A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

2 December 2016

Legislators propose English Only and Don’t feed that wild turkey laws

So far, our blessings in Helena have requested 1,421 bills. Expect them to request another thousand before the session adjourns. Here are a few that will provoke discussion.

English Only laws. Rep.-elect Matt Regier (R-Kalispell) requested LC0845, a bill to “Limit state physical publications to national language.” Matt Regier’s father, Rep. and Sen.-elect Keith Regier (R-SD3, Whitefish) is more explicit. His request, LC1401, is for a bill to “Require English only on state publications and forms.”

English Only laws are both a way to pander to the prejudices of insecure provincials who recoil in fright and anger at the sound of a language they don’t understand, and to let immigrants, legal aliens, some Cajuns, some American Indians, and others, know that government serves and protects only those who master the tongue of English speaking American monolinguals.

Raw Milk. Rep.-elect Mike Hopkins (R-Missoula) joined the anti-public health caucus when he requested LC1307, a bill to “Provide for the sale and regulation of raw milk.” Rep. Nancy Ballance (R-Hamilton) also requested raw milk bills. Unpasteurized milk is a health hazard. Those who advocate its sale are also health hazards. Unfortunately, some who advocate its sale are leaders in the 2017 legislature.

Daylight saving time. Rep. Steve Lavin (R-Kalispell), unfazed by sunsets as early as 1643 MST (6–14 December), requested LC0820, a bill to “Eliminate daylight savings [sic] time.” On election day, I had a friendly conversation with a man waving a Trump sign. He volunteered his wish for year long daylight saving time, as that would keep darkness at bay another hour.

Student election judges. LC0342. At the request of the Secretary of State by State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Interim Committee, a bill to “Authorize student election judges.” Previous versions of this bill would have allowed 16-year-olds to serve as election judges. It’s still a bad idea, and it won’t — and shouldn’t — pass. Voting and the administration of our election laws are adult activities that must be conducted exclusively by adults.

Feeding wild turkeys. Keith Regier today requested (LC1399) a bill to “Provide that it is unlawful to feed wild turkeys.” It will, however, remain lawful for Wild Turkey to feed legislators.