The ‘pen’ really is mightier than the sword
Ramblings, mutterings, keen observations and things you ought to know out of Helena from the mind of Phil Drake.
TRUMP. TRUMP, TRUMP ALONG THE HIGHWAY: For me, Donald Trump was the story that I thought for a minute wouldn’t happen. I was in Billings on Thursday to cover his speech. I ventured out of the media area that was penned off to talk to people in the crowd. I wanted to ask them why were they there, what did they like about Trump? Shortly thereafter, a lady associated with the event told me I’d have to return to the media pen. I wailed that Trump wasn’t here yet, and she said I’d have to return to the pen regardless. Rather than leave, I marched back, humming the theme song from “The Great Escape” and feeling somewhat like Steve McQueen being escorted to a cell. I was basically the rambunctious kid whom the child care headmaster had dealt with. “She just put Tubby back in the playpen,” I whispered, but not too loudly, to another reporter. To their credit, they did outline their rules that the press would have to stay in the designated media area until the event concludes. And maybe this is how others do it. But, as they say, sometimes you can’t always do what you’re supposed to do, and it seemed to fly in the face of a free press. And maybe I should have let my dislike of the rule known to them before busting loose. But it was an entertaining afternoon. I regret my story did not have the line in which Trump said we’d get tired of winning so much under a Trump administration that we would beg for a break from the winning. I also wish that I would have included what he said about the Supreme Court being pivotal for the next president and that several nominations would be made. He warned a Hillary (or, as he called her, “Crooked Hillary”) Clinton presidency would make poor choices. I was stuck in the packed parking lot for about 45 minutes after it was over. Someone thought protesters had blocked us in, but I didn’t see any. Actually, I was surprised by people hawking Trump memorabilia and petition gatherers. I set up a makeshift office in my car and worked on my story. Later, as I left, I saw a Corvette had been smashed up pretty good outside the event’s entrance. I think a car crash may have been the reason for my delay. Trump’s speech was pretty freewheeling and offered plenty of thoughts. He got applause when he criticized those who use teleprompters. I don’t mind teleprompters as long as the speech is good. But others agreed with Trump, at least on Thursday.
WHO WAS THAT GUY? There was a newsman from Fox News (I think) who drew a lot of attention but I’ll be darned if I knew who he was. (And I do watch Fox sometimes, and I do enjoy Bill O’Reilly) Some lady on the other side of the fence of the press area asked me to ask him if she could get a picture with him. I jotted on a note “This lady would like to take a picture with you” and handed it to someone who gave it to him. At least, I think that is what I wrote. Because from the look on his face, you would have thought I thought I wrote: “Make an expression as if you have just eaten some bad cabbage and then wave as if you are about to be executed.” He put a morose look on his face, just kind of raised his hand and gave her some halfhearted finger flittering. I saw him later posing for pictures, so maybe she got her pic after all.
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE: I went up to the Falls Creek subdivision southwest of Augusta last week to talk to people in the aftermath of the Joseph Campbell negligent homicide trial. It truly is a beautiful place. I was shocked to see firsthand all the roads that had gates in which public access was blocked. Actually, all the gates made me feel a little claustrophobic, if one can get claustrophobic in the shadow of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. One story I’d like to pursue is how these subdivisions get approved without public access. Special thanks to Joe Aberle for his hospitality. He wanted to show me a waterfall, but I have a trick back that often makes me walk like Walter Brennan. Plus, I am out of shape. We walked to the falls and for a few moments I thought the 79-year-old Aberle, who is part mountain goat, would have to carry me out. But I was able to huff and puff my way up the hill. Next time, I’ll suggest he wave a beer can under my nose to keep me going.
GIANFORTE WEBSITE: Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte, along with GOP candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, launched a website Monday that will let students and parents view various occupations and what they pay. Gianforte, a Bozeman-based high-tech entrepreneur, described the new website — www.Learn2EarnMT.com — as a tool for students to connect a course of study with likely job outcomes. The website lets visitors compare the job prospects and salaries for graduates of the various certificate, two-year and four-year programs in Montana. I am told of a similar website, the Montana Career Information System, http://bit.ly/1JshRnr, may be worth viewing as well.
DAY OF HONOR: Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it became an official federal holiday in 1971. I plan on flying my flag, firing up the grill, and most importantly, taking some time during the day to thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
ON DECK: The Information Technology Board meets 10 a.m. June 1, Room 152 of the state capitol.
Dome Lights appears Sunday, unless the villagers catch me. Email me at pdrake@greatfallstribune.com or call 406-422-0772. I’m based in Helena. Mail me at P.O. Box 1601, Helena, MT 59624.