War, death and responsibility

Inter Lake editorial

Whatever their political persuasions, all Americans noted the unwelcome milestone this week of the 4,000th U.S. death in the war in Iraq.

It is hoped that the loss of our military service men and women in combat and hostile situations will never be taken for granted, nor used for political purposes. It should also be understood that the use of force will always involve casualties. We cannot expect to fight wars without suffering consequences.

On the other hand, it is always appropriate for Americans to decide whether or not they believe the use of force is appropriate, and whether the sacrifices we ask from our military are justified. That is an altogether separate question from honoring the bravery of our fallen heroes, who did not set policy but rather did the job they were asked to do.

In this presidential election year, it is important for the candidates to speak frankly about whether or not they believe those 4,000 heroic lives have been sacrificed in a good cause or not. Our country deserves to know what the future will look like under each candidate, and then to judge accordingly.

To some people, there is no cause worth sacrificing 4,000 lives. We disagree. The world can be made an infinitely better place because of the sacrifices of a few. But let us remember our responsibility as citizens to study carefully, to choose wisely, and to prepare adequately before we ask for the ultimate sacrifice from our best and brightest.

Residents of Flathead County can be proud of their health department's continuing efforts to ensure that medical needs of our poorest citizens are being met.

On Wednesday, the Flathead Community Health Center received a $1.29 million grant from the state to increase staffing and buy new equipment. But as Gov. Schweitzer said, "This center started with compassion; the dollars came later."

In fact, the center is open to everyone, but provides discounts to families who earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. At Wednesday's announcement ceremony, Schweitzer credited Rep. Bill Jones, R-Bigfork, and Sen. Dan Weinberg, D-Whitefish, for pushing the legislation that provided the grant.