EDITORIAL: The irony of guarding the guardians
It was more symbolic than anything, but there was something touching about the decision of several local citizens to stand guard to protect military recruiters in Kalispell.
A vigilant and armed citizenry has throughout history been an important defense against both hooliganism and tyranny. Today, it can be an important weapon in standing strong against terrorism. Ironically, protecting our military from such an attack is now a civilian job.
It was just a few short weeks ago when an Islamic terrorist shot and killed four U.S. Marines and a sailor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. That shooting began at a recruiting center, then moved on to another military facility.
Sadly, the victims were unable to defend themselves because an executive order signed in 1992 deprived our military from carrying weapons at recruiting centers and at bases within the country. When you think back to 1992, we lived in a different world altogether. The last thing you would associate with Chattanooga would be Islamic terrorism, but 23 years later we have grown to expect Islamic terror anywhere, anytime.
The president needs to revoke that George H.W. Bush executive order and give our military personnel permission to protect themselves and others. If he refuses to do so, then we expect Gov. Steve Bullock to take action in Montana. He has said he “ordered Adjutant General Quinn of the Montana National Guard to conduct a study reviewing the safety and security measures in place at all our National Guard recruitment centers,” after which he will “take appropriate measures to ensure a tragedy like in Chattanooga never occurs on Montana soil.”
Montana may seem remote from the Middle East, but so is Tennessee. We need action now.
See you at Show ‘n’ Shine
If you want a fun, family-friendly event this weekend, head to the Evergreen Show ’n’ Shine.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, all manner of wheeled beauties will be on display in the Conlin’s Furniture parking lot on Montana 35 (just east of the U.S. 2 intersection).
The show features antique and vintage automobiles, off-road vehicles and even golf carts.
Admission is free for the family-oriented event. Food vendors will be on hand, door prizes will be given away and area businesses will have booths set up.