Let's offend all music lovers equally

It probably seems trivial at first glance. A Whitefish health club has decided not to allow exercise classes at its facility to use Christian music.

The rationale is simple: "We don't want to offend anyone."

But isn't this part of a more widespread problem in our society, the same kind of timidity that has scared some retailers into saying "Happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"?

Should anyone really be offended by the fact that another person, or group of people, has a different religious belief? Isn't this a step backwards from the freedom of religion we have always practiced in our nation?

Courts have ruled that schools can have Christian student clubs meet on school property after hours, because the goal is to be inclusive, not exclusive. Government can't establish a religion, but it also can't prohibit "the free exercise thereof."

The Wave in Whitefish, on the other hand, seems to think it is being "inclusive" - to use their word - by banning Chrsitian music from a "spinning" class.

The class was created by the participants as an alternative to classes that were using secular music they found offensive. So why not just have a variety of classes, and let people sign up for the one they want? No one has to come who isn't interested.

The alternative is to ban all rap music, which is certainly offensive to many people; most rock music, which is definitely offensive to some people; and even classical music, which is considered unpalatable by a number of teenagers.

One alternative to consider for the fall - "silent spinning." At least that will offend all music lovers equally.

It's far from a done deal yet, but coal-to-gas plans for Eastern Montana are getting a little closer to reality.

Two companies announced this week that they will look at Montana sites for a plant that would turn coal into diesel and jet fuel. If either of those companies decide to sign on for coal-to-gas development, it's still a long, involved process for up to seven years before any production would start.

Nothing may ever come of this initial move, of course, but it's nonetheless a concrete step toward fulfilling Gov. Brian Schweitzer's dream of vastly enhancing Montana's energy development.

He has been a tireless promoter of using Montana's underground resources to diversify the country's energy economy and help reduce the nation's reliance on oil imports.

It appears his sales efforts are paying off so far.