Letters to the editor Nov. 14
Elect strong conservatives
For years Montana values have been under attack by liberal Democrat governors in Helena. They impose their radical agendas on the state, and Montana becomes less and less the state we all know and love. In November 2020, we need to put a stop to this. We need to elect strong conservatives up and down the ballot, but no race is more important than the governor’s race.
Congressman Gianforte does not need to result to smear tactics, because unlike his opponents he has the credentials to back up his claims as a pro-business conservative. Recently Greg was endorsed by the Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life organization, because of Greg’s unwavering defense of unborn children.
It is well known that Greg himself is a devout Christian, who has personally supported many organizations that focus on strengthening our families. Family values are extremely important to Greg, because he recognizes their value in our society. Greg is the best candidate in this race, because he will not only be a great defender of Montana values, but he will also bring the conservative leadership that no other candidates in this race can.
—Cary Smith, Billings
Not-so-rosy picture
The president has his eyes firmly on the coming election, so he talks much about this strong, rosy economy: low unemployment, increasing wages, the rising stock market and other blessings.
He lives in a world of his own creation, going only by those facts that support his imagined world and support his bid for re-election. How about the less rosy facts he must avoid?
When the president and Republicans cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, they promised a $4,000 pay raise for working people. The fact: median annual earnings in 1979 in today’s dollars was $43,680. In 2018 the median had risen only to $45,708.
The unemployment rate is low, but that is deceptive. The percent of working-age Americans with jobs is the lowest since the 1970s. Many people have given up looking. Four million of the employed are stuck in part-time jobs, unable to find full-time jobs and usually are freelance or contract. That is no rights or benefits and economic insecurity.
One tenth of college grads are underemployed, the highest percentage in 20 years, and 45 million Americans owe $1.6 trillion in student debt.
Since 2008, the average family health care premiums have increased 55%. Twice as fast as wages and three times as inflation. Prescription drug prices increased almost 11% in the first half of 2019.
By the way, 83% of that tax cut will go to the wealthiest 1%. (quid pro quo).
—Robert O’Neil, Kalispell
Gianforte the best choice
The last four terms I served at the Montana Legislature representing HD 36. In my time, one thing has become obvious, conservative legislation can be vetoed by a liberal governor. For the past eight years there have been conservative pieces of legislation that have passed the House and Senate, but they are dead on arrival at the governor’s desk.
In 2020 we are going to have the best opportunity we’ve had in 16 years to take back the governor’s office, and it’s with Congressman Gianforte as our nominee.
Gianforte is the best choice, because he has proven himself to be a solid conservative. He was endorsed by the Susan B. Anthony List Foundation for his defense of unborn children. An avid sportsman, protecting our Second Amendment rights is important to Greg. He is a strong proponent of ensuring that we continue to have access to public lands. He also has been a strong supporter of the president and has a great relationship with him.
One of the ways that Greg developed a close relationship with the president is through the recent tax cuts, which have been amazing to our national economy. As a businessman and entrepreneur, he understands the value of cutting inefficiencies, and streamlining processes. He wants to apply these principles at home in Montana, and lower taxes which will improve the lives of all Montanans.
Montana needs conservative leadership in the governor’s office. Someone who will work with our Legislature and has a background to help our economy grow. Republicans are in the best position we’ve been in to take back the governor’s office, and we can’t waste this opportunity by not putting our strongest candidate forward. Greg Gianforte is that candidate. That’s why I am proud to support him and look forward to him being our governor.
—Alan Doane, Bloomfield
Climate crisis
In the Oct. 6 issue of the Daily Inter Lake, “Public Service” Commissioner Roger Koopman rendered opinions in denial of climate science and denial of the climate crisis. And by extension he is denying our children and the climate strike students a livable future.
Mr. Koopman further complains that students are only hearing one side of a supposed climate “debate.” This is not a debate between opinions. It never was a debate. It has been denialist opinions versus facts published in over 97 percent of climate studies indicating the world is heating up due to human activity primarily from burning fossil fuels, which is already harming eco-systems, wildlife populations and humans.
The climate strike students asserted that they are not getting the education they need to function in a climate stressed world. So as an adaptation they seek ideas to help them develop a resilient and restorative economy in their future. It is a rational response on the students’ part.
Another element of the students’ demands is insisting that the grown-ups, especially people in positions like Mr. Koopman, act like adults, recognize that our home is burning up and respond with the urgency that the accelerating climate crisis demands.
Please tell us Mr. Koopman, what is conservative about perpetuating the decimation of our bio-sphere and failing to protect the future for younger generations? Additionally, as you claim to be “very tired of” defending untenable opinions, please just quit the PSC.
—John Wolverton, Missoula