No- That's not me in the Gazette!

There are two Rocky Smiths living in Billings. The one who is mentioned in today's Gazette is not me. I do get phone calls intended for him occasionally. His girlfriend has sent presents and flowers to my house once or twice. This makes my wife wonder a bit. I can't understand how his girlfriend could be clueless as to his real address. I hope the guy is doing reputable business. I'd hate to have him sully my name. It could be worse I guess. At least my name isn't Ted Bundy or something!

Worldwide Freedom?

After Bush's Inaugural address yesterday, I heard many liberals whining about the President's statements regarding freedom and democracy. Bush suggested that our freedom and national defense against terrorism depended greatly on expanding freedom and democracy throughout the world. Chris Matthews, for one, scoffed at the idea that we export freedom. He acted like Bush was planning to invade all non-democratic nations before spring hit. I have a clue for you, Chris. Bush wasn't saying we are going to impose our values on the rest of the world within weeks or months. It was a LONG TERM VISION of what we need to work toward. He might think it is foolish and something we cannot accomplish, but nobody ever acheived great things by aiming low. When did liberals give up on the rest of humanity anyway? We are the beacon of freedom in this world. Don't let anyone try to snuff out that light just because it might be difficult. Would Chris be more supportive if a Democrat President had suggested it? Am I to believe that liberals are only willing to support freedom for those who are already free and aren't willing to make any effort for the rest of the poor souls of the world living under tyrants? Say it ain't so!

Whacking the smoker

How I pine for 2004! Back when you didn't have to give up your left testicle to buy some smokes. I know all of you non-smokers hate we who pollute your air and think we should be made to pay. Well, we are paying dearly. As if we didn't already pay enough in taxes, the voters of this state decided we should pay $1.20 more per pack. It sure is nice when you get the opportunity to raise taxes on someone else, isn't it? Well, you'd better hope I don't ever get the chance to reciprocate! How about a tax on the obese, or on SUV drivers, or raising the cost of that adult beverage by a couple of bucks per glass?

I doubt any non-smoker reading this will hold any sympathy for smokers. I don't expect any. I just want to point out that taxes which aren't paid by EVERYONE are patently unfair. You can laugh at my plight if you like, but it might be your habbit that gets the big tax hike next. Did you ever think about that? When it happens, don't come to me for support.

I try to be a courteous smoker. I don't smoke around those who don't like it, even in my own home. I don't hang right next to the front door where you need to walk by. I understand your dislike for the smoke and try not to expose you to it. I severely doubt claims that a small amount of exposure to it will make you get cancer, but I respect your wishes to limit exposure.
Sure, I should quit. It sounds really easy, doesn't it? Trust me when I say it isn't.

In any case, the fine State of Montana will not be getting more tax money from my cigarette purchases. On the contrary, they will be getting ZERO, ZIP, NADA, Nothing in taxes because I will either purchase them from a local reservation or buy them on line. The only person you hurt was the owner of the store where I USED to buy them. By no fault of his own, he has lost my business. I feel sorry for him most of all.