Trout ManifestoTroutman speaksfeaturing The Trout ManifestoBy Dan Taylor, MontananDo to the response and reaction to my "Trout For Obama" campaign sign,I feel the need to speak and explain myself.First off, a huge thanks to Alex Macgillis of The Washington Post for writing such a nice article about me. Thanks also to the Post for running the article on thier website.More thanks to Mark Halperin and all at Time Magazine.still More thanks to The Missoulian for filming me and posting the film on thier website.Fimally, thanks most of all to Senator Obama for autographing my sign.I will never understand what I did to deserve such an honor.I will always be grateful to you senator, thank you very much indeed.To everyone who responded to the article on The Washington Post website, thank you. To those who enjoyed the story, I'm glad you got it. I was only trying to inject a bit of levity and humor into the Presidential campaign. To those who were offended or angered by my sign and the article, my apologies. That was never my intention. One person said i was delusional. Maybe i am, but I'm not filled with delusions of grandeur I'm filled with delusions of hope. How's that for audacity?Now let me turn to the concerssof my trout brothers and sisters.The Trout Manifesto1. Streamside and Lakeside Securitynon-native invasive fish species are decreasing trout populations and forcing the trout from their traditional homes. these invaders must be stopped.2.Decreasing Water levelsWater levels continue to drop every year due to increasing water demand. Demands caused by californians and their summer homes and McMansions, These invaders must also be stopped.3.Barb-less HooksTrout fisherman must use barbless hooks from now on. The barbed hooks hurt too much and cause scarringand deformities. The barbed hooks must stop at once.The trout have informed me that if their demands are not met by August 1st then retaliation is unavoidable. Fisherman will begin disappearing, never to be seen again. Especially tourist Californians.In closing, let it be known that I only represent trout in the Clark Fork River Basin of Western Montana. Trout for Obama Montana is not affiliated with any other trout organizations or fan clubs. Nothing is copyrighted, plagerize me all you want. Begin your own Trout For Obama campaign whereveryou are. Wherever ther are trout...Troutman Dan, Montana

Go Uncle Dan!

From an Obama fan in Huntington, WV, thank you for the video clip. Barack has the leadership skills and the ability to inspire Americans unlike anyone else I've witnessed in many years. BTW we miss getting the chance to tailgate with your great football fans as we did when Marshall played Montana in the 1-AA Championship a couple of times. Win or lose we had a great time visiting with you. Good luck in the future.

I am very impressed by these Montanans. I have never met someone from Montana and would love to meet some of them now

Montanans are SO articulate!! I am very impressed with these people!

There is a sense of goodness without pretense about this man. That is unusual in the political world.

I love seeing what the reactions here on your site. What a great video. I've never gotten a chance to see Obama in person but would love to. Your indepth coverage is great.

Barack rocks!

All this reminds me of film clips of Hitlers rise to power, he wanted and got change too.

It was great to see the local reporting on Obama. I live in NH and it is exciting to feel the energy from Missoula.

I'm old enough to remember John F. Kennedy when he was running for President in 1960. I was a college student then and find the reactions of today's generation to Barack Obama even more enthusiastic than ours to Kennedy nearly a half century ago. Obama will be a splendid President and America will be a better place. Our long nightmare under the criminal Bush administration is finally ending.

Great job Big Sky People! Bring it home for Obama!

It was AMAZING! I drove a new friend and her Six-Month-Old baby, over Homestake Pass, from Bozeman, to see him in person! I am already campaigning for him, but had not met him yet. Amanda and her baby made it into "The Missoulin!"See "Kiss Me, Bama!"

I'm sick and tired of this "change" slogan. Unlike a lot of Obama supporters, I like this country the way it is.

This is the "hearts" of America speaking.

Loved the video and Mr. Taylor's sign was great! Thanks.

Excellent piece, Bill. Well done.

How can anyone still be undecided after this morning? Great job on the video, Bill. Great job on the inpiration, Barack.

Gobama!!!

another gal from MT for OBAMA

After seven years under the politics of fear, its time for a little Hope!