The Glacial Group – Montana

 2020 General Election Endorsement Series 2.0

The focus of Part 2 is on the conservative juggernaut in the greater Flathead, home of key party leaders and the heartbeat of Montana’s constitutional conservatives.  Factors that encompass the Glacial Groups endorsements focus on past voting records (when applicable), rankings by myriad of conservative organizations, endorsements, stances on the United States and Montana Constitution’s and US Amendments with an emphasis on the 1^st, 2^nd and 10^th Amendments, pro-life, and stand in opposition to the CSKT Compact.

There are four conservative Montana Senate candidates that we are endorsing at this time.  They include:  Carl Glimm (SD2), Keith Regier (SD3), Bob Brown (SD7), Bob Keenan (SD), Mark Blasdel (SD) and our plus one from the Bitterroot, Theresa Manzella (SD44).

Carl Glimm (SD2) has served four terms in the House where he chaired the House Appropriations Committee last session and is ranked the #1 conservative by Legistats.

Keith Regier (SD3). Keith currently chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Ethics Committee.

Bob Brown, (SD7). Bob has served three sessions in the House where he chairs the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee.

A special endorsement goes south to Theresa Manzella (SD44).  Theresa is a strong Constitutional Conservative who soundly defeated a so-called Solutions Caucus liberal Lieutenant, Nancy Ballance.  Theresa has spent the three previous sessions in the House earning 100% ratings from the NRA, Montana Shooting Sports Association, the Montana Family Foundation, the United Property Owners of Montana, and an A rating with Legistats.  She has also received the Keeper of the 10^th award and the Conservative Achievement Award.

In addition, two Flathead Valley conservative stalwarts, Sen. Mark Blasdel (SD4) and Sen. Bob Keenan (SD5) have earned our respect and recognition for all they continue to do for the Party. They are in an off cycle and not on the ballot this year.

Conservative House candidates representing the Flathead bring a wide range of experiences to the ticket this year with a mix of veteran and first time candidates.  Veteran candidates include:

Matt Regier, HD 4; John Fuller, HD8; Mark Noland, HD 10; and Derek Skees, HD11.  Their efforts and voting records demonstrate that they strongly support the constitutions of Montana and the United States, and the Republican Party Platform.

Rep. Matt Regier (HD4).  Matt is running unopposed in HD4. He currently Chairs the Judicial Branch, Law Enforcement, and Justice Committee and is the Vice Chair of the Legislative Administration Committee.

Rep. John Fuller (HD8).  John is running unopposed in HD8.  As a retired educator, he serves on three committees including the Education Committee.  John is also the Chairman of the Flathead County Republican Central Committee.

Rep. Mark Noland (HD 10).  Mark is running for his fourth and final term.  He has Chaired the Business and Labor Committee since 2017.  Mark is a fiscal conservative who is a small business owner and entrepreneur.

Rep. Derek Skees (HD11).  Derek is running unopposed in HD11.  He is also running for a fourth term.  Derek Chairs the Rules Committee and is the Vice Chair for the Ethics Committee and Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee.

Four newcomers with conservative traits and have a passion in defending our Constitutional Republic include: Braxton Mitchell, HD3; Catherine Owens, HD5; Amy Regier, HD6; and Paul Fielder HD13.

Braxton Mitchell (HD3). Braxton is a young man from the Columbia Falls area brings energy and conservative values to the race.  He has been a leader and positive influence with young people at the local and national levels working with several organizations.  Braxton also is focused on protecting property rights, public lands and the 2^nd Amendment.

Catherine Owens (HD5).  Catherine has methodically taken on the liberal incumbent in Whitefish and HD5 by building a broad grass roots conservative movement.  Her temperament and dedication is impressive to say the least.  Catherine’s key issues on lower property taxes by coming up with creative ways to generate revenue, protecting our public lands and water.

Amy Regier (HD6). Amy is a Registered Nurse and became a “giant slayer” when she trounced long time establishment moderate Bruce Tutvedt in the Primary.  She is running on family values, lower property taxes, ensure access to public lands, and support of the 2nd Amendment

Paul Fielder (HD13). Paul brings a wealth of experience and conservative values to the ballot as a constitutional conservative. His candor and drive as a results oriented individual will prove invaluable to his constituents and the entire State.

Three other races that are critical for conservatives to win are the Flathead County Commission, Clerk of District Court, and the Public Service Commission, District 4.

Brad Abell, Flathead County Commissioner, District 1.  Abell is the right fit for the Flathead County Commission and whose impact will be immediately felt.  He comes with the job with a wide range of common sense skill sets as a blue collar roots and entrepreneur.  Brad’s conservative traits and support for law and order will compliment those of the other two commissioners making the Flathead team the strongest and most unified in recent memory.

Peg Allison, Clerk of District Court.  Peg is unopposed during this general election.  Still, she has earned our full endorsement given her solid record in the position over the years.

Jennifer Fielder, Montana Public Service Commission, District 4.  As a constitutional conservative, Senator Fielder is the obvious selection for this race.  Not only does Jennifer have the qualitative and quantitative skill sets, she brings specific intangibles that can unite a fractured commission.  Jennifer is a proven leader who has an uncanny ability to take complex technical issues and translate them into action.

Contact: Ed Byrne edwardjbyrne860@gmail.com

Part 1 of a weeklong series in endorsing conservative candidates across the full spectrum of the State of Montana – from local – county – state – federal elections.  This article endorses candidates for Federal and State positions.

President and Vice President of the United States: President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Michael R. Pence.  This is the most consequential election in America since Abraham Lincoln.  This will determine the direction of America with extreme ramifications for the nation if the Biden/Harris ticket wins.  Everything from probability of packing the US Supreme Court, [Un]Affordable Care Act (Obama Care), granting State hood for Washington D.C. (already passed by the US House of Representatives) and Puerto Rico – both will give the Democrats four additional Senators for the indefinite future.  Other issues encompass higher taxes, the extreme Green New Deal that will not only bankrupt our economy and the entire energy sector, but will also pose a clear and present danger to our national security.

U.S. Senator for Montana:  Senator Steve Daines. A solid Republican with a strong business background and has represented Montana well in the U.S. Senate.  In comparison, his opponent, Steve Bullock is a lifelong politician who has been the most divisive Governor in decades and is a far left radical democrat whose only ability to work across so-called party lines is by aligning and pupating the “solutions caucus”.  This election could very easily determine the control of the U.S. Senate.  The only viable option here is the re-election of Sen. Daines.  We must reject outright Bullock.

At Large U.S. Representative for Montana:  Matt Rosendale.  Matt is another successful business man and is doing a phenomenal job as State Auditor.  This race features the greatest contrast in candidates.  Matt’s opponent, Kathleen Williams, is a San Francisco Liberal who attended University of California, Berkeley who has opposed cutting taxes and supports greater government control.  As the saying goes, she “is too liberal for Montana”.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Montana:  U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte and Kristen Juras.  A very successful businessman and entrepreneur who will bring his knowledge, skills and abilities to the office in a period in time when it is imperative to address employment/wages, the budget, and bloated bureaucracy that has evolved over the past 16 years and supercharged during the COVID-19 crisis.  In addition Greg has gained myriad of relationships with the House, Senate and Executive branches while continuing to serve and Montana’s at large Representative.  His opponent has virtually no experience outside of his 44 years in state government elected offices.  One of Greg’s strongest assets is his selection of Kristen Juras as his Lt. Governor.  Kristen is superbly suited to compliment his strengths and will take an active role in the administration.

Montana Attorney General:  Austin Knudsen.  Austin embodies strong conservative values and brings a wealth of diverse experience to the ticket.  He is currently the County Attorney in Roosevelt County.  Previously he has served in private practice and as a Legislature where he was elected Speaker of the House twice.  Austin is a 5^th generation Montanan who grew up on the family farm near Culbertson.  In comparison his opponent, Ralph Graybill, has never prosecuted a case in court and only returned to Montana in 2017 from Seattle to be Governor Bullock as his chief legal counsel.

Montana Secretary of State:  Christi Jacobsen.  As Deputy Secretary of State Christi has been instrumental in implementing a complete overhaul of the office.  Accomplishments include reducing the staff by a third, saving millions of dollars; eliminating 50,000 errors in business filings, and significantly improving customer satisfaction.  Christi has outlined her intentions to continue implementing an aggressive way ahead adhering to conservative values.  Her opponent is a far left liberal from Missoula who supports big government and Medicaid expansion.

Montana Office of Public Instruction:  Superintendent Incumbent Elsie Arntzen.  Elsie is the first Republican to hold the office since 1988.  She is a strong prolife conservative woman who focuses on students and quality education.  Elsie’s experiences include 23 years as an elementary teacher and 12 years in the Legislature in the House and Senate.

Montana Auditor:  Troy Downing.  A strong conservative and another successful businessman who supports smaller and smarter government.  Troy “is a strong supporter of the 2^nd Amendment and economic prosperity for all.”  He is also the only combat veteran running for state office.  His opponent, Shane Morgieau, is a liberal lawyer from Missoula who states “he’s proud that he doesn’t come from industry” supports Montana’s Medicaid Expansion program.

This is a Republican Team that far and away stronger than their opponents.  The choices and black and white (red and blue).  The Glacial Group strongly endorses all eight candidates on the Republican ticket.  Now do your part and then some – get out and vote, talk to your family and neighbors, encourage our young conservatives to register to vote if they have not already, contact your local Republican Central Committee and volunteer.  This is a historic election that will determine the future of our country for years, if not decades to come.

Paul E. Vallely

MG US Army (Ret)

Chairman – Stand Up America US Foundation

Edward J. Byrne

COL US Army (Ret)

Chairman – Wild Rose Farm

Owner/Operator Vigilante Meta Operations

Part 1 of a weeklong series in endorsing conservative candidates across the full spectrum of the State of Montana – from local – county – state – federal elections.  This article endorses candidates for Federal and State positions.

President and Vice President of the United States: President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Michael R. Pence.  This is the most consequential election in America since Abraham Lincoln.  This will determine the direction of America with extreme ramifications for the nation if the Biden/Harris ticket wins.  Everything from probability of packing the US Supreme Court, [Un]Affordable Care Act (Obama Care), granting State hood for Washington D.C. (already passed by the US House of Representatives) and Puerto Rico – both will give the Democrats four additional Senators for the indefinite future.  Other issues encompass higher taxes, the extreme Green New Deal that will not only bankrupt our economy and the entire energy sector, but will also pose a clear and present danger to our national security.

U.S. Senator for Montana:  Senator Steve Daines. A solid Republican with a strong business background and has represented Montana well in the U.S. Senate.  In comparison, his opponent, Steve Bullock is a lifelong politician who has been the most divisive Governor in decades and is a far left radical democrat whose only ability to work across so-called party lines is by aligning and pupating the “solutions caucus”.  This election could very easily determine the control of the U.S. Senate.  The only viable option here is the re-election of Sen. Daines.  We must reject outright Bullock.

At Large U.S. Representative for Montana:  Matt Rosendale.  Matt is another successful business man and is doing a phenomenal job as State Auditor.  This race features the greatest contrast in candidates.  Matt’s opponent, Kathleen Williams, is a San Francisco Liberal who attended University of California, Berkeley who has opposed cutting taxes and supports greater government control.  As the saying goes, she “is too liberal for Montana”.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Montana:  U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte and Kristen Juras.  A very successful businessman and entrepreneur who will bring his knowledge, skills and abilities to the office in a period in time when it is imperative to address employment/wages, the budget, and bloated bureaucracy that has evolved over the past 16 years and supercharged during the COVID-19 crisis.  In addition Greg has gained myriad of relationships with the House, Senate and Executive branches while continuing to serve and Montana’s at large Representative.  His opponent has virtually no experience outside of his 44 years in state government elected offices.  One of Greg’s strongest assets is his selection of Kristen Juras as his Lt. Governor.  Kristen is superbly suited to compliment his strengths and will take an active role in the administration.

Montana Attorney General:  Austin Knudsen.  Austin embodies strong conservative values and brings a wealth of diverse experience to the ticket.  He is currently the County Attorney in Roosevelt County.  Previously he has served in private practice and as a Legislature where he was elected Speaker of the House twice.  Austin is a 5^th generation Montanan who grew up on the family farm near Culbertson.  In comparison his opponent, Ralph Graybill, has never prosecuted a case in court and only returned to Montana in 2017 from Seattle to be Governor Bullock as his chief legal counsel.

Montana Secretary of State:  Christi Jacobsen.  As Deputy Secretary of State Christi has been instrumental in implementing a complete overhaul of the office.  Accomplishments include reducing the staff by a third, saving millions of dollars; eliminating 50,000 errors in business filings, and significantly improving customer satisfaction.  Christi has outlined her intentions to continue implementing an aggressive way ahead adhering to conservative values.  Her opponent is a far left liberal from Missoula who supports big government and Medicaid expansion.

Montana Office of Public Instruction:  Superintendent Incumbent Elsie Arntzen.  Elsie is the first Republican to hold the office since 1988.  She is a strong prolife conservative woman who focuses on students and quality education.  Elsie’s experiences include 23 years as an elementary teacher and 12 years in the Legislature in the House and Senate.

Montana Auditor:  Troy Downing.  A strong conservative and another successful businessman who supports smaller and smarter government.  Troy “is a strong supporter of the 2^nd Amendment and economic prosperity for all.”  He is also the only combat veteran running for state office.  His opponent, Shane Morgieau, is a liberal lawyer from Missoula who states “he’s proud that he doesn’t come from industry” supports Montana’s Medicaid Expansion program.

This is a Republican Team that far and away stronger than their opponents.  The choices and black and white (red and blue).  The Glacial Group strongly endorses all eight candidates on the Republican ticket.  Now do your part and then some – get out and vote, talk to your family and neighbors, encourage our young conservatives to register to vote if they have not already, contact your local Republican Central Committee and volunteer.  This is a historic election that will determine the future of our country for years, if not decades to come.

Paul E. Vallely

MG US Army (Ret)

Chairman – Stand Up America US Foundation

Edward J. Byrne

COL US Army (Ret)

Chairman – Wild Rose Farm

Owner/Operator Vigilante Meta Operations

 Civilization(s) In Decline by MG Paul E Vallely, US Army (Ret)

Chairman – Stand Up America US Foundation

September 24, 2020

History tells us that a civilization or an empire has six stages of evolution.

• Age of pioneers and/or explorers
• Age of conquests seeking new land and resources
• An age of commerce and agriculture ( and now technology)
• An age of influence and class diversification
• An age of affluence, education, intellect, and healthcare
• An age of decadence and loss of values [i]

Some civilizations reach their peak of power, then collapse and remain in decline or even disappear. Others thrive for thousands of years. What accounts for the difference and what does it matter to the U.S.?  Does our civilization have what it takes to survive? With the United States seemingly at the height of its power and at the start of a new presidential term, Americans are increasingly concerned and divided about where we are going. How long can America remain ascendant? Where will we be as a nation 10 years from now and beyond? To save America and the world, we must rebuild the traditional culture of America, return to our traditions, values, and upgrade morality.

A collapse in a society can be characterized by the loss of cultural identity. These collapses can be caused by natural disasters (floods, fires, earthquakes, etc.), pandemics, prolonged warfare, pestilence, famine with a depopulation of the society. A collapsed society or culture may revert to a more primitive sate, absorbed into another society, and disappear completely. [ii]

In Douglas Murray’s The Strange Death of Europe, the author offers a sobering assessment of modern Europe and raises unsettling questions about the future. “At any time, the loss of all unifying stories about our past or ideas about what to do with our present and our future would be a serious conundrum,” Murray writes. “But during a time of momentous societal change and upheaval the results are proving fatal. The world is coming into Europe at precisely the moment that Europe has lost sight of what it is.” Most significantly, Murray questions whether Europe is still Christian. He cites the absence of any mention of Christianity in the European Union’s new constitution, written in 2000, despite the efforts of Pope John Paul II and his successor. The EU instead wraps itself in high-flown rhetoric about “human rights” without any acknowledgment of their source.

Murray traces this crisis of identity back to the late 19th century, to two seminal events. First, the textual criticism of the Bible, originating in Germany and spreading throughout the West, undermined the Biblical foundation of Western Christianity. The second seismic blow occurred simultaneously, with the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Whereas it had been a foundational belief that a divine, awe-inspiring plan was behind all of civilization, it suddenly was widely held that science — not faith — held all the answers.

The challenge for Europe that it is coupled with a massive influx of immigrants and raises the more serious question as to whether European civilization and historic nations will even survive. First, the millions of immigrants who have entered Europe in the past five years have already altered these societies. When coupled with current birth rates for native and non-native populations, the impact grows quickly in future years. Second, there is little indication that these immigrants assimilate into Western civilization and European cultures and reside in ghetto “no go zones”.  Third, there is also little indication that the liberal democracies of Western Europe have the will, the leadership or sense of purpose to require assimilation.

The death of Europe is “strange” indeed and is the result of fatal self-inflicted wounds by well-intentioned and misguided governments — governments that sadly mirrored the philosophical, spiritual floundering of their own people. You can also attribute the decline in Europe to weak and misguided leaders.

Unlike all previous civilizations, modern industrial civilization is powered by an exceptionally rich, non-renewable, and irreplaceable energy source—fossil fuels.  This unique energy base predisposes industrial civilization to a short, meteoric lifespan of unprecedented boom and drastic bust.  Megacities, globalized production, industrial agriculture, and a human population approaching 8 billion are all historically exceptional—and unsustainable—without fossil fuels for a considerable period.   And, while there are energy alternatives, there are no realistic replacements that can deliver the abundant net energy fossil fuels provide in the foreseeable future.

Unlike past civilizations, the economy of industrial and a high-tech society is capitalist in nature requiring a profitable operation and efficient organization. Production for profit is the driving force.  The unprecedented surplus energy supplied by fossil fuels has generated exceptional growth and enormous profits over the past two centuries.  But in the coming decades, these historic windfalls of abundant energy, constant growth, and rising profits may vanish.

However, unless it is abolished, capitalism will not disappear when boom turns to bust.  Instead, energy-starved, growth-less capitalism will turn catabolic.  Catabolism refers to the condition whereby a living thing devours itself.  As profitable sources of production dry up, capitalism will be compelled to turn a profit by consuming the social assets it once created.  By cannibalizing itself, the profit motive will exacerbate industrial society’s dramatic decline.

Unlike past societies and civilizations, industrial civilization is not Roman, Chinese, Egyptian, Aztec, or Mayan.    Pre-industrial civilizations depleted their soil, their forests, and polluted rivers.  But the harm was far more temporary and geographically limited. Once market incentives harnessed the colossal power of fossil fuels, the energy revolution began.

Human civilization’s collective capacity to confront its mounting crises is crippled by a fragmented political system of antagonistic nations ruled by corrupt elites who care more about power and wealth than people and the planet.  Humanity faces a perfect storm of converging global calamities.  Intersecting tribulations like climate chaos, rampant extinction, food and freshwater scarcity, poverty, extreme inequality, and the rise of global pandemics are rapidly eroding the foundations of modern life.

How people respond to the collapse of a capitalist civilization will determine how societies survive and what will replace it. The challenges are monumental.  They will force us to question our identities, our values, and our loyalties like no other experience in our history.  Who are we?  Are we, first and foremost, human beings struggling to raise our families, strengthen our communities, and coexist with the other inhabitants of Earth?  Or do our primary loyalties belong to our nation, our culture, our race, our ideology, or our religion?  Can we put the survival of our species and our planet first, or will we allow ourselves to become hopelessly divided along national, cultural, racial, religious, or party lines?

Great civilizations are not built in a day, nor do they collapse suddenly. Deterioration is gradual, therefore noticeable. In the Land of Israel, the First Temple was destroyed due to idolatry. The Second Temple was destroyed due to baseless hatred. In the 21st century, the subtler combination of irrationality with pusillanimity constitutes the fatal concoction. Our relationship to the obvious serves as an index through which the symptoms of decline are noted. Let all concerned for the commonwealth take caution, for here is how we sophisticated moderns lose civilization:

History reveals that great civilizations decline and fall due to internal erosion, not external invasion. Intrinsic corruption and corrosion invite outsiders to raid, rape, pillage, and plunder. Conquest is thus merely the coup de grace (a coup de grâce is a death blow to end the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal. It may be a mercy killing of mortally wounded civilians or soldiers, friends, or enemies, with or without the sufferer’s consent) – a finishing stroke in the aftermath of prolonged dissolution. In most cases, conquerors appear more impressive than they deserve because the conquered first methodically, albeit unwittingly, lay the groundwork for them. Any species of predatory brutes can kick in a Maginot Line, and most do.

Most historians and scientists agree that we are in the last stage of a declining civilization which is the age of decadence. All civilizations come to an end, some do it peacefully while others do it abruptly and with a lot of chaos. 2000 years ago, the Roman Empire was the most powerful and technologically advanced society in that era, yet they have fell just like other civilizations but recovered in a new way.

Why is the US in decline? Many of the same reasons Rome declined.

• Religion and Western culture are under constant threat and assault
• There is an unequal application of justice in Europe and America
• Decline and attack on the nuclear family
• Increasing depravity in the media, art, and entertainment
• Increase in violent crime and insurrection
• Declining middle class
• Moral decay with the approval of government
• Widespread government corruption
• The combining of government and corporate power
• The failure of people to act
• Disease

The Roman Empire was the richest and most advanced civilization of its era, but this did not prevent it from falling. The decline of any civilization takes a long time and most people do not even notice it happening as all they see is that things are getting worse year by year.

Each civilization will have the same fate, it is just a matter of time. While we do see signs of a declining civilization throughout the western world there are civilizations that have just started the age of commerce and affluence and most of these countries are 3rd world countries. Eventually, 3rd world countries would rise after the western civilizations fall apart, making the western civilizations 3rd world countries.

What is different now from historical civilizations decline.

Destruction of the family core

During the past, several years there has been a war on core family values which eventually will lead to the decline of civilization as we know it. It is increasingly risky for a man to marry and have children, as around 50% of marriages end up in a divorce. Schools indoctrinate our children with liberal poisons. Socialism is presented as something positive. If any conservative child/student dares to speak out, he or she will be isolated by liberal teachers.  There is truly little or no education in history, patriotism, morality, or spiritual life. Internet almost works as a death trap, it constantly churns out poisonous programs filled with fake news, foul languages, violent /decadent programs.

Mass stupidity

We live in the most prosperous time for humanity, our technology has come so far that we no longer need to worry about basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. Nowadays most people take everything for granted, and few of them know the joy of a hard day at work. With the current culture of giving praises and celebrating people who lost in a race, what is the point of being first if you all get the same trophy and congratulations?

We live in an age where students think that communism is a viable form of government like everybody would have a good job, nice house, car and so on. But history has taught us that communism does not work in the long run, everybody will be dirt poor except the ruling class. I have several friends from former communist countries, during that era once you got married you got a small apartment from the government, what people do not tell you is that everything was rationed like in a wartime situation.

Although Christian holidays were banned during the communist era, people still celebrated it in secret. Good old Christmas miracles during the communist era where every year somebody would snitch on a neighbor celebrating Christmas and the secret police would drag the entire family away. A couple of weeks later somebody new would move in and nobody from the neighborhood would dare to ask any questions of what happened to the family that has been dragged away.

The signs of a declining civilization are present all around us. We need to look up from our cell phones, Twitter, Facebook, and computers and take a good look at people’s and politicians’ behaviors. Every civilization will come to an end eventually. We must save America before the decline is so great that we cannot recover!

Released and Distributed by the Stand Up America US Foundation

www.standupamericaus.org

Contact: standupamericausa1@gmail.com

[i] Wikipedia

[ii] Wikipedia