Bush address: a vision for today

President Bush jumped into his second term the day after his election, but he set the tone for it, and provided his vision for it, on Thursday as he was sworn in and pledged himself and our nation to the service of freedom.

It was perhaps not a speech for the ages, but it was full of poetry, and full of commitment. The president said rather boldly that, "We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom."

But though "the expansion of freedom in all the world" was the theme of the president's speech, he did not sugarcoat the cost. He said that "ending tyranny is the … work of generations." He acknowledged that America's influence is not unlimited, but pledged to "use it confidently in freedom's cause."

He acknowledged that some have shied away from the task at hand - breaking up the "reign of hatred" - but he did not flinch. "The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it," he said.

And he spoke directly to America's children, who have seen in the last four years that "life is fragile, and evil is real," challenging them to "Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself."

It may not have been a speech for the ages, but it was a speech for today, and it spoke earnestly of American ideals that it is hoped will never be tarnished, disputed or outdated.

There's still one day left to help make a difference in the life of a cancer patient.

The annual Wings radiothon lasts until 6 o'clock tonight, with the goal of raising $86,500.

Wings is a local nonprofit group that provides cancer patients with money for out-of-pocket expenses, such as meals or lodging, incurred while traveling to receive medical treatment.

Wings over the years has helped out hundreds of cancer patients (162 in the last year alone). This is your chance to help the group continue its benevolent work.

If you want to contribute to this worthy cause, call 257-WING or go to the Kalispell Sportsman & Ski Haus store today to make pledges.

It's money well spent to ease some of the burdens on cancer patients.

The Montana Legislature is in full swing, so we encourage all citizens to keep a close eye on what their legislators are doing - and keep in touch with them.

To look up bill information on the Internet or to send electronic messages to legislators, log on to www.leg.state.mt.us/session.htm

To send phone messages to legislators, call (406) 444-4800.

Postal addresses are Montana Senate, P.O. Box 200500, Helena, MT 59620-0500 and Montana House of Representatives, P.O. Box 200400, Helena, MT 59620-0400.

Some senior-to-senior charity gets delivered twice a week by Jack Schmitt, who at 91 years old is a regular driver for the Meals on Wheels program in Flathead County.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the nonagenarian loads his Dodge Durango with hot meals and then makes his appointed rounds providing the meals to disabled and elderly people around the valley.

Schmitt's dedication is an inspiration to us all.