JH Underground – news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

With Congress locked in a fiscal stalemate, federal agencies in Teton County are beginning to implement budget cuts mandated by the sequester. Citizens are preparing for the prospect of fewer climbing rangers at Jenny Lake this summer, or a possible delayed opening of some roads in Yellowstone.

This video, which has been making the rounds in social media, helps reframe the broader debate over government funding. The skewed public perception of wealth distribution shows just how far the goalposts have been moved in terms of generating more revenue vs. spending cuts.

Those who like to portray the discussion in terms of “job creators” and “makers vs. takers” should have a hard time justifying how this isn’t a banana republic, let alone a just society.

The stock market hit an all-time high yesterday, but as the N.Y. Times reported, the economic recovery has favored corporate profits while doing relatively little for adding jobs or workers’ pay. This video plainly illustrates why.

Posted under Democratic Party, Economy, Environment, Politics, Republican Party

Tags: cynthia lummis, fat cats, grand teton national park, john barrasso

Teton Dems are gathering tonight at Betty Rock to watch the election results and congratulate candidates on a race well run.

There will be food and drink specials, and Betty Rock will stay open late on what could be a late night for the presidential decision. The party will start soon after polls close at 7 p.m.

I expect we’ll have local results around 9. Betty Rock has a TV for national coverage and wifi for the latest updates.

Come by for a burger and beer. I plan to be there at some point. On such a momentous night, the pull of home is strong.

Let’s hope we have a lot to celebrate, locally and nationally.

Posted under County Government, Democratic Party, Food, Politics, Town Government, Wyoming Legislature

Tags: campaign 2012, restaurants

Today is the primary election, in case anyone needs a reminder. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To find your neighborhood polling place, click here. The clerk’s office, which had been the place for early voting, is closed today.

Thank you to everyone for supporting my campaign for Jackson Town Council. I’ve tried to put forth some good ideas and have enjoyed the dialogue. I have not put up any yard signs or asked anyone for money (although some have given); all I’m asking people to do is vote.

The top four candidates for town council will advance from today’s primary to the general election in November. I hope to be one of those, but if not, I’m OK with doing what I know best: rowing the Snake River and being a journalist.

There are a lot of ways, as Ben sings, to make the world a better place. Best of luck to all the candidates for trying. Onward and upward.

Posted under Democratic Party, Music, Politics, Town Government

Tags: ben harper, campaign 2012, revolution

The upcoming election offers a clear choice in values, and President Obama is best suited to preserve opportunity for all Americans because of his upbringing, First Lady Michelle Obama said during a campaign stop in Jackson today.

“He knows the American dream because he’s lived it,” Obama told a standing crowd of nearly 500 people in the Snow King ballroom.

The first lady recounted her own story of growing up the daughter of a pump operator in Chicago. Neither of her parents had a college degree.

“He saved for us and sacrificed for us,” she said of her father. “Education was everything for us.”

Barack Obama was the son of a single mother who struggled to put herself through college, and his grandmother hit glass ceilings in the workplace because she was a woman, Obama said. When it comes time to make tough decisions in the White House, the president relies on his life experiences, she said.

And once you have walked through the door of opportunity, “You do not slam it shut behind you,” Obama said, in a pointed rebuke of Mitt Romney.

Read More…

Posted under Democratic Party, Politics, Wyoming

Tags: barack obama, snow king

Republicans burned stacks of money earlier this month to attend a fund-raiser in Jackson Hole featuring the frightful combination of Dick Cheney and Mitt Romney.

Well, Teton County Democrats will see that and raise you, with an even bigger political luminary: Michelle Obama.

That’s right, the first lady. Tender of the White House vegetable garden. Champion of healthier kids. Pipes.

And this event won’t just be for the 1 Percent.

The Obama campaign has released details for the fund-raising luncheon Aug. 11 at Snow King Resort. The public can attend a reception for as little as $25 per person. Space is limited, so make reservations now.

County Democratic Party leaders have known about the event for two weeks, but campaign staff in D.C. gave few details, other than a date. A buzz already has been spreading around the community.

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Posted under Democratic Party, Politics

Tags: barack obama, snow king