The 2024 Wyoming Legislative Session. Part 3 Appendix. Bill Status at the end of Week 2.

Bill Status at the end of week 2 of the 2024 Budget Session.

Key:  

Red:  Dead.

Blue:  So far, getting through.

Bold and Blue:  Passed third Reading in one house.

Italics, strongly associated with Freedom Caucus.

Comic font, stronlg associated with Democratic Party.

HB0001 General government appropriations. Appropriations S Introduced and Referred to S02 02/22/2024

HB0002 Nonresident fishing license fee increase. Travel H Failed Introduction 39-22-1-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0003 Property tax exemption for long-term homeowners. Revenue S Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

HB0004 Property tax refund program. Revenue S Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

HB0005 Behavioral health redesign amendments. Labor H Failed Introduction 40-21-1-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0006 Light and high profile vehicle closures. Transportation H Failed Introduction 41-20-1-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0007 Alternative fuel tax-electricity amendments. Transportation H Failed Introduction 40-20-1-0-1 02/12/2024

HB0008 Commercial driver license-hazardous materials endorsement. Transportation S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0009 Fuel tax-licensee information deadline. Transportation S Introduced and Referred to S03 - Revenue 02/20/2024

HB0010 Grace period-state land lease renewals. Agriculture S Placed on General File 02/22/2024

HB0011 State land lease amendments. Agriculture S Placed on General File 02/22/2024

HB0012 Wyoming dairy marketing act-repeal. Agriculture S Introduced and Referred to S05 - Agriculture 02/23/2024

HB0013 Flow-through pools-exemption. Agriculture S Introduced and Referred to S05 - Agriculture 02/23/2024

HB0014 Prior authorization regulations. Labor S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0015 Health insurance-reimbursement of overpayments. Labor S Introduced and Referred to S10 - Labor 02/20/2024

HB0016 Sutton state archaeological site-legal description. Travel S Placed on General File 02/22/2024

HB0017 Fishing outfitters and guides-registration of fishing boats. Travel H Failed Introduction 38-22-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0018 Property tax-inflation cap. Revenue H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0019 Education savings accounts. Education H Failed Introduction 41-19-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0020 School finance-regional cost adjustment study. Education S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0021 Charter school leasing. Sel Sch Fac S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0022 Sales tax revisions. Revenue H Failed Introduction 1-59-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0023 Vehicle registration e-certificate and grace period. Larson, JT S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0024 Certificate of need repeal. Labor S Introduced and Referred to S10 - Labor 02/21/2024

HB0025 Medicaid-third party payor conditions. Labor S Introduced and Referred to S10 - Labor 02/21/2024

HB0026 Emergency protective services-effective period. Judiciary S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0027 DFS and law enforcement-cross reporting. Judiciary S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0028 Interference with parent-child contact. Judiciary H Failed Introduction 41-19-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0029 Cold case database and investigations. Judiciary H 3rd Reading:Passed 53-9-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0030 Controlled Substances Act-possession amendments. Judiciary S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 02/23/2024

HB0031 Peace officers-records and reporting. Judiciary H 3rd Reading:Passed 62-0-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0032 Geologic sequestration-unitization amendments. Minerals S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0033 Mining operations-blasting requirements. Minerals :Rerefer to S02 - Appropriations 02/23/2024

HB0034 Solid waste municipal cease and transfer funding. Minerals S Introduced and Referred to S09 - Minerals 02/20/2024

HB0035 Limitation on environmental rulemaking. Minerals S Introduced and Referred to S09 - Minerals 02/21/2024

HB0036 Natural Resource Protection Act. Fed Nat Res H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0037 Election offenses-intimidation. Corporations H Failed Introduction 36-24-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0038 Voter qualifications-durational residency requirement. Corporations H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0039 Campaign reporting. Corporations H Failed Introduction 37-23-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0040 School district trustee oath of office. Corporations S Placed on General File 02/22/2024

HB0041 Candidates for state legislature-residency requirement. Corporations H Failed Introduction 40-20-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0042 Prohibition on private funds for conducting elections. Corporations H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0043 State forestry good neighbor-positions. Fed Nat Res H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0044 Parental rights in minor child’s health care. Labor H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0045 Property tax exemption-residential structures and land. Crago S Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

HB0046 Chancery court-timeline for resolution of disputes. Walters S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 02/21/2024

HB0047 Solid waste-illegal dumping remediation grants. Penn H Failed Introduction 28-33-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0048 Renaming the deaf, dumb and blind account. Conrad H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0049 By the people act. Penn H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0050 What is a Woman Act. Ward H Failed Introduction 37-24-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0051 Public indecency-intimidation. Neiman H Failed Introduction 36-25-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0052 Property tax-homestead exemption. Sommers H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0053 Public health emergency-definition amendments. Ward H Failed Introduction 27-34-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0054 Wyoming Reads Day. Washut S Introduced and Referred to S04 - Education 02/21/2024

HB0055 State budgeting and reserves-account repeal. Cap Fin & Inv H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0056 State budgeting and reserves-general funds. Cap Fin & Inv H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0057 Parental rights regarding vaccination. Ward H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0058 Forensic genetic genealogy pilot program. Tribal Relations S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 02/23/2024

HB0059 Prohibiting mask, vaccine and testing discrimination. Ward H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0060 Excess wildlife population damage amendments. Agriculture H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0061 Fiscal accountability and transparency in education. Penn H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0062 Local impact assistance payments-percentage discretion. Larson, JT H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0063 Sex and gender changes for children-prohibited. Larsen, L H Failed Introduction 33-28-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0064 Fire prevention and electrical safety-amendments. Larsen, L S Introduced and Referred to S07 - Corporations 02/23/2024

HB0065 Public officer fiscal training-amendments. Sommers H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0066 Firefighter-cancer screening benefits. Brown :Refer to S10 - Labor 02/22/2024

HB0067 Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Administration-2. Newsome H 3rd Reading:Passed 48-14-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0068 Obscenity-impartial conformance. Hornok H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0069 Mine permit and reclamation plan changes-landowner approval. Hornok H Failed Introduction 20-41-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0070 Local government distributions. Appropriations S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0071 Broadband development subaccount-amendments. Appropriations S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0072 Worker's compensation-provision for adverse deviation. Appropriations S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0073 Abandoned mine reclamation accounts. Appropriations S Placed on General File 02/23/2024

HB0074 Public health nursing-budget requests. Appropriations H 3rd Reading:Passed 48-14-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0075 Public property-amendments. Appropriations H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0076 Reproductive Freedom Act. Yin H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0077 Simple assault-menacing. Washut H 3rd Reading:Passed 35-27-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0078 Pornography and obscenity-crimes and penalties. Penn H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0079 Secretary of state-expedited filings. BlockChain/Technology H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0080 School finance-dates for fund transfers. Larson, JT H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0081 Public officer training-amendments. Banks S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 02/21/2024

HB0082 Cities and towns-abandoned and nuisance buildings. Sherwood H Failed Introduction 38-23-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0083 Public retirement-actuarially determined contributions. Appropriations S Introduced and Referred to S02 - Appropriations 02/23/2024

HB0084 High Plains Research Station and Arboretum-historic site. Appropriations H Failed Introduction 41-20-1-0-0 02/13/2024

HB0085 Social media-parental consent for minors required. Harshman H Failed Introduction 36-25-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0086 Vehicle lien-amendments. Brown H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0087 Brucellosis testing amendments. Davis H Failed Introduction 41-20-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0088 Public display of obscene material. Ottman H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0089 County clerks-frivolous filings procedure. Larsen, L H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0090 Newborn child safe havens-age of child. Rodriguez-Williams S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 02/23/2024

HB0091 Health mandates-CDC and WHO jurisdiction in Wyoming. Ward H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0092 Protection of parental rights. Stith S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 02/23/2024

HB0093 Animal reimbursement program account amendments-2. Heiner H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0094 Net metering. Heiner H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0095 Health care providers-submission of insurance claims. Stith H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0096 Abandoned mine land program. Stith H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0097 Forcible entry and detainer amendments. Stith H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0098 Duties of registered agents-amendments. Crago H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0099 State funds-prohibition for slave or child labor. Bear H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0100 Critical infrastructure resiliency. Bear H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0101 Attorney general opinions. Mgt Council H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0102 School safety and security amendments. Bear H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0103 Property tax-assessment ratio for residential property. Allred H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0104 Omnibus water bill-planning. Water H 2nd Reading:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0105 Insurance payments-not taxable. Slagle H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0106 Hemp-limitations on psychoactive substances-2. Lawley H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0107 Commercial driver license-medical certificate downgrade-1. Styvar H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0108 Protection of health care providers. Zwonitzer, Dn H Failed Introduction 41-20-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0109 Wind tax exemption-repeal. Slagle H Failed Introduction 36-25-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0110 Wyoming Underground Facilities Notification Act-exemption. Slagle H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0111 Restricted class C and M driver's licenses-amendments. Slagle H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0112 Real estate transfer tax to offset property tax. Yin H Failed Introduction 8-53-1-0-0 02/13/2024

HB0113 Hathaway scholarship program. Henderson H Failed Introduction 40-21-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0114 Wyoming teacher shortage loan repayment program. Henderson H Failed Introduction 39-22-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0115 Donated blood-mRNA disclosure. Penn H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0116 Sage grouse implementation-notice to landowners. Angelos H 3rd Reading:Passed 62-0-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0117 Bond elections-voter threshold requirement. Styvar H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0118 American rescue plan act appropriations-amendments. Appropriations H Failed Introduction 37-23-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0119 School finance-mental health service grants. Sommers H Failed Introduction 38-23-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0120 Interactive gaming. Davis H Failed Introduction 25-36-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0121 Kelly parcel-sale and leasing requirements. Walters H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0122 Carrying of concealed weapons-age requirement. Haroldson H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0123 Mandatory immunizations-repeal. Haroldson H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0124 Vaccination for smallpox-repeal. Haroldson H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0125 Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments. Haroldson H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0126 Child care is a residential use of property. Yin S Introduced and Referred to S07 - Corporations 02/23/2024

HB0127 Property tax exemption-specified real property. Locke H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0128 Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act. Andrew H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0129 Statutory standing committees-federal review. Pendergraft H Failed Introduction 25-36-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0130 Driver's license renewal amendments. Jennings H Withdrawn by Sponsor 02/16/2024

HB0131 Settlement agreements for minors-parental authorization. Crago H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0132 Ban on teaching and training critical race theory. Bear H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0133 Property tax-holiday. Locke H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0134 Property tax deferral program-amendments. Lawley H COW:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0135 State funded capital construction. Appropriations H Failed Introduction 37-23-2-0-0 02/12/2024

HB0136 Gender identity-definition repeal. Hornok H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0137 Chemical abortions-ultrasound requirement. Neiman H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0138 State funds-pool A participation and fund limits. Cap Fin & Inv S Introduced and Referred to S02 - Appropriations 02/23/2024

HB0139 Denturist practice act. Winter H Failed Introduction 31-30-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0140 University of Wyoming governance-elected trustees. Rodriguez-Williams H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0141 State land oil and gas leases-operator requirement. Western S Introduced and Referred to S09 - Minerals 02/23/2024

HB0142 Peace officer standards and training commission-funding. Provenza H Failed Introduction 19-42-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0143 Practice of behavior analyst and technician-family members. Olsen H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0144 Suicide awareness and prevention license plate. Brown H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0145 Open banking-amendments. Western S Introduced and Referred to S09 - Minerals 02/23/2024

HB0146 Property tax relief program-rental property applicants. Henderson H Failed Introduction 31-30-1-0-0 02/13/2024

HB0147 Electrical generation tax. Larsen, L H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0148 Regulation of surgical abortions. Lawley H 3rd Reading:Passed 53-9-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0149 Hit and run-responsibility and penalties. Smith H Failed Introduction 28-33-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0150 Protecting religious assembly in states of emergency act. Smith H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0151 Firearms merchant category code-prohibition. Crago H Failed Introduction 37-24-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0152 Sex offenders-child care facilities. Ottman H Failed Introduction 37-24-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0153 Sex offender registration requirements. Knapp H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0154 Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act-amendments. Burkhart H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0155 Newborn safety device funding for safe haven providers. Rodriguez-Williams H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0156 Best interests of a child-gender affirming treatments. Rodriguez-Williams H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0157 Use of full fair market value in taxation. Locke H Failed Introduction 30-31-1-0-0 02/13/2024

HB0158 Refugee resettlement plan accountability. Locke H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0159 Prohibition on unauthorized fees-veterans benefits. Knapp H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0160 Protect Firearms Rights Act. Jennings H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0161 Appointment by judge for vacancies in office-amendments. Jennings H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0162 Public meetings-executive sessions amendment. Jennings H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0163 Data privacy-government entities. BlockChain/Technology H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0164 Alcohol infused foods. Zwonitzer, Dv H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0165 Access points on state lands-study. Byron H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0166 Education savings accounts-1. Clouston H 2nd Reading:Passed 02/23/2024

HB0167 Restoring state sovereignty through nullification. Strock H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0168 Foreign ownership of Wyoming agricultural lands. Banks H No report prior to CoW Cutoff 02/23/2024

HB0169 Mental health and vulnerable adult task force. Zwonitzer, Dn H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0170 Administrative procedure-regulatory costs. Western H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0171 State land exchanges-public notice. Western H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0172 Purple Heart Memorial Trail. Neiman H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0173 Pharmacy benefit manager amendments. Zwonitzer, Dn H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0174 Paid family and medical leave. Sherwood H Failed Introduction 41-20-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0175 Criminal history for volunteers in K-12 public schools. Northrup H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0176 Restoration of civil rights-amendments. Haroldson H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0177 Natural asset companies prohibition. Slagle H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0178 Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Washut H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0179 State park peace officers-definition and scope of authority. Niemiec H Failed Introduction 41-20-1-0-0 02/15/2024

HB0180 Freedom from government seizure act. Provenza H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0181 Coroner's inquest-amendments. Oakley H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0182 Firearm purchase protections. Allemand H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0183 Prohibiting foreign property ownership in Wyoming. Allemand H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0184 Legislative order-department of education rules. Mgt Council H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0185 Enhanced oil recovery-severance tax exemption. Burkhart H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0186 988 hotline-appropriation. Conrad H COW:H Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

HB0187 Historic horse racing amendments. Walters H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0188 Centralized electronic notice system. Singh H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0189 Generation facility closure requirements-natural gas. Burkhart H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0190 Parental rights in education. Bear H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0191 American rescue plan act appropriations-amendments-3. Sommers H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0192 County and municipal roads on state lands-easements granted. Locke H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0193 Ban on sanctuary cities and counties. Singh H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0194 Statewide student assessment system-amendments. Andrew H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0195 Defend the guard act. Singh H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0196 Sales of real property to the federal government. Northrup H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0197 Sales tax administration revisions. Harshman H 3rd Reading:Passed 62-0-0-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0198 Court automation fees-assessment on filings. Nicholas H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0199 Election ballots. Zwonitzer, Dn H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0200 Electricity generation-equity and consumer protection. Burkhart H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0201 State Auditor payment transparency. Hornok H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0202 Unemployment compensation-promoting a drug-free workforce. Hornok H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0203 Property tax reduction and replacement act. Harshman H COW:Passed 31-29-2-0-0 02/23/2024

HB0204 Decriminalization of cannabis. Provenza H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0205 Development agreements. Storer H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0206 Pari-mutuel wagering activities-amendments-2. Newsome H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0207 Moose and bighorn sheep hunting license-restrictions repeal. Newsome H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0208 Hydrogen severance tax. Tarver H Failed Introduction 39-21-2-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0209 Possession of alcohol-amendments. Andrew H Failed Introduction 21-39-2-0-0 02/14/2024

HB0210 Checking account disclosures-repeal. Jennings H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0211 Property tax-acquisition value. Jennings H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0212 Poverty level specificity in Wyoming law. Ottman H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0213 Wyoming preschool provider grants. Storer H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0214 Trailer permanent registration-amendments. Tarver H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0215 Integrated test center-governance. Conrad H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0216 Advanced practice registered nurses-certification. Trujillo H Withdrawn by Sponsor 02/16/2024

HB0217 American rescue plan act appropriations-amendments-2. Heiner H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0218 Semitrailers-maximum trailer length. Allred H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0219 Business reporting to secretary of state. Knapp H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0220 K-12 school facilities appropriations. Sel Sch Fac H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HB0221 Wyoming Community Development Authority-bond investment. Harshman H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HJ0001 Property tax-classes of property and residential value. Revenue H Failed Introduction 34-27-1-0-0 02/13/2024

HJ0002 Political expenditures. Corporations H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0 02/13/2024

HJ0003 Support for local input in federal rulemaking. Larson, JT H 2nd Reading:Passed 02/23/2024

HJ0004 Right of health care access-constitutional amendment. Chestek H Failed Introduction 7-54-1-0-0 02/14/2024

HJ0005 Support of Israel. Sommers H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HJ0006 Convention of states. Olsen H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HJ0007 Individual right to privacy-constitutional amendment. Provenza H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

HJ0008 Prohibition of carbon taxes. Singh H Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

SF0001 General government appropriations-2. Appropriations H Introduced and Referred to H02 - Appropriations 02/23/2024

SF0002 Legislative budget. Mgt Council H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0003 State employee leave for volunteer fire or volunteer EMS. Labor H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0004 Rehiring retired firefighters-continued retirement benefits. Labor H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0005 Organ transplant recipient protection. Labor H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 02/22/2024

SF0006 Nursing home administrators-temporary licenses. Labor H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 02/23/2024

SF0007 Behavioral health redesign-vulnerable adults. Labor H Received for Introduction 02/20/2024

SF0008 Health insurance for volunteer emergency responders. Labor H Received for Introduction 02/16/2024

SF0009 Parental rights in education-1. Education H Introduced and Referred to H04 - Education 02/23/2024

SF0010 Eminent domain-energy collector systems. Agriculture S Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

SF0011 Eminent domain energy collector systems amendments. Agriculture S Did not Consider for Introduction 02/16/2024

SF0012 Meat processing plants-hides and carcasses. Agriculture H Introduced and Referred to H05 - Agriculture 02/21/2024

SF0013 Federal land use plans-legal actions authorized. Agriculture H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0014 State fair board-powers and responsibilities. Agriculture H Introduced and Referred to H05 - Agriculture 02/22/2024

SF0015 Acceptance of retrocession-federal military installations. Transportation H Placed on General File 02/22/2024

SF0016 Military department emergency fire suppression account. Transportation S:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4 02/23/2024

SF0017 Plane coordinates system-amendments. Transportation H Placed on General File 02/22/2024

SF0018 Indian child welfare act-safe haven amendments. Tribal Relations H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0019 Developmental preschool funding. Education S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0020 Electricity rates for costs that do not benefit Wyoming. Corporations H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0021 Public utilities-net power cost sharing ratio. Corporations H Introduced and Referred to H07 - Corporations 02/23/2024

SF0022 Public service commission-electricity reliability. Corporations H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0023 Public utilities-energy resource procurement. Corporations S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0024 Public service commission-integrated resource plans. Corporations S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0025 Reclamation and decommissioning costs. Corporations S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0026 Special district vacancies. Corporations H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0027 Special districts bond elections exception. Corporations H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0028 Federal natural resource management coordinator. Fed Nat Res S Failed Introduction 10-21-0-0-0 02/13/2024

SF0029 Major political parties-state central party voting members. Case S Failed Introduction 8-23-0-0-0 02/13/2024

SF0030 Influencing jurors and witnesses-judges amendment. Judiciary H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0031 Sex offender registration-promoting obscenity. Judiciary S 3rd Reading:Failed 13-17-0-0-1 02/21/2024

SF0032 Hemp-limitations on psychoactive substances. Judiciary H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0033 Wyoming rural attorney recruitment program. Judiciary S Failed Introduction 16-15-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0034 Sex offender registration-registerable offenses. Judiciary H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0035 Public records-DOC investigations. Judiciary H Introduced and Referred to H01 - Judiciary 02/22/2024

SF0036 Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act. Judiciary H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0037 Indian child welfare act-delinquency amendments. Tribal Relations H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0038 Financial reporting amendments-2. Mgt Audit H Introduced and Referred to H02 - Appropriations 02/23/2024

SF0039 Firefighters recruitment film. Labor S Failed Introduction 19-12-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0040 Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Administration. Travel S Failed Introduction 18-13-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0041 Banking division-classification and salary exemptions. Minerals S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0042 Low-carbon reliable energy standards-amendments. Minerals S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0043 Pore space-severances and separate conveyances prohibited. Minerals S Failed Introduction 10-21-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0044 Limited mining operations-amendments. Minerals H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0045 Vulnerable adults-civil cause of action-2. Nethercott H Introduced and Referred to H01 - Judiciary 02/22/2024

SF0046 Compulsory school attendance-minimum age. Schuler S Failed Introduction 7-24-0-0-0 02/13/2024

SF0047 Law enforcement retirement-contributions. Appropriations H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0048 Patrol, warden and investigator retirement-contributions. Appropriations H Introduced and Referred to H02 - Appropriations 02/22/2024

SF0049 Judicial retirement program-contributions. Appropriations H Introduced and Referred to H02 - Appropriations 02/23/2024

SF0050 Unincorporated nonprofit DAO's. BlockChain/Technology H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0051 Unlawful dissemination of misleading synthetic media. BlockChain/Technology S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0052 Wyoming Stable Token Act-amendments. BlockChain/Technology S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0053 Sixth judicial district-number of judges. Landen S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0054 Homeowner tax exemption. Revenue S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0055 Board of equalization-questions before the board. Revenue H Introduced and Referred to H03 - Revenue 02/22/2024

SF0056 Special districts-limit on tax levy. Revenue S Failed Introduction 9-22-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0057 Wyoming adult hearing aid program. Furphy S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0058 Investment of state unemployment insurance trust fund. Appropriations H Received for Introduction 02/15/2024

SF0059 Federal unemployment compensation trust fund-adjustment. Appropriations H Received for Introduction 02/15/2024

SF0060 2024 large project funding. Nat Res Fund H Placed on General File 02/23/2024

SF0061 Education-charter school amendments. Driskill H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0062 State Parks-recreation management authority. Mgt Audit S Failed Introduction 15-16-0-0-0 02/13/2024

SF0063 Property tax exemption-residential structures-2. Nethercott S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0064 Mineral royalties-proportional severance tax refunds. Fed Nat Res S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0065 Temporary water use agreements amendments. Water H Received for Introduction 02/20/2024

SF0066 Water exchange amendments. Water H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0067 Public employee retirement plan-contributions. Appropriations H Received for Introduction 02/15/2024

SF0068 Tangible personal property-tax exemption. McKeown S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0069 Hospice care reimbursements. Landen S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0070 Investment modernization-state nonpermanent funds-2. Cap Fin & Inv H Received for Introduction 02/19/2024

SF0071 Salaries and allowances for judges-amendments. Appropriations S Failed Introduction 18-13-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0072 Utility donations. Case S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0073 Concealed firearms-permit eligibility. Barlow S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0074 Special districts-reversal of dissolution for noncompliance. Cooper S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0075 Omnibus water bill-construction. Water S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0076 Prostitution amendments. Ellis H Received for Introduction 02/21/2024

SF0077 Homeland defense-infrastructure reporting and investigating. Nethercott S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0078 Carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery stimulus. Minerals S Failed Introduction 20-11-0-0-0 02/12/2024

SF0079 Malt beverage franchise agreements. Barlow H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0080 Solid waste management-definition amendments. Barlow S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0081 Hospital or healthcare district created entities-immunity. Baldwin H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 02/23/2024

SF0082 Summer vacation preservation act. Brennan S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0083 Revisor's bill. Mgt Council S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0084 School facilities-use fees. Brennan H Introduced and Referred to H04 - Education 02/22/2024

SF0085 Repeal of sales tax on electricity. Case S:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4 02/23/2024

SF0086 School safety and security-funding. Kolb S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0087 Boutique hotel liquor licenses. Gierau S Failed Introduction 20-10-0-0-1 02/13/2024

SF0088 State law violations by counties, cities and towns. Ide S Failed Introduction 19-12-0-0-0 02/13/2024

SF0089 Veterans ad valorem exemption-amount. Cooper S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0090 State-managed local government equity investment pool. Gierau H Received for Introduction 02/19/2024

SF0091 Regulatory reduction task force. Gierau S Withdrawn by Sponsor 02/16/2024

SF0092 Registered sex offender-employment restrictions. Ellis S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0093 Wyoming dividend account. Ellis S Failed Introduction 12-19-0-0-0 02/14/2024

SF0094 An act regarding compelled speech and state employers. Hutchings S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0095 Teacher tenure. Hicks S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0096 Trusts and bank assets in bankruptcy-clarification. Rothfuss S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0097 Prohibition on distribution of unsolicited ballot forms. Hutchings S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0098 Statute of limitations-medical procedures on minors. Bouchard S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0099 Chloe's law-children gender change prohibition. Bouchard S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0100 Prompt payment of insurance claims. Hutchings H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0101 Low-carbon energy standards-repeal. Steinmetz S Failed Introduction 15-16-0-0-0 02/16/2024

SF0102 Foreign property ownership-critical infrastructure. Steinmetz S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0103 Wyoming PRIME Act. Salazar H Introduced and Referred to H05 - Agriculture 02/22/2024

SF0104 Wind and solar facilities-state lands amendments. Boner S Failed Introduction 8-21-0-0-2 02/16/2024

SF0105 Wyoming Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. Laursen, D S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0106 Wyoming state guard-amendments. Laursen, D S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0107 E-cigarette and vapor material directory. Landen S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0108 Protecting water from chemical abortion waste. Biteman S Failed Introduction 16-15-0-0-0 02/16/2024

SF0109 Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act. Biteman S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0110 School finance-cash reserves. Dockstader S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0111 Mule and whitetail deer-separate hunting seasons. Driskill S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0112 Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act-2. Boner S Withdrawn by Sponsor 02/16/2024

SF0113 Light and high profile vehicle closures-2. Pappas H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0114 Contractor licenses-reciprocal recognition requirements. Rothfuss S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0115 Behavioral health redesign amendments-2. Baldwin H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SF0116 Wind tax moratorium exemption-repeal. Jones S Failed Introduction 18-13-0-0-0 02/16/2024

SF0117 Education-retention for reading failure. Scott S Failed Introduction 20-11-0-0-0 02/15/2024

SF0118 Bighorn and domestic sheep relocation-federal action. Hicks S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0119 Property tax exemption-specified real property-2. McKeown S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0120 Driver's licenses-unauthorized alien restrictions. Bouchard S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0121 Property tax-homeowner's exemption. Kinskey S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0122 Disposition of water rights-amendments. Kinskey S Failed Introduction 17-14-0-0-0 02/15/2024

SF0123 Minor name changes. Kinskey S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0124 Teachers' labor organizations-strike prohibition. Hicks S Failed Introduction 17-14-0-0-0 02/16/2024

SF0125 Pari-mutuel wagering activities-amendments. Driskill S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0126 Property tax exemption-inflation cap 2. Dockstader S COW:S Did not consider for COW 02/23/2024

SF0127 Sales tax distribution rates. French S Failed Introduction 16-14-1-0-0 02/16/2024

SF0128 Approval of charter school. Dockstader S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0129 State funded capital construction-2. Salazar S Withdrawn by Sponsor 02/16/2024

SF0130 The equality state not equity state act. Biteman S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0131 Regulatory reduction task force-2. Kolb S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SF0132 American rescue plan act appropriations-amendments-4. Kolb S COW:Passed 02/23/2024

SJ0001 Resolution demanding equal footing. Ide S Failed Introduction 17-14-0-0-0 02/13/2024

SJ0002 Foreign adversaries-prohibited property ownership. Steinmetz H Received for Introduction 02/23/2024

SJ0003 Constitutional amendment vote requirement. Laursen, D S Failed Introduction 14-17-0-0-0 02/16/2024

SJ0004 Convention of states-2. Brennan S Failed Introduction 17-14-0-0-0 02/15/2024

SJ0005 School capital construction-constitutional amendment. Scott S COW:S Did not consider for COW

Blog Mirror: Guest Column: Bill Would Eliminate Property Taxes for Most Wyoming Residents

 

Guest Column: Bill Would Eliminate Property Taxes for Most Wyoming Residents

Bloody 287

I've traveled it countless times myself, that stretch of highway between Laramie and Ft. Collins.

It's not a great road.

Yesterday, three UW swimmers were killed in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 287 in northern Colorado.  Two more were injured.  They were 18, 19, and 21.

In September of 2001, eight members of UW’s cross-country team were killed in a two-vehicle collision south of Laramie on U.S. 287 near Tie Siding.

In September 2010, UW football player Ruben Narcisse, 19, of Miami, Florida, was killed on U.S. 287 six miles south of the Wyoming state line after the driver of the vehicle he was a passenger in fell asleep. That one, I guess, you can't blame on the road.

Seems like something should be done.

Appendix:

Governor Gordon Issues Statement Following Fatal Car Accident Involving University of Wyoming Swimmers

CHEYENNE, Wyo. –   Governor Mark Gordon has issued the following statement after learning of a single-vehicle car accident that claimed the lives of three members of the University of Wyoming swim team on Thursday on U.S. 287 in northern Colorado.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of three University of Wyoming student athletes in a motor vehicle accident on US 287 in Colorado. Jennie and I join the entire university community and all of Wyoming in mourning this loss, and we ask you to keep their families, friends and loved ones close to your hearts during this difficult time.”

Blog Mirror. The Agrarian's Lament: Agrarian(s) of the Week: The Southern Agrarians.

The Agrarian's Lament: Agrarian(s) of the Week: The Southern Agrarians.: 

Agrarian(s) of the Week: The Southern Agrarians.

Farm in Louisiana, 1940.

A few weeks ago, with John Pondoro Taylor, on our companion blog Going Feral, we made a controversial entry.  Keeping with that theme, we do the same here.

If a person has agrarian interests, there's no escaping The Southern Agrarians as there is not escaping their magnum opus, I'll Take My Stand.  It is one of the great, if highly flawed, works of modern agrarian thought.

The irony, I suppose, of the work and the group needs to be mentioned from the onset. They did not make their living from the land, although it's not necessary to do that in order to be an agrarian. Rather, they were twelve men of letters who wrote what amounted to an agrarian last stand, which they were very conscious of it being at the time.  They were:

• Donald Davidson, from Tennessee, poet, essayist, reviewer and historian. He was also a segregationist.
• John Gould Fletcher, from Arkansas, poet and historian.  He was the first Southerner to win the Pulitzer Prize
• Henry Blue Kline, a writer educated at Vanderbilt who taught at Tennessee, before ironically taking government employment for the rest of his life.
• Lyle H. Lanier, an experimental psychologist from Tennessee.
• Andrew Nelson Lytle,, also of Tennessee and also of Vanderbilt. a poet, novelist and essayist
• Herman Clarence Nixon, of Alabama and a political scientist.
• Frank Lawrence Owsley, also of Alabama and Vanderbilt. a historian
• John Crowe Ransom, of Tennessee and Vanderbilt poet, professor, essayist
• Allen Tate, poet, and of Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
• John Donald Wade, of Georgia, and a professor at Harvard and Columbia, biographer and essayist
• Robert Penn Warren, of Kentucky, and who was a university professor in a variety of universities, and a poet, novelist, essayist and critic, later first poet laureate of the United States
• Stark Young, of Mississippi, a novelist, drama and literary critic, playwright

What marks them is their monumental work, which was a Depression Era, anti-New Deal, strike against the modern world and capitalism. It is flawed, in that its view of the American South was highly romantic, and frankly they were not bothered by its inherent racism and manged to basically not even see it.  The work, while important, includes muted strain of Lost Cause yearning which are not admirable at all.  Indeed, it's hard not to notice that they didn't notice that the class that was hurt the most by New Deal farm policies were African American tenant farmers.

Still, as noted, there'rs no escaping this work.  It remains the magnum opus of American Agrarianism.

The Agrarian's Lament: Wyoming Catholic Cowboys - raw and real: War on Weeds

The Agrarian's Lament: Wyoming Catholic Cowboys - raw and real: War on Weeds: 

Wyoming Catholic Cowboys - raw and real: War on Weeds

Wyoming Catholic Cowboys - raw and real: War on Weeds: Weeds are my nemesis. Left unattended, they'll overrun a guy's place. With last year being such a wet summer around Worland, the wee...

Published here both for its content, and my comment. 

The Agrarian's Lament: Blog Mirror: George Singleton wrote that 'hog-kil...

The Agrarian's Lament: Blog Mirror: George Singleton wrote that 'hog-kil...:  

Blog Mirror: George Singleton wrote that 'hog-killing time' was a community event

 

George Singleton wrote that 'hog-killing time' was a community event

Wednesday, February 23, 1944. Truscott assumes command at Anzio.

Lucian Truscott on the  Anzio beachhead, wearing cut down U.S. Army cavalry boots (not M1943 boots which they resemble) and an A2 flight jacket, which he routinely wore, with General Sir Harold R. L. G. Alexander, Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Allied Armies in Italy, who is wearing a  British sherling flight jacket and riding boots.

Today in World War II History—February 23, 1944: Maj. Gen. Lucian Truscott assumes command of US VI Corps at Anzio. First US Army blood bank in the Mediterranean Theater opens at Naples medical center.

Cavalryman Lucian Truscott was one of the great ones.

Of interest, Truscott, who had started off his adult life as a school teacher before entering the Army during World War One (he did not see overseas service), was replacing another cavalryman, Gen. Lucas.  His entry into teaching was based upon a lie, in that he represented, at age 16, that he was a high school graduate, which he was not.  His entry into the Army, which was combined with a petition to become an officer, was based upon a compounded lie that he had attended, but not graduated from, college.

Truscott with British troops, later in Anzio.  In this photograph we see the same A2 jacket but he's wearing riding breeches and three strap riding boots.

Truscott was an extremely able commander and the author of the excellent cavalry memoir, Twilight of the Cavalry.  He's an example, additionally, on how the era allowed capable individuals to excel without full accreditation, something that does not occur nearly as much now.

The Soviet mass deportation of the Chechens commenced.

Resistance on Parry Island ended, and with it the hard fought Eniwetok campaign.  Of the 3,400 Japanese troops committed to the defense of the atoll, 66 survived.

The Battle of Admin Box also ended in an Allied victory.

The late bluesman Johnny Winter was born in Beaumont, Texas.  He passed away in 2014 at age 70.

Saturday, February 23, 1924. Electric Trucks.

The Saturday magazines hit the stands, including this issue of Colliers:

The issue had some good articles on it, including one that would still be considered timely.

Politics and oil were a topic.

On oil, the issue had an Autocar Truck advertisement advertising gas and electric trucks. . . the latter being something that locals now insist just can't happen.

And Colt had an advertisement on handguns in a national magazine, something that wouldn't happen now.  While the government is referenced, it's really home protection, a theme we still see, that is being suggested.

The Royal Navy intervened in the ongoing dockworkers strike to move 4,500 bags of mail from the United States.

Albanian Prime Minister Ahmet Zogu was shot twice by an anarchist would be assassin, but survived.

Tuesday, February 22, 1944. Change of command at Anzio, Cementing Poland's fate.

John P. Lucas was relieved as the commander of VI Corps due to the ongoing problems at Anzio.  Perhaps ironically, he had been critical of plans for the operation, Operation Shingle.

Lt. Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee, performed the actions that would cause him to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on February 22, 1944, near Padiglione, Italy. Two hours before daybreak a strong force of enemy infantry established themselves in 3 echelons at 50 yards, 100 yards, and 300 yards, respectively, in front of the rifle platoons commanded by 1st Lt. Montgomery. The closest position, consisting of 4 machineguns and 1 mortar, threatened the immediate security of the platoon position. Seizing an M1 rifle and several hand grenades, 1st Lt. Montgomery crawled up a ditch to within hand grenade range of the enemy. Then climbing boldly onto a little mound, he fired his rifle and threw his grenades so accurately that he killed 8 of the enemy and captured the remaining 4. Returning to his platoon, he called for artillery fire on a house, in and around which he suspected that the majority of the enemy had entrenched themselves. Arming himself with a carbine, he proceeded along the shallow ditch, as withering fire from the riflemen and machinegunners in the second position was concentrated on him. He attacked this position with such fury that 7 of the enemy surrendered to him, and both machineguns were silenced. Three German dead were found in the vicinity later that morning. 1st Lt. Montgomery continued boldly toward the house, 300 yards from his platoon position. It was now daylight, and the enemy observation was excellent across the flat open terrain which led to 1st Lt. Montgomery's objective. When the artillery barrage had lifted, 1st Lt. Montgomery ran fearlessly toward the strongly defended position. As the enemy started streaming out of the house, 1st Lt. Montgomery, unafraid of treacherous snipers, exposed himself daringly to assemble the surrendering enemy and send them to the rear. His fearless, aggressive, and intrepid actions that morning, accounted for a total of 11 enemy dead, 32 prisoners, and an unknown number of wounded. That night, while aiding an adjacent unit to repulse a counterattack, he was struck by mortar fragments and seriously wounded. The selflessness and courage exhibited by 1st Lt. Montgomery in alone attacking 3 strong enemy positions inspired his men to a degree beyond estimation.

He passed away in 2002 in his native Oklahoma at the age of 84.

The VIII Bomber Command became the 8th Air Force, as Big Week carried on.

Nijmegen was bombed by the U.S. Army Air Force by mistake, killing 200 civilians. Dense fog caused the error.

A Dominican monastery in Zagred was hit in bombing.  Eight theology students died in the incident. Archbishop of Zagreb Aloysius Stepinac sent a letter to the British ambassador to the Holy See in response.

The Red Army took Krivoy Rog.  The Germans wisely withdrew from the city rather than be encircled, wisdom that Hitler hadn't always allowed it to display in the face of Soviet offenses.  3/4s of Soviet Territory had now been retaken by the Red Army.

In an example of realpolitik, Churchill stated in the House of Commons that he supported Soviet border demands and that the UK had not guaranteed the Polish border.

French poet and Resistance member Robert Desnos was arrested in Paris.  He would die in June 1945 shortly after being liberated from a concentration camp.

British lead Greek resistance fighters derailed a troop train in the Tempe Valley and killed 400 German troops.

The US landed forces on Parry Island on the Eniwetok Atoll. There is fierce Japanese resistance.

As Sarah Sundin notes, Eniwetok Atoll was pre-war Japanese territory, having been taken by the Japanese from the Germans in 1914.  Interestingly, the Japanese had not really bothered to administer the island until World War Two, leaving it up to locals to govern the islands themselves for the most part.

The Germans had administered it as a colony from 1885 to 1914.

The I-37 sank the British tanker British Chivalry in the Indian Ocean and then surfaced and fired on the survivors.  It's commander, Nakagawa Hajimi was found guilty of war crimes for this incident in 1948.  He'd be sentenced ti eight years hard labor, of which he served six.

In 1978, it was revealed that Nakagawa had also been responsible for the sinking of the Australian hospital ship Centaur in April 1943.

Friday, February 22, 1924. Remembering Native Americans and George Washington.

Washington Post Marathon, February 22, 1924.  It was a holiday.

Homer P. Snyder of New York introduced the Indian Citizenship Act into Congress.  The bill provided:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That all non citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States be, and they are hereby, declared to be citizens of the United States: Provided That the granting of such citizenship shall not in any manner impair or otherwise affect the right of any Indian to tribal or other property.

Calvin Coolidge delivered a radio broadcasted address on the occasion of George Washington's birthday.  It was the first radio broadcast from the White House.  In it, he stated:

Each year the birthday of George Washington gains wider acceptance as being of more than national significance. He becomes more and more a world figure, a mighty influence reaching into all lands and recognized by all people. He is as universal as the truth. The great place which he holds in history grows more clear as we are able to compare him with all others who have set their stamp upon the affairs of mankind.

This position began to be appreciated even before his death. When Talleyrand, Foreign Minister of Napoleon, reported that our first President was gone he was led by his admiration to compose a eulogy. In it he dwelt upon these moral qualities of Washington, which have become more and more appreciated, and upon his exalted character. In recommending that a statue be raised to his memory in one of the great squares of Paris he declared: "The man who, amid the decadence of modern ages, first dared to believe that he could inspire degenerate nations with courage to rise to the level of republican virtues, lived for all nations and for all countries."

Something of the spiritual power of Washington is realized when it is remembered that even from Talleyrand his passing inspired such a tribute, accompanied by the suggestion of a memorial to the first citizen of a country who was at that very time preparing for what appeared to be an imminent conflict with France. The character of Washington raised him even above national enmities. It made him a hero that all peoples were compelled to honor.

In far-off lands people are observing this day by taking thought of the qualities that gave Washington this foremost place among the truly great. They are drawn to this man by his calm and clear judgment, by his abounding courage and by his unselfish devotion.

Beyond that which was ever accorded to any other mortal, he holds rank as a soldier, a statesman and a patriot. Others may have excelled him in some of these qualities, but no one ever excelled him in this threefold greatness.

Yet Washington the man seems to stand above them all. After we have recounted his victories, after we have examined his record in public office, after we have recalled that he refused to be made King, we have not exhausted his greatness. We can best estimate him by not identifying him with some high place, but by thinking of him as one of ourselves. When all detailed description fails, it is enough to say he was a great man. He had a supreme endowment of character.

No one can think of America without thinking of Washington. When we look back over the course of history before his day, it seems as though it had all been a preparation for him and his time; when we consider events since then, we can see a steady growth and development of the ideals which he represented, and the institutions which he founded, world-wide in extent. The principles which he fought to establish have become axioms of civilization. It might almost be said that the progress which peoples have made is measured by the degree with which they have accepted the great policies which he represented.

It is not possible to compress a great life into a single sentence. We look upon Washington as the exponent of the rights of man. We think of him as having established the independence of America. We associate his name with liberty and freedom. We say that he was a great influence in the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. All these are centered around the principle of self-government. But when we examine the meaning of independence, of constitutional liberty and of self-government, we do not find that they are simple rights which society can bestow upon us. They are very complex. They have to be earned. They have to be paid for. They arise only from the discharge of our obligations one to another.

Washington did not, could not, give anything to his countrymen. His greatness lies in the fact that he was successful in calling them to the performance of a higher duty. He showed them how to have a greater liberty by earning it. All that any society can do, all that any Government can do, is to attempt to guarantee to the individual the social, economic and political rewards of his own effort and industry,

The America which Washington founded does not mean we shall have everything done for us, but that we shall have every opportunity to do everything for ourselves. This is liberty. But it is liberty only through the acceptance of responsibility.

It cannot fail to be worth while to recall some of the activities of Washington and the men of his day. They were without independence. They went through the hardship of seven terrible years of war that it might be secured. They were without a National Government. They went through the toll and expense, the misgivings and sacrifices of years of political agitation that it might finally be established.

They were without industry, without commerce, without transportation and without shipping. But by their enterprise, their effort, their inventive genius and their courage these were created.

These efforts and their experiences we should keep constantly in mind. Before we complain too much about our hardships in these luxurious days, before we complain too much about such hardships, before we lose faith in the power of the people by relying on themselves best to serve themselves. it is well to consider the early beginnings of the Republic.

No one needs to be told of the general success which has attended the putting into effect of these principles politically and socially. No one claims that they have brought about, or are likely to bring about in the immediate future, a condition of perfection.

Self-government does not purge us of all our faults, but there are very few students of the affairs of mankind who would deny that the theory upon which our institutions proceed gives the best results that have ever been given to any people. When there is a failure it is not because the system has failed, but because we have failed.

For the purpose of insuring liberty, for enactment of sound legislation, for the administration of even-handed justice, for the faithful execution of the laws, no institutions have ever given greater promise or more worthy performance than those which are represented by the name of Washington.

We have changed our Constitution and laws to meet changing conditions and a better appreciation of the broad requirements of humanity. We have extended and increased the direct power of the voter, but the central idea of self-government remains unchanged. While we realize that freedom and independence of the individual mean increased responsibility for the individual, while we know that the people do and must support the Government, and that the Government does not and cannot support the people, yet the protection of the individual from the power now represented by organized numbers and consolidated wealth requires many activities on the part of the Government which were not needed in the days of Washington.

Many laws are necessary for this purpose, both in the name of justice and of humanity. Efforts in this direction are not for the purpose of undermining the independence of the in dividual, but for the purpose of maintaining for him an equal opportunity. They are made on the theory that each individual is entitled to live his own life in his own way, free from every kind of tyranny and oppression.

We have not yet reached the goal of Washington's ideals. They are not yet fully understood. He was a practical man. He suffered from no delusions. He knew that there was no power to establish a system under which existence could be supported without effort.

Those who now expect anything in that direction are certain to be disappointed. He held out no promise of unearned rewards, either in small or large amounts. On the other hand, if no one ought to receive gain except for services rendered, no one ought to be required to render service except for reasonable compensation.

Equality and justice both require that there should be no profiteering and no exploitation. Under the Constitution of the United States there is neither any peasantry nor any order of nobility. Politically, economically and socially, service and character are to reign; and service and character alone.

Such is the meaning of the life of George Washington, who came into being nearly 200 years ago. He left the world stronger and better. He made life broader and sweeter.

He accomplished these results by accepting great responsibilities and making great sacrifices. If we are to maintain the institutions which he founded, if we are to improve what he created, we must be like-minded with him; we must continue to accept responsibilities; we must continue to make sacrifices. Under all the laws of God and man there is no other way.

Jack Dempsey visited the White House:

February 22, 1874. Birth of Bill Klem.

"The Old Arbitrator", Klem was a Major League (National League) umpire from 1905 to 1941, and served in eighteen World Series (1908, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1922, 1924, 1926, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1934 and 1940), more than any other umpire.

He lived until 1951 and passed away at age 77, writing his attorney just before his death that "This is my last game, and I'm going to strike out this time."  He and his wife Marie had no children.

Last prior:

February 18, 1874. Disputed crown.

The Transitions Issue.

The February 2024 issue of Wyoming Lawyer was exceptionally good.  Its focus was on "transitions", by which it mostly meant career transitions (but also had some articles on the scary advances of AI).

The magazine usually good, frankly.  Indeed, a magazine that has such a limited circulation can't be expected to be great, but it actually is very, very good as a rule.

This issue was on transitions, as noted, mostly, and it had some truly excellent articles.  One was about retiring Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Keith Kautz, who was a great judge.  I liked the question he was asked about his favorite quotes, with the answer being:

I have two: 

1. Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul. 

2. The greatest day in your life or mine, the day we truly grow up, is the day when we take responsibility for our own attitudes.

Those are both pretty profound.  Nothing will burn a person out quicker than to work with people who only criticize them. And taking responsibility for your own attitudes is existentially a magnus opus.  I don't know that many people fully ever manage to do that, myself included.

Kautz is retiring as he's hit the statutory maximum for a judge of age 70.  He didn't seem bitter about it.  Justice Fox, who does seem bitter about the age limit being 70, mentioned it and Justice Kautz retiring in her State of the Judiciary speech.  She did reference it with her dry wit, referring to the age of 70 as "constitutional senility" and Kautz was in the audience.

An attempt at dry wit, I think, was made by the Bar President in her opening article of the issue, which was about a long time assistant retiring.  She had the line:

I always thought that money, fame, and power brought the greatest happiness, but according to the 80-year-old Harvard Study of Adult Development, close relationships with others is what really keeps us happy.

I'm pretty sure the first part of that was intended as a joke.

Her advice seems pretty standard, however, that being:

First, people have an innate desire to have a sense of purpose and meaning. When retirement comes, sometimes that sense of purpose can be lost. So, after taking some time off, it is good to start thinking about something meaningful that will fill the days. This could be volunteering, substitute teaching, or mentoring. It could also include learning a new skill (such as a new language), picking up a new hobby or seeing new places. 

Second, try to maintain and/or enhance social connections with others. I always thought that money, fame, and power brought the greatest happiness, but according to the 80-year-old Harvard Study of Adult Development, close relationships with others is what really keeps us happy. In fact, these ties help delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.

Third, stay physically active as much as possible. Studies show that when someone retires, sedentary activities, such as watching television, increase dramatically. While watching extra television is not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, much has been written about the link between longevity and good physical health. So, please try and enjoy our state as much as possible by spending time outside running, hiking or skiing.

Probably all solid advice. 

Indeed, it causes me to recall that I recently was speaking to a cousin of mine who is retired from Federal service and who is keeping pretty busy.  We were speaking on a grim topic, which caused me to joke that in old age I was going to take up grizzly bear wrestling.  He stated he was going to take up heavy drinking (he doesn't drink) as that's what so many of his retired colleagues seem to be doing, to the point of death.

Grim.

Another article was about retirement planning itself, which didn't mention grizzly bear wrestling or heavy drinking.  It was frankly really good, which is very much the exception to the rule in lawyers magazines. Usually in lawyer magazines and articles, the "planning" is about how you can go on practicing law for an additional ten years after you are dead.  The articles are about how in "retirement" you can go from litigation to some other field of law, or perhaps switch from defense to plaintiff's work, or something equally moronic.  This article wasn't that way at all.  Indeed, it acknowledged:

Arthur C. Brooks, former president of the American Enterprise Institute and now a Harvard Business School professor, concluded in a July 2019 Atlantic article that professional decline is inevitable sooner or later, simply as the result of aging.

About time somebody said that.  I've practiced against one lawyer who was a physical wreck and in clear mental decline, but was "never going to retire".  He did, but I think it was because his (family owned) firm basically gave him a back room and things to pretend to do.  Not very dignified. He probably doesn't actually know that he is retired.  I used to ask his son how he was doing and to say hello, but it was clear it was an embarrassing topic, and he didn't want to have it come up.

I know another lawyer here in town, who is very physically fit I'll note, who is practicing law actively, not part-time, in his early 70s and declares that he'll never retire.  How boring can you be?

I get that with certain occupations that are real vocations. But let's face it, most of the professions aren't.  People may declare that they love being an accountant, or they love being a lawyer, or they love being an actuary, but they are lying.  Shoot, they probably are lying if they say that about engineering.  Farming, teaching, maybe medicine, the ministry, those are intrinsically different.  

Indeed, because, in my arriving old age, my health has taken a beating the last few years one of my newer doctors, whose son was a high-powered lawyer in California and is now a Federal District Court judge in that state, asks me every time about my work.  "You are a lawyer?".  And he always asks, in the form of a statement, "And you love it".  I'm not sure why that question is necessary to my medical treatment, but as its asked every time, maybe it is.  Maybe it's because lawyers are so famously associated with depression, alcoholism and drug abuse that the medical profession regards it as necessary.  Who knows. Anyhow, after doing it for over 30 years it'd be surprising if I broke down and started sobbing about it or something, but there are a lot of other things I'm interested in too.  Having said that, I don't want to chat to somebody I barely know about those topics either.

Going back for a second, on vocations that make sense that people keep on keeping on in them, at least some of those actually have mandatory retirement ages, where the law allows it.  I don't know about physicians, I think not, but there aren't that many that practice into old age, and I've been told that's because there's a general feeling that mental acuity decline in the late 40s and the practice advances so fast that you start to become dangerous to your patients.  That's particularly true of surgeons, not all physicians, so you will see some practice into relatively old age.

In our diocese, Catholic Priests must retire at 70.  We hear a lot about there being a shortage of Priests, although the reasons for that are debatable (Wyoming has never produced sufficient numbers of Priests for its own needs) but the Diocese nonetheless feels that 70, they need to retire, which usually means being quasi part-time.  They can't be the pastors at a parish, for example.  

Under Canon 401 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law all Catholid bishops must submit their resignation to the Pope at the age of 75.

It's a good policy.

Changing gears, even the back page interview, which is always of a practicing lawyer, was good for a change.  It is occasionally, I'll admit, but more often than not it's an interview of somebody who just graduated from law school and is touring Patagonia or something. . . i.e., they haven't practiced law yet.  This one was of a lawyer who has over 30 years under his belt and noted:

I was the only kid in my elementary school (and perhaps the only attorney in Wyoming) whose  dad has been a matador de toros.

I'll bet that's right. 

The Next Trump Administration, Part 2. The Insurrection Act.

Lex Anteinternet: The Next Trump Administration, Part 1.: 

The Next Trump Administration, Part 1.

Trump's promises:

Trump on his actions upon becoming President.

Like Mein Kampf, this should be taken seriously.

And like that, here's something extremely disturbing to note. Trump has made clear indications that he'll invoke the Insurrection Act.  One of his primary advisors, Russell Vought, Trump’s former Office of Management and Budget Director, and a Christian Nationalist, has been suggesting he should do so as soon as he takes office.

Trump has indicated he'd be dictator "for just one day".  Well, that first day, if Vought has his way, the Insurrection Act would be invoked to stop protests. 

It provides:

10 U.S.C. §§ 331-335

Sec. 331. Federal aid for State governments

Whenever there is an insurrections in any State against its government, the President may, upon the request of its legislature or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into Federal service such of the militia of the other States, in the number requested by that State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to suppress the insurrection.

Sec. 332. Use of militia and armed forces to enforce Federal authority

Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion.

Sec. 333. Interference with State and Federal law

The President, by using the militia or the armed forces, or both, or by any other means, shall take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress, in a State, any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy, if it--

(1) so hinders the execution of the laws of that State, and of the United States within the State, that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law, and the constituted authorities of that State are unable, fail, or refuse to protect that right, privilege, or immunity, or to give that protection; or

(2) opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws.

In any situation covered by clause (1), the State shall be considered to have denied the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution.

Sec. 334. Proclamation to disperse

Whenever the President considers it necessary to use the militia or the armed forces under this chapter, he shall, by proclamation, immediately order the insurgents or those obstructing the enforcement of the laws to disperse and retire peaceably to their abodes within a limited time.

Sec. 335. Guam and Virgin Islands included as “State”

For purposes of this chapter, the term "State" includes Guam and the Virgin Islands. 

It's generally held there's no recourse to the Courts, although this would surely spark litigation, probably by Congressmen amongst others.

The Insurrection Act is one of the badly drafted Reconstruction Era statutes that the country should dump entirely.  There's next to no reason to ever deploy military force inside the US borders in peacetime. But my prediction is Trump will do it.

He'll do it to deploy Federal troops to the border. He'll do it to hit drug cartel targets in Mexico.  He'll do it to suppress protests in the U.S. and he'll do it to seize voting devices where the results aren't what he wants, and beyond that.

And that will make him a type of dictator, and not just for one day.

Monday, February 21, 1944. Eniwetok secured, Japanese staff changes.

Today in World War II History—February 21, 1944: 80 Years Ago—Feb. 21, 1944: US secures Eniwetok Island in Eniwetok Atoll, and lands on and takes 7 other islands in the atoll.

Sarah Sundin's blog.

The islands had been fiercely defended by the Japanese. 

On the same day, Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo became the Chief of Staff of the Imperial Japanese Army in addition to his political role..  Admiral Shimada replaced Admiral Nagano as Chief of Staff of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Japanese resistance on the Green Islands ends.

It was Day Two of the Big Week.

US crewed German anti tank gun, Cisterna, Italy.  February 21, 1944.

Churchill informed Stalin that the Polish government in exile would accept the Curzon Line and that they would cooperate in the future with the USSR, but Stalin remained recalcitrant.

On the same day, the Red Army took Soltsy and Kholm.

Lt. Col. Henry G. Leanard Jr. explaining assault tactics to visiting Russian naval officers at the U.S. Assault Training Center. February 21, 1944.

Today In Wyoming's History: Major Gale "Buck" Cleven

Today In Wyoming's History: Major Gale "Buck" Cleven:  

Major Gale "Buck" Cleven

 

In the Apple TV series Masters of the Air, one of the characters is Maj. Gale "Buck" Cleven, who reports himself as being from Casper twice in the first episode.

Who was he, and was he really from Casper?

Clevens was born in Lemmon, South Dakota, on December 27, 1918, just after the end of World War One.  His family moved to Casper when he was still a child, although I'm not certain when, as they moved first to Lusk, in 1920.  He likely was a 1937 graduate from Natrona County High School, the only high school in Casper at the time (Natrona County had a second one in Midwest).  Following graduating from high school, he attended the University of Wyoming while also working on drilling crews as a roughneck.

He did, in fact, move at some point to Casper, where he was employed as a roughneck on drilling crews.  He used the money he earned to attend the University of Wyoming and was enrolled by the fall of 1937, presumably right after high school.  His name appears in the social pages of The Branding Iron as having had a date attend the men's residence hall October dance.  He was a guest of a different young lady at the 1939 Tri Delts Halloween sorority dance.  The same year he was apparently in a fraternity, as he's noted as having attended the Phi Delta Theta dance with, yes, another young lady.  In February 1939 he went to a fraternity dance with Nova Carter, whom I believe I'm related to by marriage.  A year later, February 1940, he took a different gal to the same dance.

He left UW in 1941 to join the Army, intent on being a pilot.  The October 21, 1943, edition of the UW Student Newspaper, The Branding Iron, notes him (inaccurately) as being stationed in North Africa and having received the Distinguished Service Cross, which he in fact did receive for piloting his badly stricken plane from Schweinfurt to North Africa, the flight path taken on that raid. This even is depicted in Masters of the Air.  The Branding Iron noted that he had attended UW for three years.  In June, 1944, the student newspaper reported him a POW.  He's noted again for a second decoration in the March 2, 1944, edition, which also notes that he was a Prisoner of War.

As depicted in Masters of the Air, his B-17 was in fact shot down over Germany.  He ended up becoming a POW, as reported in the UW paper, at Stalag Luft III for 18 months, after which he escaped and made it to Allied lines.  He was put back in the cockpit after the war flying troops back to the United States.

Following the war, he was back at the University of Wyoming.  He graduated from UW with a bachelor's in 1946.  He apparently reentered the Air Force after that, or was recalled into service, and served in the Korean War, leaving the Air Force around that time.

He was on the Winter Quarter 1954 UW Honor Roll and obtained a Masters Degree, probably in geology, from UW in 1956.  Somewhere in here, he obtained a MBA degree from Harvard and an interplanetary physics doctorate from George Washington University.  

He married immediately after the war in 1945 to Marjorie Ruth Spencer, who was originally from Lander Wyoming.  They had known each other since childhood.  She tragically passed away in 1953 while visiting her parents, while due to join Gale at Morton Air Force Base in California.  Polio was the cause of her death, and unusually her headstone, in Texas, bears her maiden name.  Reportedly, her death threw Cleven into a deep depression.  He married again in 1955, to Esther Lee Athey.

His post-war career is hard to follow.  He flew again during the Korean War, as noted, which would explain the gap between his bachelors and master’s degrees, and probably his doctorate.  He's noted as having served again during the Vietnam War, and also has having held a post at the Pentagon.  He was in charge of EDP information at Hughes Aircraft.  Given all of that, it's hard to know if an intended career in geology ever materialized, or if his World War Two service ended up essentially dominating the remainder of his career in the form of military service.  The interplanetary physics degree would and employment by Hughes would suggest the latter.  His highest held rank in the Air Force was Colonel.

Following retirement, he lived in Dickenson, North Dakota, and then later at the Sugarland Retirement Center in Sheridan.  He died at age 86 in 2006, and is buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, his marker noting service in three wars.

Sunday, February 20, 1944. The Big Week.

Today in World War II History—February 20, 1944: Allies launch Operation Argument (“Big Week”), a week-long aerial attack of 6000 sorties which devastates the German aircraft industry.

Sarah Sundin.

For the first time, one of the features of the daylight portions of the bombing raids was to draw German fighters into combat, a change in strategy.  The six-day offensive would see heavy German fighter losses, but Allied bomber crew losses were nearly ten times higher.

Two Medals of Honor were awarded to crewmen killed attempting to land their bomber and save the life of stricken pilot they would not abandon.

 Walter E. Truemper.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in connection with a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on 20 February 1944. The aircraft on which 2d Lt. Truemper was serving as navigator was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the copilot was killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio operator wounded, and the plane severely damaged. Nevertheless, 2d Lt. Truemper and other members of his crew managed to right the plane and fly it back to their home station, where they contacted the control tower and reported the situation. Second Lt. Truemper and the engineer volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the crew were ordered to jump, leaving 2d Lt. Truemper and the engineer aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, 2d Lt. Truemper's commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and parachute to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, 2d Lt. Truemper and the engineer replied that the pilot was still alive but could not be moved and that they would not desert him. They were then told to attempt a landing. After two unsuccessful efforts their plane crashed into an open field in a third attempt to land. Second Lt. Truemper, the engineer, and the wounded pilot were killed.

 Archibald Mathies

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in connection with a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on 20 February 1944. The aircraft on which Sgt. Mathies was serving as engineer and ball turret gunner was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the copilot was killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio operator wounded, and the plane severely damaged. Nevertheless, Sgt. Mathies and other members of the crew managed to right the plane and fly it back to their home station, where they contacted the control tower and reported the situation. Sgt. Mathies and the navigator volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the crew were ordered to jump, leaving Sgt. Mathies and the navigator aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, Sgt. Mathies' commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and parachute to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, Sgt. Mathies and the navigator replied that the pilot was still alive but could not be moved and they would not desert him. They were then told to attempt a landing. After two unsuccessful efforts, the plane crashed into an open field in a third attempt to land. Sgt. Mathies, the navigator, and the wounded pilot were killed.

Lt.  William R. Lawley Jr. wouldn't abandon his crewmen, but managed to come out of it alive.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty, 20 February 1944, while serving as pilot of a B-17 aircraft on a heavy bombardment mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe. Coming off the target he was attacked by approximately 20 enemy fighters, shot out of formation, and his plane severely crippled. Eight crewmembers were wounded, the copilot was killed by a 20-mm. shell. One engine was on fire, the controls shot away, and 1st Lt. Lawley seriously and painfully wounded about the face. Forcing the copilot's body off the controls, he brought the plane out of a steep dive, flying with his left hand only. Blood covered the instruments and windshield and visibility was impossible. With a full bomb load the plane was difficult to maneuver and bombs could not be released because the racks were frozen. After the order to bail out had been given, 1 of the waist gunners informed the pilot that 2 crewmembers were so severely wounded that it would be impossible for them to bail out. With the fire in the engine spreading, the danger of an explosion was imminent. Because of the helpless condition of his wounded crewmembers 1st Lt. Lawley elected to remain with the ship and bring them to safety if it was humanly possible, giving the other crewmembers the option of bailing out. Enemy fighters again attacked but by using masterful evasive action he managed to lose them. One engine again caught on fire and was extinguished by skillful flying. 1st Lt. Lawley remained at his post, refusing first aid until he collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood, shock, and the energy he had expended in keeping control of his plane. He was revived by the bombardier and again took over the controls. Coming over the English coast 1 engine ran out of gasoline and had to be feathered. Another engine started to burn and continued to do so until a successful crash landing was made on a small fighter base. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill, 1st Lt. Lawley rendered outstanding distinguished and valorous service to our Nation.

He died in 1999 at age 78. 

Rommel completed a four-day inspection of the Atlantic Wall.

The Norwegian steam powered railroad ferry SF Hydro was sunk by the Norwegian resistance as part of its efforts against heavy water.

The U.S. Navy's Task Group 58.1 attacked targets in Jaluit Atoll.

The Red Army launched a new offensive on the 2nd Baltic Front.

Beria arrived to Grozny to supervise the deportation of the Chechens.

A modified B-29 Superfortress arrived at Muroc Air Field, California, from Wright Army Air Field to conduct ballistic tests on concrete-filled atomic bomb casings in order to evaluate their aerodynamic characteristics. 

Marine Corps Piper Cubs on Papau.

A dapper looking Captain Hugh H. Goodwin, USN, Commanding Officer of USS Gambier Bay (CVE 73) on the navigation bridge, February 20, 1944.  He would have been about 44 at the time this photograph was taken.  He retired as a Vice Admiral in 1957, and passed away in 1980.

Wednesday, February 20, 1924. Non au plan Dawes.

"Let 'em have their fling" Washington Post, Feb. 20, 1924.

The French military objected to the draft Dawes Plan on the basis that it would return the Ruhr's railroads to German control.

The Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was created in the USSR for Russian ethnic Germans.  The capital city was the ironically named Kosakenstadt, which is now called Engels.  Ethnic Germans had been a feature of the Russian demographic map since Catherine the Great, who was of course German, had invited them in. They were not all of one uniform background, however, as they varied by religious confession considerably.

The German invasion of Russia in 1940 resulted in the Republic being eliminated.  Ultimatly the German population of the USSR was subject to heavy repression, with many people deported to work camps for being ethnic Germans. Some ethnic Germans of military age joined the German forces.  While the heavy repression ended following the march of time and the death of Stalin, remaining German populations in Russian heavily immigrated to Germany starting in the 1980s, before reunification, even though by that time they tended not to be even able to speak German.

Gloria Vanderbilt, socialite, actress and fashion figure was born.  As I don't know much about her and frankly care even less, that's about all I'll note.

The President met with the Good Roads Association, something that relates to something we posted yesterday.

He also met with the Gold Star Mothers.

Saturday, February 20, 1909. Hudson's and Futurist drivel.

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti published The Futurist Manifesto, glorifying violence and energy

It was drivel, but a partial inspiration for fascism.

The text of the blathering provided:

1. We want to sing the love of danger, the habit of energy and rashness.

2. The essential elements of our poetry will be courage, audacity and revolt.

3. Literature has up to now magnified pensive immobility, ecstasy and slumber. We want toexalt movements of aggression, feverish sleeplessness, the double march, the perilous leap, the slap and the blow with the fist.

4. We declare that the splendor of the world has been enriched by a new beauty: the beauty of speed. A racing automobile with its bonnet adorned with great tubes like serpents with explosive breath ... a roaring motor car which seems to run on machine-gun fire, is more beautiful than the Victory of Samothrace.

5. We want to sing the man at the wheel, the ideal axis of which crosses the earth, itself hurled along its orbit.

6. The poet must spend himself with warmth, glamour and prodigality to increase the enthusiastic fervor of the primordial elements.

7. Beauty exists only in struggle. There is no masterpiece that has not an aggressive character.

Poetry must be a violent assault on the forces of the unknown, to force them to bow before man.

8. We are on the extreme promontory of the centuries! What is the use of looking behind at the moment when we must open the mysterious shutters of the impossible? Time and Space died yesterday. We are already living in the absolute, since we have already created eternal, omnipresent speed.

9. We want to glorify war - the only cure for the world - militarism, patriotism, the destructive gesture of the anarchists, the beautiful ideas which kill, and contempt for woman.

10. We want to demolish museums and libraries, fight morality, feminism and all opportunist and utilitarian cowardice.

11. We will sing of the great crowds agitated by work, pleasure and revolt; the multi-colored and polyphonic surf of revolutions in modern capitals: the nocturnal vibration of the arsenals and the workshops beneath their violent electric moons: the gluttonous railway stations

devouring smoking serpents; factories suspended from the clouds by the thread of their smoke; bridges with the leap of gymnasts flung across the diabolic cutlery of sunny rivers: adventurous steamers sniffing the horizon; great-breasted locomotives, puffing on the rails like enormous steel horses with long tubes for bridle, and the gliding flight of aeroplanes whose propeller sounds like the flapping of a flag and the applause of enthusiastic crowds.

It is in Italy that we are issuing this manifesto of ruinous and incendiary violence, by which we today are founding Futurism, because we want to deliver Italy from its gangrene of professors, archaeologists, tourist guides and antiquaries.

2 Italy has been too long the great second-hand market. We want to get rid of the innumerable museums which cover it with innumerable cemeteries.

Indeed daily visits to museums, libraries and academies (those cemeteries of wasted effort, calvaries of crucified dreams, registers of false starts!) is for artists what prolonged supervision by the parents is for intelligent young men, drunk with their own talent and ambition.

……

For the dying, for invalids and for prisoners it may be all right. It is, perhaps, some sort of balm for their wounds, the admirable past, at a moment when the future is denied them. But we will have none of it, we, the young, strong and living Futurists!

The oldest among us are not yet thirty years old: we have therefore at least ten years to accomplish our task. …

Look at us! We are not out of breath, our hearts are not in the least tired. For they are nourished by fire, hatred and speed! Does this surprise you? it is because you do not even remember being alive! Standing on the world's summit, we launch once more our challenge to the stars!

Your objections? All right! I know them! Of course! We know just what our beautiful false intelligence affirms: `We are only the sum and the prolongation of our ancestors,' it says.

Perhaps! All right! What does it matter? But we will not listen! Take care not to repeat those infamous words! Instead, lift up your head!

Standing on the world's summit we launch once again our insolent challenge to the stars! 

The Hudson Motor Car Company was founded.  It would last until 1954 when a merger resulted in the creation of American Motors.  AMC merged into Chrysler in 1987.

Lex Anteinternet: Why isn't anyone suggesting that Tammy Duckworth r...

Lex Anteinternet: Why isn't anyone suggesting that Tammy Duckworth r...: I'm not endorsing Duckworth, and I'm sure she has left of center opinions that I have problems with, but there's no earthly way ...

Well, here's a good reason.  It's too late.

We're now so late in the process, even though its only February, that the candidates for ballots are essentially fixed. 

So, the Democratic Party is going to ride into the convention with Joe Biden no matter what, even though they're effectively so afraid, at this point, of how he'll perform in open sessions they don't let him do them.

As I've stated here before, Democrats don't lose elections, they throw them away.

The only possibility to avoid this, and frankly the only thing the Democrats can do on their own to avoid this looming disaster, would be to have Biden withdraw at the convention and let the convention pick a new candidate, which is really risky, and which will not occur.

Of course, other factors could intervene.  Trump could lose all rationality and blow it.  Either candidate could die any day now, given their ages.

Hubris.

The Day, a note.

This is, for 2024, the official commemoration, at the Federal level, of Washington's Birthday.

At the state level it is "President's Day", singular, in Alaska, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming.  It bears other names in other states.  The change in name was to add Lincoln's memory to the honor of the day.  Both men were born in February.

It doesn't honor all Presidents.  Not all are worth honoring.