No headline

Resist Trump’s nationalism and embrace love

Resistance to President Trump’s hateful brand of nationalism, as well as his irrational war on our beautiful planet and its life forms, is a sacred responsibility for the beloved community.

But sometimes, when resistance is not enough to calm the despair created by President Trump’s exclusionary social vision and his wanton disrespect for environmental integrity, I find comfort in stories. And I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the abundance of humanizing stories everywhere.

There are stories of sanctuary cities and stories of Muslim activists raising thousands of dollars to repair headstones damaged in Jewish cemeteries. There are stories about arsonists destroying Islamic Centers and stories about the synagogues and churches that offered space for Muslim prayers. There are stories of Army veterans deploying to Standing Rock to support Native American protesters and stories of millions gathering at climate change rallies all across the world.

A great underground current of compassion flows like a beautiful unrest throughout these stories. And that helps me to remember that the humility of the Earth will outlast this time of evolutionary turbulence.

Resistance, yes. It is the holy act we are called to. But at the same time that we reject President Trump’s profane story, we embrace love’s narrative with its deep sense of oneness with the living world. And only then do we fully understand what Thomas Aquinas meant by “diversity is the perfection of the universe.” —Bob Muth Sr., Kalispell

Screen addiction is serious condition

On April 9, CBS’s “60 Minutes,” with Anderson Cooper reporting, broadcast a news piece entitled “Brain Hacking — why we can’t stop looking at our smart phones, and are the designers of apps and content using brain science to keep us hooked?” Shortly thereafter, I was made aware of the book “Glow Kids: How screen addiction is hijacking our kids.”

I would like to express alarm at the observations that I have made on how these devices reduce kids’ attention spans, and interfere with personal relationships. I have since learned that there is a physical addiction that occurs, not unlike gambling, nicotine or other drugs.

If as a community we would like to have the highest quality of education possible, and if we want to help our teachers, we must face this issue without sugar coating it.

Please, look for the April 9 program of “60 Minutes,” and read a review of “Glow Kids.” Another resource is “The Internet, Willpower & Addiction: Science of How the Net affects Brainpower.” Screen addiction is not cute or funny — it is a serious condition. Let’s pitch in and get the word out. —Steve Eckels, Kalispell

Poking the bear — or, in this case, the donkey

OK so I have not been writing as of late so here goes! I see Bill O’Reilly has been fired from Fox News for inappropriate advances on women! Really? If he were a Democrat he would be made president! According to the past record, Democrats do not care, so perhaps he can run for president in the future? Worked out good for Bill Clinton!

OK that problem solved, so let’s get to the Russians supporting President Trump. I see the Democrats were given tens of millions of dollars to the Clinton Foundation of which 80 percent went directly to their own pockets? Really? No friendship there either? OK, so uranium contracts also were given to Russians by Hillary group but again no Russian support? I could go on, but your readers are already getting a shovel for the BS — Democrats, that is! The real solution is simple, give the Republicans the “Clinton Shovel”! You know the one used for the reportedly more than 35 suspicious deaths of their friends, supporters, accountants or anyone who was vulnerable to tell the real stories of corruption! No wait, I am losing more Democrats that have put their heads in the sand!

I have always asked your readers to simply make an honest list of the successes and failures of any political person and decide if they really are good for the country! Republicans can stop laughing as well! Look at the division in that party as well! After all the years of complaining on both sides about issues, now that we can make positive changes, they are all still arguing over what and how to fix the mess! We need business-minded people in our government and let the ones incapable of making wise AMERICAN decisions find other pockets to rob from!

The qualifications I see from the Trump team far exceed the ones from the losing party! People who did not vote, you have no right to complain as you did not take time to vote! Those of us that did now need to hold the elected people responsible for what they promised and were elected to do for the American people! —Ron Albrecht, Kalispell

Polson golf tourney was sign of what’s best about us

The two days were perfect: the setting sublime; the participants enthusiastic; and the numbers “off the charts.” What could this be?

It was the eighth annual Polson Bay Senior Open Golf Tournament that attracted golfers from all over Western Montana on May 20-21. It filled up fast and had a long waiting list. About $3,500 was raised for this year’s benefit, “Team Up Montana,” which is: “Part of the Providence Montana Health Foundation which supports cancer patients of Western Montana and their needs by offering direct financial assistance.” Also, $500 was raised for Mission Valley Junior Golf.

I roamed the course all that Saturday afternoon taking pictures of each foursome, talked with old and new friends, and witnessed all the inconsistencies in shot making. One thing was consistent, though. Everyone fully appreciated the tournament and felt the splendor of playing our top-rated golf course.

Since last November, the “tireless trio” of Tracy Dooley, Mark Beckley, and Bob Slaven have been working on organizing this event. There were 32 sponsors, 26 Montana golf courses, and 35 businesses and individuals that donated. For the raffle alone, $5,700 in merchandise and gift certificates was raised to give away.

The real point of all this is to show appreciation and highlight the fine results of, once again, how our communities work together for the greater good. What can be better than living in this most beautiful part of America and being able to live a life of service, helping each other, and maintaining the values upon which this great nation was created?

The Polson Bay Senior Open Golf Tournament is one fine example of this, in my opinion. —Bob McClellan, Polson