad, he’ll be a generic cliche of an unpopular politician–stuck in a past decade with no new ideas since his time in the legislature. Not a TEA Partier, but a stock character of a politician at a time when the state wants anything but.
That was AWFUL! I think that Corey should try honesty. It’s his only hope. Here’s an honest commercial.
-I’m Corey Stapleton. Sure, it’s true. I’m short and I’ve got the charisma of a cowpie. But really, when you think about it, aren’t cowpies what Montana is all about?
And let’s face it, I’ve got a nice looking wife and a bunch of kids. And when I was in the Navy protectin’ our country, Scam Hill was boinkin’ MERMAIDS!
So, vote for me. Why? ‘Cause I’m NOT Scam Hill and I am friends with the fat dude in the cowboy hat. He’s a Teatard, just like you!-
(fade out with some mountains in the background)
Like it? Me too! It’s hard not to like Corey. Sure he’s goofy, but he’s a likeable guy.
p.s. And I’d like to see the FAT dude pull himself up with ANYthing let alone boot straps! Just ain’t happenin’. I would’a tol’ Corey to stand next to a guy who actually LOOKS like he works for a living!
I actually don’t think he is fat, but if you don’t mind, I’ll tell you why the jeans make him appear so. For a man of Corey’s stature, he doesn’t want to 1-break up the line of his lower half with a layer of lightening whisker on the upper torso, and then a blast of bleached fabric on the legs. 2-whiskering makes anyone look bigger on the middle with jeans.
Stapleton says he’s going to “lead Washington out of this mess,” referring to what he calls the “hopelessly broke” federal government. If something can be done about it, how is it hopeless, and how is Stapleton, who is running for state, not federal office, going to do anything about it. Get a clue buddy!
He has a beautiful family other then that I did not learn anything about the man. I have to say the GOP does not have any great candidates this year for governor, but on the same token I must say that Brian Schwietzer is going to be a tough act to follow. I’ve already written off Neil Livingstone as a nut, Rick Hill is a has been, Ken Miller is a never was, and Corey Stapleton is part of the gang that could not shoot straight, or they shot themselves in the foot all the time.
This has Austin James’ greasy fingerprints all over it. Next is going to be a letter writing campaign to all the papers in the State claiming that Rick Hill defriended him on facebook.
Interesting..
I really can’t disagree with any of the (thoughful) critisms of this ad except to say one thing… The ad isn’t aimed at anyone that reads this website. It is aimed at two primary targets – Disaffected moderate Conservatives and the so called “disenfranchised” young voters. The ad looks a lot different from that point of view.
The very cliches you complain about are what the older, moderate conservatives want to hear. They grew up hearing them and they know what those mean to themselves. Take the “bootstrap” comment. I wish I had a dollar for everytime I have heard that phrase used and it definitely has a meaning to me. While I can’t argue that it seems to be a platitude to you, sometimes it is the expected platitudes the target audience wants to hear.
This ad is better made than anything coming out of the other candidate’s camps, it does not tie Stapleton to the Tea party (something that could easily be important in next year’s primary) and it is designed to be more appealing to the younger voter (and it is if can go by the responces of younger conservatives I talk to online).
Also keep in mind that Corey is playing catchup. He doesn’t have the name recognition of Hill and doesn’t have the Tea Party support of Miller. An early ad is actually not a bad idea. The timing of the ad is also designed to target a specific audience – those watching Monday Night Football. Let’s think about this for second. If you wanted to reach the middle aged, working class moderate conservative, what better time is there to run an ad?
Now don’t misread me here. I have not made up my mind who to support for Governor next year. It certainly won’t be Miller (I am one of the many Montana moderate conservatives that will probably unilaterally vote against any Tea Party candidates), It probably won’t be Hill (other than his jobs meme, there is little to like about Hill) and it certainly won’t be Livingston. Essmann is a non-starter and he knows it though I like the idea of him jumping into the race because it will split the Tea Party vote between himself and Miller. Bullock is somewhat of a known quality but I have some issue with his demonstrated stance on issues. At this point, I am still in the air. I would love to see more from Stapleton on real issues but I think it likely that he will hold off taking a substansive position as long as he can.
Flame away but keep in mind that you people are not Corey’s target. Try thinking of the ad in terms of who Corey is trying to reach.
It seems that party of why this is such a disaster is that Stapleton could have used the $15,000 to raise $200,000 more, then spend that in the months right before the election when people are paying attention. By not doing so, he appears dumb.
Moorcat, great analysis as always. But you really wanna know what that commercial said to me? Well, it said that if we only had enough fat dudes with backhoes we could DIG our way to prosperity!
BTW, where you been? I’ve missed your comments.
Busier than a one legged man in a backside kicking contest. As you know, Britt and I bought our house in March and I have been up to my eyeballs in jobs that we have wanted to do since we rented the place four years ago. Now that the weather is changing and it is getting harder to work outside, I have a little more time to blog/read blogs. This will continue to get better after it freezes next week. I am actually looking forward to having the time to blog again.
As far as the spending thing… any campaign is dependant on money. Stapleton took a gamble on the commercials and it remains to be seen if the gamble paid off. I am not entirely sure I would chosen to wait if I had been in his shoes. There is certainly no lack of controversy with the Repub candidates for Governor.
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/09/power-flat-out-lies
Thank you, Moorcat, I appreciate the analysis. You stated many of my points and considering how tired I am, it is nice not to need to write them. :)This post was ridiculously petty. I’m not sure who the fat guy is everyone is referring to, but Corey is an athlete. You don’t see too many fat guys in triathlons, but I suppose there are a few. Corey isn’t one of them.
I’m glad so many of you are critical of the ad… because it wasn’t supposed to appeal to most of cowgirl’s readers. Stapleton has at LEAST 4 other Republicans vying for the position to worry about before he has an opportunity to convince you all. I am rather certain that there is not much he could say that you’d approve of anyway; after all, those really important issues like a candidate’s height, weight, and styles of stonewashed jeans are more important.
Larry, do you actually know Corey? “Charisma of a cowpie” doesn’t apply to Corey. Consider for a moment who this ad is targeting. Pretend you are a Republican. Assess our candidates. Who would YOU vote for in the Republican primary? And speaking of charisma, I’ve not ever noticed any in Steve Bullock. In fact, he may be one of the least charismatic candidates. Oh well, never mind. It would be very difficult to decide which candidate is the least charismatic. The competition is fierce for that title this election cycle.
I will offer my brief thoughts on each GOP candidate. I will be certain to make petty comments about their appearance too, as it is apparently very important.
Hill’s supporters all seem reluctant and I’ve noticed zero passion in the campaign. I don’t see charisma. Hill is shorter than Stapleton, even when he wears his high heels. He looks OLD and has missed numerous events due to health issues. Miller? Oh there is some passion there, but it likely involves low IQs and personality disorders as I have a difficult time accepting that he’s running because he received a calling from God. His fans, who eat that crap up; are more than a little frightening to me. Miller reminds me a bit of Eeyore. And when he stands next to me, I feel like a hmm, not sure what the politically correct word is these days, but at the risk of inadvertently offending anyone, I will apologize in advance… little person? Anyway, calling Ken Miller tall is an understatement. Nice guy I suppose, but rather misguided. Neil Livingstone… He regularly posts umm, interesting recipes on his campaign website like one for “morel popcorn”. That’s as unique as he gets though. He appears to be a neocon, but you never know. Jim O’Hara. I’ve heard he is a nice guy. Other than that, all I know is that he is a Chouteau County Commissioner and appears to be more of a green energy advocate than his opponents. He has no name recognition, no money, and most likely no chance. And then there is Essmann. I cannot say enough negative things about him. The word a few weeks ago was that he planned to announce in early October, but I’ve been hearing that he may have reconsidered. So, Larry; if you were a Republican… which one of those guys would you vote for? Criticize our candidates all you want, I don’t see any prizes over to my left either. I can’t imagine it will be easy for the liberal cannabis activists/providers/patients to vote for Bullock or Jent or Obama for that matter.
Sorry I’m rambling. Time for bed. :)
Canna, the “fat guy” is the guy that Corey is TALKING to. I thought I made that pretty clear. (cowboy hat!) I did NOT say that Corey is fat, for he isn’t. But the dude with the cowboy hat is INDEED fat. Hence, my overall impression of the message of the commercial is that all we need are fat dudes with backhoes to FIX what’s wrong with the country. Sorry if that’s the wrong impression, but it’s mine and I’m stickin’ to it.
Corey may indeed be an athlete, but athletes can be very boring and lack charisma too. And you’re right. Bullock TOO has cowpie charisma. I won’t argue that.
You see, it’s hard to measure charisma because there IS no way to measure it. Kennedy had it in spades, and Nixon had cowpies in spades. But can it be measured? Of course not. People just know. And no, I’ve never met Corey, but I never met Kennedy either. You see, charisma comes across even in commercials. It’s either there or it ain’t.
And you’re right. Compared to the other rejects running on the Pubbie side, Corey would probably do the least damage to the state if elected. Hard to say though. For you see, I saw the video of Corey’s interview on Montana Shrugged, and he was EQUALLY as scary as Miller in his approbation of the Teawanker party.
Bottom line, Canna? Military service is a pisspoor background for public service. Bullock is MUCH more qualified than any of the Pubbie candidates. I know that you like Corey a lot, and since you do, I’ll bet that he probably is a very nice man. But I just don’t think that he’s qualified to be governor. What he IS qualified to do is to command the boat that transports Dopey Reeburp and co. safely across Flathead Lake. Maybe Corey should grow a beard like Gore did and try to turn himself into an Alpha male. HEY, we could ALL use a leetle help with our Alpha maleness and charisma now and then!
p.s. And Canna, don’t think that I’m picking on your candidates. Hell, I pick on DINO candidates even more than yours! It’s what I do. Some folks like kenny miller were born with the “god gene”. I was born with the TRVTH gene. I gotta say it, the TRVTH that is. Scroll back and read my assessment of Mini Barfus. Want him? You can have him!
No worries, Larry. I don’t expect you to support my candidate and I am indeed aware that you are critical of dem candidates too. I’m no stranger to criticism of my own party either, these days, I feel I do more complaining about them than promoting them but that’s politics. Although our ideologies differ, we can still have an honest and somewhat civil conversation about our differences and that’s cool. What specifically makes service in the military a bad background for public service? I’m quite sure in my party, that is usually viewed as a plus. You have to remember who we are talking about here.
Well, I was in the military too. And you wanna know a secret? Military intelligence IS an oxymoron. There is NO thought required that would in any way translate to good governance. In fact, I think it’s the exact opposite.
And not only was Corey in the military, he’s an engineer. An engineer’s mind is NOT the mind of a great public servant some times. Oh sure, they’re very smart, but they are clueless when it comes to governance.
Just my opinion. And yeah, thanks for the lenghty response below. I will get to it later. And yes, it’s always good to see your opinion for you say much that I can agree with. Although I have my own writitng style, it is not intended to offend folks like yourself.
p.s. You should meet some of the rightwing wackos in MY family! They’re out there! We don’t ever mention politics when togehter at family functions. It could get ugly. But the rest of the family does wonder sometimes just where these siblings went astray. I mean, how do kids raised in a rabid pro-union Democratic household whose father was a union coal miner EVER decide to become rightwing wackos? I don’t get it. I’m sure it happens in rightie families too. Kids go bad and join the hippies.
I would disagree with you on a couple of points, Larry.
First, military service, in and of itself is probably no indicator of leadership ability, but if you rise high enough (either enlisted or officer) you will recieve a great deal of leadership training. I served in the military too, and maybe it was the part of the service I was in, but I can see a number of things that I learned in the military that would aid me were I in politics.
Further, you skipped right past Canna’s point. Once again, it doesn’t really matter whether military service is important or even significant to you. The point was that military service is HUGELY important to Corey’s target audience.
Second, I strongly disagree that being an engineer is not helpful to being an effective politician. Having the ability to analyse a situation or problem effectively, design a solution to that problem, weigh the consequences of that solution against the benefits and effeciently impliment that solution would have a large improvement over most of the current politicians. I wish there were more engineers, doctors, builders, manufacturers, and working people in politics. They are far more likely to impliment a working solution than someone that has spent all their life in politics.
Moorcat, I’m not disagreeing. You see, I would LOVE to have a governor that was well versed in whore houses and booze! THAT was what the military was all about when I was in there. And true, there’s something to be said for that. But as far as actual real world transferable experience, I didn’t see much.
What the military DOES do well is take guys who are used to poopin’ in the outhouse and teach them hygiene! So, good qualities for a guv? Yes. But necessary experience for governance? Not really. Unless of course the military’s changed since I was in there.
(p.s. true story. when I was in, some of them boys from w. virginia NEEDED them hygience skills!)
p.s.s. I tol’ you all about the time that Charlie Russel was living in his new house in town and an old cowboy buddy stopped by for dinner. Well, after dinner and some drinks and a smoke, the cowboy asked where the outhouse was ’cause he needed to go. Charlie then proceded to proudly show him his brand spankin’ new indoor facility. The cowboy was flabbergasted and told Charlie so. He said to Charlie, “I never thought I’d see the day that a feller would sh*t in his own house”!
Moorcat, I beg to differ on your points.
1) Larry’s tongue-in-cheek response is spot on. All the military really teaches is being good at being in the military, which focuses primarily on habits of acceptable behavior. Seriously, how much time did you spend learning to properly wear your uniform as opposed to critical thinking? The sad fact is that, despite the caterwauling of fetishists, most of the things that the military is purported to teach are the same lessens learned by most functional adults in the course of work, life-building and aging successfully.
2) You are radically over-stating the importance of military experience to the far-right, even in Montana. The t-peoples and frothers consider military service a perk, as long as they like the person who has it. That’s all they do. Stack a proud veteran (who isn’t willing to threaten liberals) against a candidate who fights the culture war/’punches hippies’, and the smart money is on the latter every single time with these folks.
3) I know your history of working with engineers, but I suggest to you that your view is a bit flawed. Engineers do indeed ‘Have the ability to analyse a situation or problem …, design a solution to that problem, weigh the consequences of that solution against the benefits and … implement that solution’. Where you jump the rails is assuming an effectiveness or efficiency where often there is none. Have you forgotten that Rube Goldberg was an engineer, or that several really bright engineers designed the Tacoma Narrows bridge? Before giving engineers too much credit, you might find this an interesting read.
Modern methods of management began as an experiment in engineering, and has pretty well gone down hill since. And that’s what a governor does, is to manage. If we elected the Operations Manager for the state DOT (hi, Dwane), I’d elect an engineer every single time. Governor? Not so much.
As I said in my responce to Larry, I was not in the typical military. I was not only in the sub service, I was a nuke. Critical thinking was required in our MOS and was, in fact, taught (at least at the time I served).
As far as engineers in Political positions, I am not convinced that your examples actually indicate anything. When a number of companies (like Intel) put engineers in charge, their profits increased, their management improved and the company profitted. I see no essencial difference here. I did not state that an engineer would always make a better candidate, I did state that the possibility of him being a better candidate existed. When you boil it all down, it entirely depends on the individual and it always will.
My point (missed obviously) is that I would rather see an engineer.. or a doctor… or a housewife take a stab at politics than just another professional politician.
Actually Moorcat, I didn’t miss your point at all. It’s the one I directly object too. Everyone was something before they ever went into politics. All the political element means is that they ran a campaign and got elected to do a job. That’s it. The term “professional politician” (often called “career politician”) is just predominantly right-wing double-speak. It means someone who wants to keep getting elected to do a job, and is suspect because of it. Does that really make sense to you?
If so, then I have a few questions: At what point does someone become a “professional politician”? After their first election? Second? Third? When they run for higher office? What is that magical point where one becomes a “professional politician”? What of people like Karl Rove, Corey Stapleton or Bowen Greenwood who have spent many years working in politics, but rarely or never stand for election themselves? Are they professional politicians?
The myth you are endorsing is that of the ‘political outsider’, favored among many, but well favored among T-peoples and Naderites. The myth is that someone outside of politics will be better at politics because, well, politicians suck, and *we* don’t like politics! ~Pthew~. I shouldn’t have to explain the obvious contradiction in that. But I can give examples. Though she is a lawyer, Michelle Bachmann got elected by promoting her credentials as a mother and housewife. Rand Paul is a medical doctor (say that to yourself and keep a straight face.) Jon Tester got elected, in part, because he was a farmer. Did his tenure in the State Senate disqualify him because he’s become a professional politician, as too many right and left would have us believe now?
I hope that eventually we will have a great big talk about this topic, the role of money in ‘professional politics’, and all such things. But please, let’s not rely on a myth to get us bad politicians just because we don’t like politicians in general.
Dammit, apparently I screwed up the link (or this website does not accept embedded links). Either way, here is the article.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/print/2006/06/the-management-myth/4883/
And for those who haven’t seen it and need a good scare this close to Halloween, WATCH this! Canna, this is some nutty, nutty sh*t. And it’s all I need to know bout Corey Stapleton. Anyone who would go on THIS program is NOT a good fit for public office. BIG mistake for Corey to do Asses Plugged!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neHl_N2GrgM
Sadly Larry, I again have to disagree with you. Remember what both Canna and I have said… to get to the general, you have to make it through the primary. For Corey to stand a chance, he has to pick up at least some of the wingnut, ultra rightwing vote. It is no different than a Democrat wanting to court the more lunatic fringe of the Democratic party. It is wrong, it is silly but it is part of the game. It is also why Corey has held off making definitive stances on issues as long as he can. To win the primary, he has to at least appear right of moderate. To win the general he has to appear moderate. It is a tricky game but one that – at least at this point – Corey is playing well.
Moorcat, I think he could do it without playing footsie with racists and nazis. I seriously doubt that the Teawankers will have much influence in the next elections. Maybe they will, but who knows.
But that Olson character in the video apparently speaks for all the ignernt inbreds in Montana. But are there enough? Time will tell. We DO have Pastor Cheesey Bulbdim furiously recruiting inbreds for Jaysus with his Morons to Montana program. In fact, I seen a busload the other day. Said on the side in bold letters, White Homeland or Bust!
Don’t even get me started on Olsen. She is a nightmare walking.
this poor tweak part-yer doesn’t know that frank zappa already put billings on the map.
if you have the right to do your cell phone while driving…
we should all have the right to tip a suds while driving.
and what kind of ding would sit there while that 5 watt runs on at 2?
Sorry Larry, I think I was responding more so to another commenter’s incredibly detailed post about the most likely thought process behind the placement of the lighter areas of stonewashing on Corey’s jeans. While an interesting assessment, I can assure you that Corey isn’t that into apparel, No man I know invest so much thought and analysis in a jeans choice on a 20 second ad.
Anyway, as for the Montana Shrugged appearance, that is a long story but I’m sort of responsible. Feel free to criticize me heavily for my naivete. If it makes you feel any better, Ms. Olsen doesn’t appear to be a big fan of Corey. I hesitate to expound on the situation as I just don’t have the time to commit to a big war with Jen and all of her fake profiles whose sole responsibility is making blog comments that portray her in a flattering light. The appearance on the show was over a year ago too, do you recall the Republican political climate then? Hint: It was responsible for electing people like Knox to represent us. :( Keep in mind, the most difficult part of this race will be the primary and if he isn’t able to get support from some of the far-rights, it won’t even matter. Also, I’m not sure if you are aware of the sort of treatment you will receive from the Olsons if you don’t agree to appear on their “show”. Hint, the OPP would likely be involved.
As for Corey’s “charisma”, he is my friend and he definitely has a dynamic personality, but you may disagree and that is your prerogative. I don’t watch television, movies, anything really; so I’m not sure I could spot charisma in a short ad like that. I know I can’t in this one anyway, http://youtu.be/6kte-A52irI I’ve appeared in somewhat cheesy political ads and I really think judging Stapleton’s charisma based solely on that is unfair. It certainly isn’t enough to determine that he has the “charisma of a cowpie”. If Corey was as much of a “teawanker” as you suspect, I think he would be chummy with the Olsons. Or maybe not, I don’t know. They are difficult to please. Early in the campaign, shortly after Miller announced, she actually asked me why Corey was still running when her candidate, Ken Miller was so superior and would draw the same people. It was a very bizarre question considering the first candidate to file was Corey. I’d be willing to bet that she has grand illusions of Miller winning and she
scoring a job in Helena as a result.
Larry, I’ve already spent(wasted) far more time than I should have trying to convince you of something that won’t likely matter to you anyway. Corey isn’t a liberal and I’m pretty sure you won’t be voting for him anyway. You seem convinced that your candidate is far more qualified to lead our state than Corey. I realize he is our current Atty General, but legal/law enforcement experience doesn’t necessarily alone translate to a great governor. I don’t know enough about Bullock and that is likely by design. He doesn’t seem to be willing to make any statements that may even so much as hint to his stance on issues and he refuses to respond to any queries from the cannabis community, which I find cowardly. His one interest group rating is a C from NRA and he does not support development of Otter Creek coal, which isn’t a popular move on this side of the state. Please enlighten me though, I’d be happy to consider any additional information you could provide. I don’t trust him at all, he has been extremely evasive about medical marijuana and I don’t understand how he can justify providing no response, no statements. His silence speaks volumes.
last time we had an ag gone gov…
it didn’t go so well.
course, he was a pawn of enron and the texass monkey boy.
Canna, I cannot tell you much about Bullock either since I don’t know much. But I have my impressions, and they are not all favorable. His treatment of the Barry Beach case has been, according to some very trusted sources, reprehensible. I dunno, but I trust my sources to be accurate.
I personally don’t like his DUI stands, for they are grandstanding in my book.
So, I don’t know what to think. It’s kinda my Chris Cristie moment. I’m still lookin’ for that perfect fat dude to run.
In all seriousness though, when you have two choices that are both unappealing, I always go for the Dem cow pie in the hopes that they’ll grow into the office. A leetle fertilizer works wonders!
I would go so far as to say that Bullock is an exceptional lawyer. Sadly, he has about as much Charisma as cold Tofu. His NRA rating is due – in part – to a situation that occured here in Dillon where a local gunsmith was illegally harassed by the BATF. During that harassment, the BATF seized the smith’s gunsmithing tools, professional gun parts and even his private gun collection. After the case was dismissed, the Dillon Resident has had to go to court three times and he still doesn’t have those items back. Bullock was involved in a lot of this. There are a few other items the NRA is concerned about including Bullock’s statements earlier that he supports the closing of the “gun show loophole”.
As far as him being Governor, I am not impressed. I feel he is probably a hell of a lot better in his current position. As governor, he would be required to lead the State Executive Department, be able to compromise between widely opposing political factions and be able to represent this state politically. I am not sure he is up to the task. He is a great lawyer, but has yet to prove he is a great politician.
What I don’t understand is his reluctance to take a stance on the issues. His situation if vastly different than Corey’s. Yes, he has a primary challenger, but – speaking frankly – his nomination in the primary is all but assured if he doesn’t do something increadably stupid (say get drunk and fall off a horse…). There is no benefit to him to be coy on the issues and as such, it can be detrimental to not take a solid stand on at least the major issues like jobs. He would be much better served to take a stand now and try to grab the moderates and independants while the Republicans are still duking it out.
If the issue we’re talking is Otter Creek, then it is true that Steve has a problem here. Why would he vote no when his vote had no impact? Anyway, about MM though. He is forced by law to defend the crappy Essmann bill. He has no choice, and usually people don’t comment on ongoing litigation because it could harm the case, and if he harms his own case he is breaking the law.
About MM… I completely understand that, Kristin. In fact, I pointed out that fact to quite a few people at the time. The same goes a few other issues.
The problem here is that Bullock is not making any statements about how he would treat these issues as Governor. This a failing on his part, because all people will see is how his office is treating these issues – and often that treatment is dictated for him by the law, regardless how he feels about it.
What concerns me, though, is how his office, under his leadership has treated certain issues – like the issue of the Dillon Gunsmith. The AG office has been at best questionable in protecting the rights of a Montana Citizen and at worst worked in collusion with a Federal Agency in denying this individual rights, even though the individual has been to court (and won) three times now. This is not the only issue that has me concerned either.
Moorcat, I understand why he doesn’t comment on issues. There is no need. Like you said, he will be the Democrat nominee. He has the necessary name recognition from his current position and only people like us are paying attention to politics right now. He doesn’t really care about us. He’d really only be running the risk of making enemies. Although there are plenty of Republicans as well, the most outspoken cannabis community members are liberals. While they aren’t impressed with Bullock, I would highly doubt they would be willing to vote for a Republican. Bullock hasn’t made any new friends this way, but I think he is maintaining the ones he has. To comment on mm would confirm that Bullock as Governor will still not be a friend to the mm community. He is safer as a suspected but not confirmed enemy and is in good company in the race which is already chock-full of confirmed enemies.
On the other hand, maybe we need a more moderate person as AG. Perhaps someone with a heart should be Montana’s king of cops. Because his actions mean more than his words anyway, it is clear Bullock is not a fan of medical marijuana. Where he should be criticized is in his failure to address the problems in the state, instead either waiting until the feds stepped in or inviting them to do his dirty work so he didn’t make enemies this close to an election. High profile marijuana cases aren’t the type that make average MT citizens feel safer. Most people know our marijuana laws are absolutely ridiculous and don’t feel that putting away otherwise harmless taxpaying citizens for decades makes any sense at all. On the other hand, if Bullock had done his job, the medical marijuana community would have far more rights. Now, because the cases are federal, nobody will ever hear if they were indeed compliant with state laws. Press releases will confirm for the conditioned sheep that these Montanans were dangerous blood thirsty money launderers, conspirators, traffickers, etc. They cannot use their state-compliance in their defense as the federal government doesn’t recognize state laws allowing anything prohibited by the feds. As a result, friends of our community, who have donated so much time, money, and other resources to help sick people are now facing mandatory minimum sentences of THIRTY FIVE years in federal prison.
Bullock is a coward. Period.
I dont disagree with you that our marijuana laws on the fed and state levels are ridiculous but what is it that you contend Bullock was supposed to do regarding the people who were busted by the feds? (when you say that if only Bullock had ‘done his job’) Just curious.
actually the county sheriff could have prevented the bust…
it was his call, not the feds…
nothing could “legally” take place without the direction of “local” officers and/or the district judge.
bullock shouldn’t have been in it.
That makes no sense. You don’t know what you’re talking about. With all due respect.
so…
who has jurisdiction, rube?
via the CONstitution.
Oh I didn’t realize I was conversing with derek skees. So….’sheriffs first’ right?
you with skees as a federalist, or sumpin?
On what basis then do you claim the fed govt needs the permission of the sheriff or a state judge to enforce fed law?
feds only have primary jurisdiction on fed ground…
the local authorities enact federal warrens at their pleasure.
you might be familiar with folks on the rez who move back and forth to evade county/state papers or fed.
obviously there is quick co-op on capital crimes and now “terrorism”…
but in the instance of the mt can bust, the feds were turned loose by local authorities…
which is likely to be pivotal to the outcome of williams’ suit.
I think you are misunderstanding the concept of jurisdiction. The local authorities have the discretion of whether they want to assist the feds but they don’t have the legal authority to prevent them from enforcing fed statutes anywhere in the us.
my only direct experience…
my old man, a county commissioner, was served with a fed warrant on a county/fed land dispute ordering him to fed court…
local judge said no…
case was handled locally.
years later irs accused me of tax deficiency and ordered me to tax court.
district judge said my rights guaranteed his court and so it went.
worked for a juvvie program in boston, no kids were turned over on a fed warrant unless accompanied with a state/county.
there still IS such a thing as state’s rights and the feds hate it.
you may remember that when abortion was legalized, it was done in ny state, not washing-down. it is not a fed issue.
humorous to see the christian wrong seek pledges on reversal of rowe v wade from prez candy-dates.
they need to hit their statehouse.
Let me explain to you once more the Force of federal law! One it is the law of the land and no state law can be in violation with it!
1.ie: MM We as a state can disagree, but the feds can come in and bust whenever they want because it is the legal Jurisdiction of the land!
2. California considers the Federal MM law a part of business( something Montana doesn’t do yet) and works in co- operation with federal officers to do the right thing, they pretty much know who is gonna get busted before hand and act accordingly! Plus you never tell others where you warehouse the extra goods.
3. when state law doesn’t oppose federal law it is allowed to exist on its own, the same thing can be said of cities who might take gun laws and drug laws up a notch, or create an Ordinance that doesn’t usurp the legal authority of the land!
4. Lastly, I have said this before and I will say this again… as a sworn officer of the court both federally and at the state level Steve must follow the law no matter how dastardly we as a people perceive it! He is only a messenger of the law go after the legislative process folks…. go after the legislators only!
woods…
if what you say is true, and true with your vigor, why have local government at all…?
why not a precept?
Unfortunately the Raich v Gonzales/Ashcroft case ensured that state’s rights don’t really exist. Through the decision’s unbelievably broad interpretation of the commerce clause, the federal government can legally regulate virtually anything. As Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas observed, “our Federal Government is no longer one of limited and enumerated powers.”
While state and local officials don’t have authority when the feds get involved, they could make things a bit more difficult for them instead of assisting them in their immoral endeavors- we don’t even have to have state laws criminalizing the substance. If the federal government wants to enforce its ridiculous anti-marijuana statutes, it does have the power to do so, but the states don’t have to help them with state laws or resources. Where is the outrage? Americans are sheep. We are totally conditioned to never question authority and to accept injustice, it is truly sickening.
ILIKEWOODS: In reference to ” California considers the Federal MM law a part of business( something Montana doesn’t do yet) and works in co- operation with federal officers to do the right thing, they pretty much know who is gonna get busted before hand and act accordingly! Plus you never tell others where you warehouse the extra goods.”…. While that may happen occasionally, I know many people in the industry and according to them, that isn’t the way it works. Anyway, working with federal officers to “do the right thing” seems entirely different from “never tell others where you warehouse extra goods”. Sounds like corruption and organized crime. You also mentioned that Bullock’s job is to follow the law, doesn’t that include enforcement of existing laws? Why wasn’t that happening? Laziness? Inability? I don’t know, but as a result; federal agents raided our brothers and sisters, seizing all of their assets (whether they were charged or not)and ruining their lives. Now, because the charges are federal; those Montanans aren’t able to use compliance with state law as a defense- because it doesn’t apply. Then, we will hear their lengthy federal prison sentences for the horrible crimes of conspiracy, money laundering, cultivation, trafficking, etc and we will think “they obviously deserved it, I feel so much safer now that they won’t be able to trim their plants tonight”. Bullock’s continued silence on medical marijuana- and every other issue- is disturbing.
Federal laws won’t change unless they are forced. More and more states will pass medical marijuana and decriminalization laws and eventually a few brave governors will stand up to the feds and say “not in my state.” It may not prevent federal intervention, but it will damn well get their attention. Schweitzer did it with wolves. The federal government was never designed to be this powerful and the lack of outrage is frightening. And now we have the DOJ ATF memo which states medical marijuana cardholders are prohibited by federal laws from owning, buying, or possessing firearms or ammunition. Apparently this exception to the 2nd amendment must have been in the fine print. When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
If the myriad abuses were indeed occurring- you know, the rampant prostitution of children for their canna fix, the growers selling to teenagers, the cardholders smoking it at their elementary and middle schools, etc, why on earth didn’t the state investigate? Perhaps none of those things were happening, but the state seemed very convinced and used these cases again and again in testimony opposing medical marijuana. It “got out of hand”, “was out of control”, etc. Whose fault is that? As the Montana King of Cops, Bullock should be accountable. In addition, we shouldn’t be bound to Bullock’s personal interpretations of laws. For instance, he said the state’s medical marijuana law is not unconstitutional, and those challenging it are not entitled to a preliminary injunction to stop it from being implemented. Oops, that’s not what Judge Reynolds ruled. Numerous patients, growers, and advocates have called, written, and emailed Bullock’s office to ask specific questions or request clarifications about the new law, we’ve not received any responses. Decent Montanans who desire to operate within the confines of the state law are unable to get any information on it. Several components of the law are contradictory, vague, and confusing. Many patients, now without a provider, have no other options but to attempt to grow their own (most such attempts have failed). These are SICK people, how heartless can someone be?
I was making it a shortended version and didn’t mean for scamming to be implied! there is still a delicate dance being done between states rights vrs federal, because nothing can be written down on paper without the feds giving up their rights, or the states not following the will of the people within its borders. These are limbo laws which will have no gravitas until you change the law on the federal level. But the industry does do well in California despite the risk, because they consider the risk to be part of business. I have worked for enough attorneys in that state to see it work!
I can’t speak to your anectodal experiences but they do not apply to the specific circumstances here. The feds can do what they are doing and the state cannot stop them. I am sympathetic to the cause of mm and decriminalization but regardless of your philosophical views on govt the only way solve it in practical terms is through congress.
true enough…
unless…
as with prohibition, the people step up…
oh, wait…
that was the liquor companies stepping up.