Election drama good for Montana

Inter Lake editorial

The outcome of Pennsylvania's presidential primary election makes it increasingly likely that Montana's June 3 primary will be lively and influential.

Because Sen. Hillary Clinton prevailed over Sen. Barack Obama by 200,000 votes and a 10 percent margin, the Democratic primary race will drag on into Indiana and North Carolina on May 3. If Clinton wins in Indiana, as she's expected to, then it will be assured that the race will remain alive and Montana will for once have a truly meaningful role in a Democratic presidential primary.

The two candidates are scrapping for every single possible delegate they can get, and Montana's modest 25 Democratic delegates will be more prized than ever.

The unfortunate impacts of a fuel spill on the east shore of Flathead Lake just keep adding up.

A fuel tanker that crashed on April 2 spilled almost 6,400 gallons of gasoline along Montana 35. That was bad, but things got worse. A nearby home was evacuated because of unsafe gas fumes, then four more neighboring homes had to be evacuated.

The worst part of it all is that it appears the cleanup will be complicated and protracted.

"It's going to be a long-term displacement" for the residents, said one Lake County official. Indeed, it may take years or even decades before the contamination problem is resolved.

Our sincere sympathies are extended. While this situation lacks the drama of a fire or flood, the impact on the people affected is no less devastating.

Finally, some good news about growing older.

New research from two University of Chicago studies revealed that the happiest Americans are the oldest Americans. Older people generally have learned to be more content with what they have than younger adults, partly because seniors have learned to lower their expectations and accept their accomplishments in life.

The idea that senior citizens are spending their golden years lonely and alone isn't true for most. About three-quarters of those surveyed socialize with neighbors, go to church, attend group or club meetings and volunteer.

Those of us who haven't reached old age - whatever that definition may be - can learn a lesson or two from our elders: Smile. Be happy.