Rehberg Denies Comment On “Shoot, Shovel And Shut Up”

Congressman Denny Rehberg is taking some shots over a comment made at a Hamilton town hall session. Rehberg was quoted at the meeting providing the punch line to a joke about ranchers killing wolves, saying something about "shoot, shovel and shut up." Reports of the comments have been used to speculate that Rehberg supports killing wolves. A spokesman from Rehberg's congressional office tells NBC Montana that the comments were misquoted. Furthermore, the spokesman says Rehberg would never advocate that ranchers shoot, shovel and shut up...more

Well, I guess it would be a little much to ask a sitting Congressman to advocate breaking federal law, but still...nullification anyone? Where is Sam Steiger when you need him?

Actually, Rehberg didn't tell the joke, but only referred to the punch line to show the ESA isn't working:

The spokesman supplied an audio recording of the meeting, where Rehberg can be heard saying, "You wouldn't have the ‘joke shoot, shovel and shut up’ if something was working, and that's our point about the endangered species act, is that we know that there are certain aspects about the endangered species act which are good. Nobody out there, whether you’re a rancher or a sportsmen or environmentalist, wants to destroy a species. That's not the point"

To me, the worst part of this silly episode is the comment from Rehberg's opponent:

Rehberg's opponent McDonald says the congressman shouldn't be mentioning the joke at all.

So wolves have now entered the politically correct lexicon?

Congressman Rehberg I have some advice for you: Between now and the election do not, absolutely do not, say anything about Little Red Riding Hood.