Why Does Jake Eaton Want to Disenfranchise My Students?

by Don Pogreba on October 5, 2008 · 146 comments

in '08 Election, Montana Politics

Initially, I was angry with Jake Eaton and the Montana Republican Party in theory. It was greatly upsetting to learn that the Republican Party in Montana had so little respect for voters that it would actively try to remove them from the rolls, rather than educate them. Admittedly, it would be challenging to educate voters when your agenda is bankrupting the future for the sake of the greed of a few corporate masters, but I honestly never believed that the Montana Republicans would stoop so low as to act like their counterparts nationwide who have used every tool at their disposal to disenfranchise voters.

My anger moved from the theoretical to the personal this evening, when I had the chance to look at the list of voters who have been challenged. No fewer than 20 students I have worked with as a teacher at Helena and Capital High are on the challenge list. I’ve contacted as many as I can, to let them know that they absolutely have the right to vote in Montana, and the response I have received thus far is telling: these young people are exactly the kind of people we want to be voting—thoughtful, informed, and active members of their communities. All I’ve spoken to are college students or recent graduates who took the controversial step of forwarding their mail while they were at college. You know, behaving responsibly.

So, Jake, I want you to understand that my anger isn’t partisan posturing or trying to score points—the kind of cheap stunt that you specialize in. My anger is because you have chosen to try to intimidate and disenfranchise some spectacular human beings, right at the moment when they are going to choose whether or not to become involved in the political process. I have faith that my former students will vote, in spite of your efforts, but you should be ashamed of yourself for trying to diminish their interest in becoming a part of the political process.

You are a shameful hack, and if your party had any decency left, they would fire your ass immediately. I won’t hold my breath waiting for decency to make an appearance at the Montana GOP headquarters, though.

Article by

Don is an English/Debate teacher and debate handbook author who lives in Helena, MT, and who can't imagine living anywhere other than this glorious state. Much of his writing happens late at night and he is unlikely to respond to your comments during the day.

{ 145 comments }

problembear October 6, 2008 at 8:57 am

the montana polling data in the next two weeks will be interesting to watch. i predict with these shenanigans that the mccain lead slips from 10 to under 4% within two weeks and dead even by election night. people are angry about everything that republicans have done in washington the past 8 years. but challenging voters eligibility is the last straw. that is just too much. smart republican candidates should get out ahead of this and join Bohlinger in condemning this tactic before they lose their elections in the backlash.
Obama’s lead nationally has doubled in two weeks from 4% to 8% today.

MemeGene October 6, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Kudos to you for looking out for your students! I am a volunteer asst debate coach with a local high school, and I would be livid if I found out my students were being harassed in this way. Great point about how they are the thoughtful and responsible ones and that they are being targeted because they actually set up mail forwarding. I wish them the best!

Monster - Beats By Dr Dre JustBeats Studio - Purple January 16, 2012 at 1:59 am

I wish to express my appreciation to the writer just for bailing me out of such a circumstance. Just after looking through the internet and finding thoughts which are not helpful, I thought my life was well over. Living minus the solutions to the problems you have fixed through your article is a critical case, as well as ones which might have adversely damaged my entire career if I hadn’t encountered your blog. Your ability and kindness in dealing with all the stuff was very useful. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not come across such a point like this. I am able to now look ahead to my future. Thank you very much for the high quality and sensible guide. I won’t be reluctant to refer your web page to anybody who should receive care about this subject matter.

ghd stockists nz January 16, 2012 at 4:10 am

to be sure, why jesus lets this continue on is concerning

hermes constance January 16, 2012 at 5:27 am

Well written. I never thought I will go along with this opinion, but IпїЅпїЅm starting to view things originating from a different view. Need to research more about this precisely as it seems very interesting. A single thing I donпїЅпїЅt understand though is the place things related together.

zapatillas nike air max January 16, 2012 at 9:19 am

There are some attention-grabbing deadlines on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There’s some validity but I will take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

cheap beats by dre January 16, 2012 at 12:10 pm

There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.

martials arts/martial arts/arts martials January 16, 2012 at 5:20 pm

If you need help computer security, enters pcsecurity

gucci sale January 16, 2012 at 9:44 pm

I explain to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they just donпїЅпїЅt know about.

louis vuitton outlet store online January 16, 2012 at 10:35 pm

Using my first day at your internet site, I i imagined id say hey there! Wonderful site anyway.

Beats by Dre Tour Sale January 17, 2012 at 4:50 am

As a Newbie, I am permanently exploring online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you

ghd straightener January 17, 2012 at 5:54 am

The fact i recommend regarding your blog is you always post direct relevant info.*;*~*

Beats By Dre Sale January 18, 2012 at 1:15 am

Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous web site.

hermes belt buckle January 18, 2012 at 1:59 am

Wrote this fantastic posts. For a nice and following you for quite a while in my rss reader, thought we take time to speak about Thanks a lot nowadays.

immobilier January 18, 2012 at 2:07 am

Bonjour les gens quel est votre point de vue de mon nouveau blog sur l’ immobilier ?

ugg ireland January 18, 2012 at 3:19 am

I’d have to check with you in it article. That may be possibly not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a writing that will make people think. Also, thank you to get allowing me to provide feedback!

louis vuitton handbags clearance January 18, 2012 at 5:34 am

I found myself also reading an issue like this one from another site

cheap louis vuitton bags January 18, 2012 at 11:26 pm

IпїЅпїЅve ignored the questions, but many different old pros can comprehend.

Trey Portnoff January 19, 2012 at 2:47 am

Great morning, may be the following is towards situation merely well, i%u2019ve become executing study concerning your webpage which%u2019s why it is rather obviously pro. I include been having a fresh unique writings with the other person with attempting return glance good, every time as well as feel a response i%u2019ve damage it. Recommendations on what burdensome was seen as the to successfully site? Properly any man much for example me lacking an occurence make it happen, on top that complete folks boost web should possess connected with chewing all the way up up up receiving which will done plus?

Stephine Focks January 19, 2012 at 4:53 am

It’s good site, I was looking for something like this

mont blanc pens January 19, 2012 at 9:47 pm

There are definitely a variety of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I supply the thoughts above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you carry up the place a very powerful thing can be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I’m sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each boys and girls really feel the impression of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

dr dre January 19, 2012 at 10:20 pm

I’d should check with you here. Which is not something I often do! I take pleasure in reading a put up that will make people think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to remark!

Discount Monster - Beats by Dr Dre Studio - Black January 20, 2012 at 10:34 am

I needed to write you a very small note to be able to thank you once again on your great information you’ve provided on this site. It is really incredibly generous of you to offer extensively just what a lot of folks could possibly have advertised as an e book to help make some dough on their own, and in particular since you could possibly have done it if you ever considered necessary. The guidelines as well worked like a fantastic way to know that some people have a similar dream really like my personal own to realize good deal more in terms of this condition. I’m sure there are a lot more pleasant moments ahead for many who start reading your site.

hermes bracelets January 20, 2012 at 6:56 pm

Disgrace on the serps because of not positioning this submit higher! Happen over and visit my website . Thanks a lot

dr dre January 21, 2012 at 12:57 am

I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

herve leger Melbourne January 21, 2012 at 1:16 am

I ACTUALLY was very pleased to find this particular web-site.I wanted to thank you for your precious time with this great read!! I ACTUALLY surely loving each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to see fresh thing you blog post.

Mohamed Monges January 21, 2012 at 10:54 am

Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?

Affiliate MasterClass January 21, 2012 at 1:28 pm

I love your post review, it makes me produce my experience in this little blog. I we imagine you get more review, I’ll follow your update. See you on the following.

cheap beats by dre Canada January 21, 2012 at 6:19 pm

There are certainly a variety of details like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place the most important factor can be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around things like that, but I am positive that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Both girls and boys feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

Letha Billafuerte January 21, 2012 at 7:29 pm

If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.

Get ABS January 22, 2012 at 4:57 am

Hey there! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask. Does running a well-established blog such as yours require a lot of work? I’m completely new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

nike store usa January 22, 2012 at 10:14 pm

Can I simply say what a aid to search out somebody who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how one can carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More folks need to learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre no more standard because you positively have the gift.

uggs pas cher ebay January 22, 2012 at 10:37 pm

Aw, this is an extremely attractive post. In idea I’d like to put in writing something like this additionally – taking time and even true efforts to generate a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate much and practically never seem to get something completed.

how to build a garden shed plans January 23, 2012 at 4:43 am

Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at perform so I made a decision to check out out your site on my iphone in the course of lunch break. I appreciate the info you supply here and can’t wait to just take a search when I get home. I am shocked at how quickly your blog loaded on my telephone .. I am not even working with WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good web site!

immobilier January 23, 2012 at 9:43 am

Coucou les amis comment trouvez-vous de mon nouveau blog sur l’ immobilier ?

penny auctions free bids January 24, 2012 at 2:53 am

Hey I am so happy I found your website, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.

Caron Bendorf January 25, 2012 at 11:29 am

It’s a shame you really do not have a very donate button! I’d most unquestionably donate to this exceptional blogging site! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and including your RSS feed to my Google account. I anticipate brand name new updates and will share this web-site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

immobilier January 25, 2012 at 8:36 pm

Bonsoir tout le monde que pensez-vous de mon nouveau blog sur l’ immobilier ?

Marketta Shin January 26, 2012 at 3:33 am

certainly like your web site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll certainly come back again.

Keila Claflin January 26, 2012 at 9:05 am

Can I just say such a relief to get someone that actually knows what theyre talking about on the net. You actually understand how to bring a concern to light making it important. More people have to check this out and see why side in the story. I cant believe youre not popular since you definitely have the gift.

Stron Poznan January 27, 2012 at 9:44 am

Wonderful work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

Monster - PowerBeats Sport headphones - Black Canada January 28, 2012 at 12:09 am

My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

Marco Machalek January 28, 2012 at 2:12 pm

Excellent website. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your sweat!

oferty January 28, 2012 at 2:14 pm

What i do not understood is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you might be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

pozycjonowanie stron internetowych January 28, 2012 at 10:09 pm

What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its aided me. Great job.

blood glucose meters January 29, 2012 at 2:15 pm

I like this web blog very much, Its a real nice office to read and find info .

Blog Turystyczny January 29, 2012 at 11:54 pm

It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

birthday entertainers January 30, 2012 at 2:38 am

Amazing theme , I really am trying how to make my blog this topical !

moncler January 30, 2012 at 8:10 am

Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and under no circumstances seem to get something done.

uggs goedkoop January 30, 2012 at 8:15 am

Can I just say what a reduction to search out someone who really knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how you can carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More individuals must learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre not more in style since you undoubtedly have the gift.

Comments on this entry are closed.

{ 1 trackback }

Previous post:

Next post: