by John Grant, Hamilton
The opening of the Veteran’s Clinic in Hamilton was celebrated, twice in one week, by large crowds of citizens appreciating Jon Tester’s commitment to veterans.
Each of those gatherings was spoiled by the presence once of Senator Daines and again by Congressman Zinke.
Neither of those elected officials had one bit of interaction with their constituents there to meet with them.
Zinke, in his Montecito Cowboy costume (big black hat, high water wranglers showing high polish boots) did (cowboy style) doff his hat as he hurriedly entered and left the clinic. High theater pomposity. Nothing more.
Daines was never actually sighted at the public ribbon cutting.
Confusing, these two clowns show up amid the circus that is DOGE, celebrating the opening of the clinic as they support the slashing of 80,000 jobs at Veterans Affairs that will result in the clinic being understaffed if it remains open at all.
I was not aware that sycophancy causes the erosion of one’s spine.
Federal Employees = our Neighbors
Elon……..GET OUT!!!!
Kevin says
John Tester? Couldn’t even show up for his DNC event to support all the misgivings he’s voted for over the past 18 years. I’ll take Daines and Zinke over him any day!! At least Tester had enough common sense to stay far away from Kamel Harris.
John Grant says
That’s an interesting “connection of the dots”. Except, your dots have no connection to Daines’ and Zinke’s reluctance to interact with constituents. It is the now familiar tactic of “deflection” rather than an “engagement” in a dialogue. If you hear something that really gets under your skin, change the subject?
Tom Potts says
If you look at the LTEs from a few months ago you will notice many comments from conservatives. Those people appear to have stepped back from voicing opinions recently. Meanwhile some folks seem upset with the DOGE bum’s rush approach to governing and have become more active letter writers. THE STAR does not control this.
Mike Miller says
You’re a real “the glass is empty” kinda guy, aren’t you, John?
Tom A Kresan says
What does that even mean…
Mike Miller says
It’s the next stop after “the glass is half empty”. You never heard of the glass half empty/full analogy?
John Grant says
Wrong Mike, all the glasses of “kool aid” coming from “our” President, under the lock step direction of “our UNELECTED co-President remain full to the brim. Think Jonestown..
Mike Miller says
Yep… you’re definitely a real “the glass is empty” kinda guy.
John E MacFarlane says
Why is this paper so LIBERAL?
WMA says
John,
They publish letters from readers. Some are liberal; some are conservative; some are downright fascist. It is a valuable community forum and we are lucky to have it.
John Grant says
Correct WMA .
And too, many are centrist. That is not, needing to bash those with whom they disagree. Imagine that.
My comments about Daines and Zinke were, perhaps, a strongly worded suggestion to them (and their supporters, that, once elected it is their sworn obligation to fairly represent their entire constituency; not just those who voted for them.
That, in our system assures that everyone gets their say and that one ideology does not get to run roughshod over another.
At least we’d better hope those are elected have the character to know that.