Take time out for Memorial Day
Every year the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley put on their uniforms and make the rounds to area cemeteries for a variety of Memorial Day ceremonies. VFW, American Legion and other military organizations join forces, too, to honor America's fallen patriots. Their dedication is admirable and even reassuring, especially in these troubled times as the war in Iraq grinds on.
But the responsibility of marking this day, of outwardly remembering those who have died in our nation's service, shouldn't fall exclusively on our veterans. It's every American's duty to pause for a time of solemn reflection on this day.
Memorial Day isn't just a three-day weekend filled with boating and barbecues. We should enjoy the time off, but each of us should make an effort to attend the veterans ceremonies in our communities.
If you can't do that, take a moment to thank a veteran when the opportunity arises. Cheer our troops as they return home. Wear patriotic colors. Donate money or gifts to the local veterans home. The cumulative effect might surprise all of us, and make us truly proud to be
Americans.
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer got a few minutes of national fame this week.
His quote about the stench of politics in Washington, D.C., was widely circulated and landed him an interview on a CNN show with Lou Dobbs.
This media exposure follows stories about Schweitzer in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today, among others.
As Montana's freshman governor starts to attain a national profile, it makes one wonder what the future holds for Schweitzer.
After all, being a governor has proven to be a path to the presidency for the last two holders of America's highest office, and Marc Racicot rode his years as governor to a prominent national role in the Republican Party.
We're glad the federal government has finally come to its senses and decided that Medicaid doesn't have to pay for Viagra for convicted rapists and other high-risk sex offenders.
You didn't misread that - in New York and Florida, at least, hundreds of sex offenders have received Medicaid-reimbursed Viagra after their convictions.
This is obviously one of those stupid loopholes in federal policy that makes one wonder, "What were they thinking?"