Hank is a graduate of the sixth grade, class of 2026. The school did a wonderful job of highlighting each student with their year end individual posters graphically displayed at the end of the ceremony. Each student took a white carnation to their teacher and a personal card from the student to their parents. I got to read Hank’s note and it reinforced my belief that he understands how fortunate he is to have a supportive family environment. It would come as a surprise to most observers that Idaho ranks dead last in per pupil funding in our country. It defies logic that our crack legislature approved and our Governor signed a Voucher bill that will undoubtedly further threaten our per student public school funding. Hank’s school has amazing staff and benefits from very strong parent engagement. Hank will be a member of the Class of 2032, each of us can insist our State properly fund Public education.
Alice Cooper released his epic song in 1972. I tried to sing a few bars to the grand girls as we carted to school on Thursday. “Schools out for summer…schools out forever”. Margie reminded me school is not over forever for Clio or her good self. As I tried to go on with the few other words I remember, the look on the girl’s faces made me certain that the best song might be the l967 hit by the Tremeloes, “Silence is Golden.” I am glad the kids feel comfortable sharing their true feelings.
I am not sure how I got on the e mail list of dictionary:scoop. They started sending me the word of the day. It is a good mental work out to see if I know the meaning before I read their definition. This week, I was stumped by “tartuffe”—a religious hypocrite or a hypocritical pretender to excellence of any kind. As I pondered a sentence that properly used the word, I realized it is one defining characteristic of the Orange Wanker. As the Wanna be King continues to defy all Constitutional safeguards, it is time for a new moniker. I spent a bit of time looking at synonyms for the color orange, so many good options. Karen reminded me that I might consider the many creatively named orange paint colors. I am going to pick Terra Cota Tartuffe or as a second choice Gamboge Tartuffe. Gamboge is a deep, yellowish-mustard orange. My favorite remains, a color of orange describing the Cockwomble who is our famous, twice impeached felon.
There is still reason for optimism as we face down MAGA and its many sycophantic followers. So many elected officials who behave in an obsequious manner. These folks are not above excessive flattery or servile behavior to gain an advantage or special favors. To put it in a way we Pocatello folks can best comprehend; a yes person, brown noser, or bootlicker. I understand five of the eight most far right State legislators lost their primary contests. I am hopeful that Todd Achilles can give Senator Risch a real contest this fall. It would also be excellent to see Elinor Gilbreath overcome the partisan odds to oust Congressman Simpson. In the District 2 primary the Republican’s counted just over 70,000 ballots versus 20,000 for the Democrats. It is a long shot but hope springs eternal.
We can thank the Gamboge Tartuffe for failing to enjoy any Colbert spoof, now Stephen is gone as final proof. John Lithgow wrote a poem to Colbert, a brilliant salute to twenty years of entertaining and informing his followers. Check out “The Mighty Colbert” as read by Lithgow. Enjoy the week end. Mike