EDITORIAL: It's time to put Benghazi to rest

Are we done yet?

The buzzword “Benghazi” was rolled out again this week with dueling conclusions of an investigation by House Republicans and Democrats.

The upshot of the latest exercises in investigatory exuberance? Mistakes were made, Americans were unprotected, a military response was too slow and security was lax.

But we knew all that already.

The reports this week are the latest salvos in a protracted process that has spanned nearly four years, cost millions of dollars and involved at least eight investigations.

What the House Benghazi Committee reports do not provide is evidence to pin the blame for Benghazi on Hillary Clinton.

We would have to agree with the sentiments of political science professor David Cohen: “In the end, it’s not really going to change things at all. Most people are tired of hearing about Benghazi.”

It’s long past time to end the blame-and-shame game over Benghazi and instead focus on avoiding such tragedies in the future.

Summit work

Whitefish Mountain Resort’s announcement last week that it is investing more than $1 million in resort improvements is good news for the Flathead Valley economy. The ski and summer resort already is an important destination for visitors and locals alike, and improved facilities will make it an even bigger drawing card.

This summer the Summit House is getting a major facelift with an expanded kitchen and food court area that will be ready by ski season.

The resort’s bike park has been expanded for the second time in four years. Recent improvements added three new downhill trails to provide riders new to downhill mountain biking an area in which to develop the skills required to progress in the bike park. This taps into the growing bicycle tourism industry, and gives visitors yet another reason to enjoy our area.