January 20, 2005

            Greetings and good morning to you fine citizens. Today is Inauguration Day, and of course you should commemorate this day, as you deem appropriate!

            If this day brings out your concerns that our country is slipping towards fascism, then you should go to this link on my website……

http://www.citizengoodenough.com/facism.htm

            Although I have doubts about most of the activities of the legislature, there are some positive changes proposed as well. Take HB 23-Public Ethics Act sponsored by newly elected Representative Lubnau for example.

            Our current state ethics law does not cover the elected officials of the many and varied special election districts in Wyoming. We have special districts for hospitals, cemeteries, weed and pest work, fires and so on, there are 100’s of special districts in total.

            If the bill should pass, then the provisions of our Pubic Ethics law would apply to an additional group of elected officials, definitely a good thing! As to whether or not the Public Ethics law is written the way it should be, that is a discussion for another day!

            And now for a development that might make you shake your head in amazement. Currently having passengers in the back of a pick up truck is legal and accepted, it’s a Wyoming tradition. The seat belt laws do not apply.

            Well then, you better take a look at HB 246 sponsored by Representative Warren; the title of the bill is…Dog Safety Restraint Devices. Unless I read this wrong, the proposal would impose requirements on how a person could transport the canine crew in the bed of a pick-up.

            Whether you think that is good or bad, you have to admit that having restrictions on transporting dogs in the back of a truck, but not people is a wee bit illogical…isn’t it?

            That’s all for now!

Keith